BA (Hons)

Politics

Teaching & Learning

The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study; the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.

What you'll learn

Explore a series of real world concerns as a starting point from which to look at issues in contemporary political theory. By looking at issues such as freedom, equality, violence and rights, you will attempt to provoke critical engagement and reflection on the contested nature of contemporary political theory.
Political ideologies may be understood as frameworks of political understanding and commitment that are at the heart of political debate and have helped to shape the world we live in. You will explore the core ideas and beliefs of these major ideologies, to examine debates within and between ideologies, and to develop your own critical thinking in this area.
Understand the the nature and structure of the international system, and how modern states evolve and develop. Consider the evolution of the 20th Century States System, beginning with the decline of pax-Britannica, the inter-war crisis, the emergence of pax-Americana, the establishment and design of key international institutions, the Cold War, the end of the Cold War, rise of non-state actors, globalisation, the decline of the west and the rise of China, the ongoing economic crisis and democratisation.
Gain a critical introduction to the history and contemporary evolution of political economy. You will engage with a variety of key historical thinkers and theoretical approaches in order to develop a qualitative understanding of the rich tapestry of political economy.
Politics is fundamentally concerned with governance, which involves making and implementing collective decisions and rules. You will see how this involves a range of actors and institutions and is not just a matter for government or the state. UK governance will be the main focus but the United States will also be referred to in a comparative approach. You will also see how governance operates at multiple levels, not just within a national framework.
Explore a series of real world concerns as a starting point from which to look at issues in contemporary political theory. By looking at issues such as freedom, equality, violence and rights, you will attempt to provoke critical engagement and reflection on the contested nature of contemporary political theory.
Political ideologies may be understood as frameworks of political understanding and commitment that are at the heart of political debate and have helped to shape the world we live in. You will explore the core ideas and beliefs of these major ideologies, to examine debates within and between ideologies, and to develop your own critical thinking in this area.
Understand the the nature and structure of the international system, and how modern states evolve and develop. Consider the evolution of the 20th Century States System, beginning with the decline of pax-Britannica, the inter-war crisis, the emergence of pax-Americana, the establishment and design of key international institutions, the Cold War, the end of the Cold War, rise of non-state actors, globalisation, the decline of the west and the rise of China, the ongoing economic crisis and democratisation.
Gain a critical introduction to the history and contemporary evolution of political economy. You will engage with a variety of key historical thinkers and theoretical approaches in order to develop a qualitative understanding of the rich tapestry of political economy.
Politics is fundamentally concerned with governance, which involves making and implementing collective decisions and rules. You will see how this involves a range of actors and institutions and is not just a matter for government or the state. UK governance will be the main focus but the United States will also be referred to in a comparative approach. You will also see how governance operates at multiple levels, not just within a national framework.

What you'll learn

Investigate the concept of citizenship and actively engage with it by undertaking a voluntary placement. This placement will be related to the scope of your course and reflect on their experiences to enhance your employability.
Review the recent history of British foreign policy starting in 1945. You'll explore contemporary debates regarding Britain's place in the world following Brexit. This module will cover topics such as the British empire and its legacy, the development of the Commonwealth, the UK's key strategic relationships with the United States and the European Union, and Britain's role in systems of global governance. During your study, you'll investigate key decision-points in post-war British foreign policy including the Suez crisis, entry into the European Community, the Falklands War, negotiations over the status of Hong Kong, the Iraq War and Brexit.
Inequality is everywhere. People are treated differently or affected disproportionately because of their gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, age, disability, and immigration status. In this module you will conduct research on how inequalities are present at local, national and global levels.
The state plays a fundamental part in social life and in shaping social development. It is a central concept in political analysis. On this module, you'll investigate the nature, development and prospects of the state using a variety of theoretical approaches. You'll consider big questions about the state such as why should we obey it? Who has power and how is political influence exercised? Does business exercise unrivalled influence? What are the arguments for growing or shrinking the state? Is globalisation forcing the state to retreat?
Take a critical political economy approach to development in the Global South. You'll study the evolution and dynamics of development policy and practice in the Global South, from the period of post WWII state-led development to contemporary processes of neoliberal globalisation. You'll engage with a variety of theoretical approaches in order to understand issues facing development in the Global South. This module will also explore the roles and links between key institutions and actors at the global, national and local level.
Understand and examine the way communities, states, organisations and institutions tackle violent conflicts (or potentially violent conflict situations). Using a range of theoretical models, case studies from around the world, and by relating this to your own experience, you'll learn about your own conflict styles, how to analyse conflicts and the different roles played by the UN and local communities in peacebuilding. You'll also become familiar with current debates in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Explore the historical evolution of international human rights law at the United Nations. You will explore what rights are covered by the conventions and how the UN and human rights advocates use these legal mechanisms to promote and protect human rights internationally.
Examine the various debates within human rights, looking at the different theoretical frameworks scholars employ in the study and practice of this field. Take specific controversial debates within the field and explore them in depth. You will be challenged to see the complex nature of human rights as a moral framework for political action.
Gain an overview of contemporary security issues, encompassing different perspectives from the state to the individual, and how security threats have changed over time and continue to change.
Gain an overview of contemporary environmental debates, with a particular focus on climate change and its consequences. You'll critically assess the evidence for global environmental crisis, and efforts at global cooperation to address the issues. This module will consider issues such as responsibility, and the role of environmental movements and alternative models of development.
Investigate the concept of citizenship and actively engage with it by undertaking a voluntary placement. This placement will be related to the scope of your course and reflect on their experiences to enhance your employability.
Review the recent history of British foreign policy starting in 1945. You'll explore contemporary debates regarding Britain's place in the world following Brexit. This module will cover topics such as the British empire and its legacy, the development of the Commonwealth, the UK's key strategic relationships with the United States and the European Union, and Britain's role in systems of global governance. During your study, you'll investigate key decision-points in post-war British foreign policy including the Suez crisis, entry into the European Community, the Falklands War, negotiations over the status of Hong Kong, the Iraq War and Brexit.
Inequality is everywhere. People are treated differently or affected disproportionately because of their gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, age, disability, and immigration status. In this module you will conduct research on how inequalities are present at local, national and global levels.
The state plays a fundamental part in social life and in shaping social development. It is a central concept in political analysis. On this module, you'll investigate the nature, development and prospects of the state using a variety of theoretical approaches. You'll consider big questions about the state such as why should we obey it? Who has power and how is political influence exercised? Does business exercise unrivalled influence? What are the arguments for growing or shrinking the state? Is globalisation forcing the state to retreat?
Take a critical political economy approach to development in the Global South. You'll study the evolution and dynamics of development policy and practice in the Global South, from the period of post WWII state-led development to contemporary processes of neoliberal globalisation. You'll engage with a variety of theoretical approaches in order to understand issues facing development in the Global South. This module will also explore the roles and links between key institutions and actors at the global, national and local level.
Understand and examine the way communities, states, organisations and institutions tackle violent conflicts (or potentially violent conflict situations). Using a range of theoretical models, case studies from around the world, and by relating this to your own experience, you'll learn about your own conflict styles, how to analyse conflicts and the different roles played by the UN and local communities in peacebuilding. You'll also become familiar with current debates in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Explore the historical evolution of international human rights law at the United Nations. You will explore what rights are covered by the conventions and how the UN and human rights advocates use these legal mechanisms to promote and protect human rights internationally.
Examine the various debates within human rights, looking at the different theoretical frameworks scholars employ in the study and practice of this field. Take specific controversial debates within the field and explore them in depth. You will be challenged to see the complex nature of human rights as a moral framework for political action.
Gain an overview of contemporary security issues, encompassing different perspectives from the state to the individual, and how security threats have changed over time and continue to change.
Gain an overview of contemporary environmental debates, with a particular focus on climate change and its consequences. You'll critically assess the evidence for global environmental crisis, and efforts at global cooperation to address the issues. This module will consider issues such as responsibility, and the role of environmental movements and alternative models of development.

Option modules may include

Develop an understanding of the key theories of peace, warfare and security, and their relevance to and practice in the 21st century.
Explore the historical evolution of international human rights law at the United Nations. You will explore what rights are covered by the conventions and how the UN and human rights advocates use these legal mechanisms to promote and protect human rights internationally.
Gain an overview of contemporary security issues, encompassing different perspectives from the state to the individual, and how security threats have changed over time and continue to change.
Gain an insight into the key concepts, methods and debates within Marxism and develop your capacity to reflect upon the political relevance of Marxism today. The module will be geared towards a critical understanding of capitalism and its evolution as a historically specific mode of production.
Understand and examine the way communities, states, organisations and institutions tackle violent conflicts (or potentially violent conflict situations). Using a range of theoretical models, case studies from around the world, and by relating this to your own experience, you'll learn about your own conflict styles, how to analyse conflicts and the different roles played by the UN and local communities in peacebuilding. You'll also become familiar with current debates in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Take a critical political economy approach to development in the Global South. You'll study the evolution and dynamics of development policy and practice in the Global South, from the period of post WWII state-led development to contemporary processes of neoliberal globalisation. You'll engage with a variety of theoretical approaches in order to understand issues facing development in the Global South. This module will also explore the roles and links between key institutions and actors at the global, national and local level.
Examine the various debates within human rights, looking at the different theoretical frameworks scholars employ in the study and practice of this field. Take specific controversial debates within the field and explore them in depth. You will be challenged to see the complex nature of human rights as a moral framework for political action.
Gain an overview of contemporary environmental debates, with a particular focus on climate change and its consequences. You'll critically assess the evidence for global environmental crisis, and efforts at global cooperation to address the issues. This module will consider issues such as responsibility, and the role of environmental movements and alternative models of development.
Develop an understanding of the key theories of peace, warfare and security, and their relevance to and practice in the 21st century.
Explore the historical evolution of international human rights law at the United Nations. You will explore what rights are covered by the conventions and how the UN and human rights advocates use these legal mechanisms to promote and protect human rights internationally.
Gain an overview of contemporary security issues, encompassing different perspectives from the state to the individual, and how security threats have changed over time and continue to change.
Gain an insight into the key concepts, methods and debates within Marxism and develop your capacity to reflect upon the political relevance of Marxism today. The module will be geared towards a critical understanding of capitalism and its evolution as a historically specific mode of production.
Understand and examine the way communities, states, organisations and institutions tackle violent conflicts (or potentially violent conflict situations). Using a range of theoretical models, case studies from around the world, and by relating this to your own experience, you'll learn about your own conflict styles, how to analyse conflicts and the different roles played by the UN and local communities in peacebuilding. You'll also become familiar with current debates in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Take a critical political economy approach to development in the Global South. You'll study the evolution and dynamics of development policy and practice in the Global South, from the period of post WWII state-led development to contemporary processes of neoliberal globalisation. You'll engage with a variety of theoretical approaches in order to understand issues facing development in the Global South. This module will also explore the roles and links between key institutions and actors at the global, national and local level.
Examine the various debates within human rights, looking at the different theoretical frameworks scholars employ in the study and practice of this field. Take specific controversial debates within the field and explore them in depth. You will be challenged to see the complex nature of human rights as a moral framework for political action.
Gain an overview of contemporary environmental debates, with a particular focus on climate change and its consequences. You'll critically assess the evidence for global environmental crisis, and efforts at global cooperation to address the issues. This module will consider issues such as responsibility, and the role of environmental movements and alternative models of development.

What you'll learn

Focus on a subject of your choosing related to politics and your own future aspirations. You will be required to select a politics-based dissertation topic and to engage with theoretical, methods and empirical material that is appropriate to study in this field. You will identify, plan and deliver a sustained and in-depth piece of work, linking it to theory, and critically reflect on your subject matter and research findings.
Get an introduction to the ideas of global governance and globalisation and the intersection between them. You will begin to think critically about future patterns of world order and their institutionalisation.
Explore the operation, practice and context of contemporary policy making at the national level. Examine the actors, mechanisms and practice of policy making, and the drivers of policy change, via a focus on specific case studies. You will engage with key decision making theories and models of the policy process, exploring how institutional analyses and other theoretical approaches help to understand the complexity of the policy process.
This module will introduce the key issues in understanding development and change at a community, grassroots level. You'll study the policy contexts that influence community development. And you'll tackle key issues including funding, diversity and accountability.
Focus on the politics of human rights movement, the context within which it operates and its key players. Workshops will allow you to explore these issues in greater depth as well as providing the opportunity for group work and practical exercises.
Explore the operation, practice and context of contemporary diplomacy and international relations. You'll study the traditional forms of and approaches to diplomacy. And you'll analyse the impact of changes in the international system on the practice and operation of international relations.
Focus on a subject of your choosing related to politics and your own future aspirations. You will be required to select a politics-based dissertation topic and to engage with theoretical, methods and empirical material that is appropriate to study in this field. You will identify, plan and deliver a sustained and in-depth piece of work, linking it to theory, and critically reflect on your subject matter and research findings.
Get an introduction to the ideas of global governance and globalisation and the intersection between them. You will begin to think critically about future patterns of world order and their institutionalisation.
Explore the operation, practice and context of contemporary policy making at the national level. Examine the actors, mechanisms and practice of policy making, and the drivers of policy change, via a focus on specific case studies. You will engage with key decision making theories and models of the policy process, exploring how institutional analyses and other theoretical approaches help to understand the complexity of the policy process.
This module will introduce the key issues in understanding development and change at a community, grassroots level. You'll study the policy contexts that influence community development. And you'll tackle key issues including funding, diversity and accountability.
Focus on the politics of human rights movement, the context within which it operates and its key players. Workshops will allow you to explore these issues in greater depth as well as providing the opportunity for group work and practical exercises.
Explore the operation, practice and context of contemporary diplomacy and international relations. You'll study the traditional forms of and approaches to diplomacy. And you'll analyse the impact of changes in the international system on the practice and operation of international relations.

Option modules may include

Investigate the related issues of terrorism, security and human rights. You will explore the synthesis between the fear of terrorism which is a pervasive threat felt by both states and individuals, the response to these threats that states adopt in creating security policy, and the impact upon human and civil rights.
Recent years have seen British politics navigating multiple seismic and systemic events, from the 2008 financial crisis and the following period of austerity, to Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. This module will help you to make sense of British politics in these era-defining moments by charting its most significant developments over the last century. You'll examine the current condition of Britain and consider the key issues and challenges faced in British politics today, as well as how British politics might develop in the future. In covering the past, present, and future of British politics, you'll gain a detailed understanding of its key actors, institutions, processes and ideologies. You'll also build techniques for critical analysis and develop your own evidence-based arguments about the subject.
Study the development of peacekeeping, differences in missions and roles, and current theories of peacekeeping. This will include deterrence, relationship building, proactive presence, conflict resolution and unarmed civilian peacekeeping.
This module will provide an advanced introduction to current debates about the persisting relevance of colonialism to thinking about politics today. It will introduce you to the critical theoretical literature around ‘coloniality’ and race from post-colonial and decolonial perspectives and applies these ideas to contemporary political issues.
There are currently more than 280 million migrants on the move in the world. Millions of refugees and other people have been displaced from their homes due to violence, economic desperation, climate change, conflict and persecution. Although this is not a new problem, this level of displacement and forced and voluntary mobility is unprecedented and is increasingly framed as a crisis. This module will give you a strong understanding of how the social and political geographies of displacement and migration are produced, experienced and governed at various scales. You'll also examine how local communities are responding to the complex issues experienced by displaced people and migrant communities.
Focus on the politics of human rights movement, the context within which it operates and its key players. Workshops will allow you to explore these issues in greater depth as well as providing the opportunity for group work and practical exercises.
Through a series of workshops, you will focus on the politics of social justice and nonviolent resistance, the context within which activism takes place, and the key players that undertake the work of social change. You will explore these issues in greater depth through case studies of activism undertaken in particular geographical areas (i.e Africa, Myanmar, Russia, Brazil) as well as on different issues (i.e Corruption, landrights, oppression and environmental protection).
Discover the field of study known as International Political Economy (IPE). You will engage with a variety of theoretical and empirical debates in order to situate and understand the field of IPE and its major object of study globalisation. Emphasis will be placed on how different theoretical approaches seek to understand, reform and critique the contemporary global political economy.
This module will introduce the key issues in understanding development and change at a community, grassroots level. You'll study the policy contexts that influence community development. And you'll tackle key issues including funding, diversity and accountability.
Explore the operation, practice and context of contemporary diplomacy and international relations. You'll study the traditional forms of and approaches to diplomacy. And you'll analyse the impact of changes in the international system on the practice and operation of international relations.
Investigate the related issues of terrorism, security and human rights. You will explore the synthesis between the fear of terrorism which is a pervasive threat felt by both states and individuals, the response to these threats that states adopt in creating security policy, and the impact upon human and civil rights.
Recent years have seen British politics navigating multiple seismic and systemic events, from the 2008 financial crisis and the following period of austerity, to Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. This module will help you to make sense of British politics in these era-defining moments by charting its most significant developments over the last century. You'll examine the current condition of Britain and consider the key issues and challenges faced in British politics today, as well as how British politics might develop in the future. In covering the past, present, and future of British politics, you'll gain a detailed understanding of its key actors, institutions, processes and ideologies. You'll also build techniques for critical analysis and develop your own evidence-based arguments about the subject.
Study the development of peacekeeping, differences in missions and roles, and current theories of peacekeeping. This will include deterrence, relationship building, proactive presence, conflict resolution and unarmed civilian peacekeeping.
This module will provide an advanced introduction to current debates about the persisting relevance of colonialism to thinking about politics today. It will introduce you to the critical theoretical literature around ‘coloniality’ and race from post-colonial and decolonial perspectives and applies these ideas to contemporary political issues.
There are currently more than 280 million migrants on the move in the world. Millions of refugees and other people have been displaced from their homes due to violence, economic desperation, climate change, conflict and persecution. Although this is not a new problem, this level of displacement and forced and voluntary mobility is unprecedented and is increasingly framed as a crisis. This module will give you a strong understanding of how the social and political geographies of displacement and migration are produced, experienced and governed at various scales. You'll also examine how local communities are responding to the complex issues experienced by displaced people and migrant communities.
Focus on the politics of human rights movement, the context within which it operates and its key players. Workshops will allow you to explore these issues in greater depth as well as providing the opportunity for group work and practical exercises.
Through a series of workshops, you will focus on the politics of social justice and nonviolent resistance, the context within which activism takes place, and the key players that undertake the work of social change. You will explore these issues in greater depth through case studies of activism undertaken in particular geographical areas (i.e Africa, Myanmar, Russia, Brazil) as well as on different issues (i.e Corruption, landrights, oppression and environmental protection).
Discover the field of study known as International Political Economy (IPE). You will engage with a variety of theoretical and empirical debates in order to situate and understand the field of IPE and its major object of study globalisation. Emphasis will be placed on how different theoretical approaches seek to understand, reform and critique the contemporary global political economy.
This module will introduce the key issues in understanding development and change at a community, grassroots level. You'll study the policy contexts that influence community development. And you'll tackle key issues including funding, diversity and accountability.
Explore the operation, practice and context of contemporary diplomacy and international relations. You'll study the traditional forms of and approaches to diplomacy. And you'll analyse the impact of changes in the international system on the practice and operation of international relations.