BA (Hons) Politics
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L200
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Do you want to understand the dynamics of power in society in the UK and around the world? To gain a deeper understanding of current political issues and interrogate political news? We invite you to join us in the study of Politics at UEA.
On this course, you’ll have the opportunity to study a vast range of political theories, processes, actors, and ideas. You’ll explore important ideas in politics, such as liberal democracy, the idea of freedom, and the capitalist economy, to take just a few. The study of political processes involves examining how politics works, examining the role and behaviour of officials, governments, political parties, interest and campaign groups, and the public. You’ll discover how political power operates in practice, what constraints different actors face, and whether certain actors like business and the media have privileged access to power. You'll also study the role of gender, class and race and their relationship with political processes and outcomes.
The study of Politics at UEA will help you develop your critical thinking. You’ll be taught by academic staff who are leading researchers and experts in their field: in the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), UEA was ranked 14th overall for research quality in Politics and International Studies. You’ll spend your time with us asking difficult questions, debating the answers with fellow students and expert academics, and formulating your own ideas.
To study politics at university is to learn about power in its many guises. Our programme will give you a solid grounding in the key themes of politics and allow you to specialise in the areas that interest you most. You might focus on systems of democratic representation, or perhaps security issues. The course will enable you to gain a sophisticated understanding of how the world works.
At UEA, we take a global and holistic approach to politics and the political. For example, you’ll be able to take modules on politics in many parts of the world, including the US, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Or, you might be interested in the role of media and culture, or gender and race, in political systems in society. Whatever your area of interest, you’ll be studying cutting-edge issues designed to enable you to become an informed and responsible citizen of the world.
You’ll develop skills such as how to debate persuasively, analyse carefully and make well informed and well-reasoned arguments. You'll also learn to challenge received wisdom, and different views, thoughtfully and respectfully. These are important skills for navigating the turbulent and multi-faceted world, serving you well in any number of future careers.
An important part of your degree is engaging with the broader university community. For example, we regularly hold events with high-profile politicians. In the past, guest speakers have included Clive Lewis (Labour), Caroline Lucas (Green), Douglas Carswell (formerly of UKIP) and Vince Cable (Liberal Democrats).
Placement Year and Study Abroad
During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in study trips, internships, and placements (see our Careers and Employability pages).
You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and experience the political climate of another country first-hand by spending a semester studying abroad.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll begin to study politics at university with compulsory modules that will help you build a strong foundation of knowledge by examining current topics in contemporary politics in a broader context. These include political institutions and how they distribute political power amongst actors, the role of actors such as parties, legislatures, executives, activists and the media, and the differences between democratic and autocratic regimes. You'll also explore the ideas that structure our understanding of politics, such as liberalism, feminism, conservatism, and socialism.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
We combine teaching methods, such as lectures, which will provide you with an overview of the topic, and small-group seminars, where you’ll debate the work you’ve been reading that week. Our teaching is focused, interactive, and up to date with current events. You’ll learn crucial skills, such as how to summarise and analyse information, how to develop and critique arguments, and how to speak in public. In your first year, you’ll learn about key events, concepts and topical debates, and the foundations of political ideas.
Independent Learning
You’ll prepare for your weekly teaching with guided tasks, such as preparing answers to seminar questions or completing small weekly writing tasks which will help you to develop study skills. You'll also complete longer assessments like essays, presentations and projects.
How you'll spend your time:
Teaching: 25%
Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level, with some group assessment. These include essays and other written assessment including mini-essays and critical summaries, literature reviews or reading logs.
Structure
In the second year, you'll take core modules that will give you analytical tools, enabling you to pursue your independent study and research and examine the political world systematically, by comparing political processes and forms of government from across the world.
You’ll also be encouraged to specialise by choosing modules that focus on more specific ideas, topics or geographic regions that interest you. This will help shape your expertise based on the things that you feel passionate about.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll explore different areas of politics and begin specialising, both geographically and theoretically. You'll learn how to develop and answer your research questions.
Independent Learning
You’ll write longer pieces and start to develop your research skills and areas of interest. You'll have the opportunity to take modules with a range of different assessments including writing policy briefs, reflective essays, and research reports.
How you'll spend your time:
Teaching: 25%
Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
You can choose from modules with a range of assessment formats. Most of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. Students could also take modules involving assessment by presentation, group projects, including presentations, and a range of new types of writing including policy briefs, reports and select committee submissions.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll become increasingly independent in your learning. You'll be able to choose from a range of optional modules. In addition, supervised by our staff, you'll write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, or undertake a research project alongside an external partner, which will give you the opportunity to go into depth in a subject area that fascinates you. The final year will provide you with analytical, theoretical and methodological tools to excel in your future career.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 90)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 90)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your third year is about specialisation: focusing on the topics that you want to explore. You'll write a dissertation which will reflect your passion for the subject. You'll select your topic and methodology, guided by one of our experts. You'll also develop other skills, such as writing policy briefings, research papers or submissions to select committees.
Independent Learning
By year 3, you’ll be able to develop, research and present your ideas on politics. This will include writing a dissertation or external research project under the supervision of an academic expert.
How you'll spend your time:
- Teaching: 20%
- Independent Learning: 80%
Assessment
You’ll embark on an exciting research project, writing a dissertation of 8-9000 words. You'll select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- BTEC
- DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABBB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A-level
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
There is so much you can do with a Politics degree! A degree in Politics from UEA will equip you with the knowledge and skills for a large choice of careers directly related to politics, and well beyond. You’ll be particularly suited to careers demanding high-level communication skills.
You could find yourself working for an international organisation, parliament or political party, or the civil service. Or you could take your skills and apply them to journalism, marketing, advertising, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, think-tanks or research institutions.
You could even choose to return to academia to study for a postgraduate degree.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Policy analyst
- Subject specialist/Researcher
- Lobbyist
- Non-government organisations
- Communication officer
- Activism
Discover more on our Careers webpages.