This is an intellectually stimulating course that provides an in-depth study of contemporary politics and its key dynamics and structures. It offers an opportunity to examine and debate the key political issues that are relevant to the UK as well as the global community.

On top of this students will get a clear understanding of both domestic and international politics, and will learn about the way in which political choices, processes and ideas shape government and public policy. The course focuses on the big political challenges and changes facing modern society, and will show students how political decisions are made, implemented and regulated.

If you are looking for a career in politics, then this degree will give you an ideal introduction to this complicated topic and a great head start in any future career. It will go a long way towards developing those skills that will benefit you both academically and in terms of employability. The strong research, analysis, writing and presentation skills you develop during your course are transferrable to a wide range of careers and are highly valued by employers.

Studying this degree program will give you an in-depth knowledge of subjects related to politics, and show you how they intersect with and influence one another. It focuses on the theory and application of politics, along with the associated economic, historical, philosophical and sociological arguments to the debate.

Politics Degree course overview

Within a single degree programme, it is often possible to pick and choose individual modules, with many universities allow students to combine the study of politics with other social science and humanities courses as a Joint Honours degree. On top of this real life experience of the workplace can be gained through volunteering projects and work-based modules.

Coursework is assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, individual and group presentations, book reviews, examinations, reports, portfolios of work, document analysis, and final year dissertation.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a Politics Degree 

  • The History of Political Thought
  • European Politics
  • Emerging Global Themes
  • Critical Debates in Contemporary Politics
  • Political Campaigning
  • Political Marketing
  • Political Psychology
  • Persuasion and Influence
  • Political Mobilisation and Engagement
  • Political Journalism
  • Social Communication
  • Political Thought
  • Policy and Society
  • Governance
  • Government and Business
  • Environmental Politics
  • Public Sector Strategic Management
  • Globalisation and Democracy
  • Criminal Justice
  • Social Research
  • Women, power and politics
  • Perspectives on politics
  • Public Policy & Local Government

Students will learn about

  • The current debates and concepts within politics and government.
  • Political parties
  • Global politics
  • Current affairs
  • Political movements
  • Diplomacy
  • International relations
  • Political ideology
  • The relationship between politics and the media.
  • The distribution of power within a society.
  • The development of the European Union.
  • Genocide
  • Human rights
  • Religious activism
  • Protest movements
  • Environmental degradation
  • Major political institutions
  • War
  • Terrorism
  • Migration
  • Revolutions
  • Social change
  • Trade Unions

Students will learn how to

  • Design a political campaign.
  • Digital Communication Strategies.
  • Examine issues from a range of viewpoints.
  • Construct well-researched arguments.
  • Present information in a balanced and unbiased manner.
  • Communicate effectively both in speech and in writing.
  • Identify, analyse and find solutions to problems.
  • Research, source and examine information thoroughly.

Politics personal statement

Below is a politics personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.

Politics personal statement example 1

“To be successful at this subject you must have a real interest in politics, and be dedicated to studying it, I have both of these desires. With a degree in politics I feel that I will not only have the chance to affect people’s lives and change the society we live in, but I would also have the opportunity of a rich and varied career. Most people will agree with the statement that ‘politics impacts on everyone and everything’, what I want to know is how this is so and what the real agendas are, for me the answers to these questions can be found in the theory and application of politics.

In my opinion politics is not a boring subject, with people just talking away on TV, or newspaper headlines. To me it’s an exciting topic, where you get to discuss and deal with real live local and national problems, and where you have the power to decide what to do and what not to do. It’s about studying parliaments, protesters, the people in government, and it’s also about those individuals who are not satisfied with what their politicians or governments are doing.

Politics is a subject that excites me, as it provides a unique window into the world we live in. Virtually every moment of our day has been structured in some way by decisions made by politician. Someone somewhere has decided on a policy that in its own way has had a direct effect on my life. This makes me eager to further my knowledge in this area and learn more about the complicated world of politicians. A degree in this subject will help me to achieve all of my aims by giving me not just the knowledge and background needed to do this, but also the skills as well.

Another reason why I am attracted to this subject is the fact that the skills, knowledge and understanding that I will gain studying for are highly valued by employers. This is reflected in the wide range of careers that are open to graduates, areas such as; social work, the civil service, teaching, the media, social work, community work, the diplomatic service and work at various levels of government.

I have a strong personal commitment to lifelong learning, and already possess excellent analytical, critical, communicative and interpretative skills. I can critically analyse evidence and construct coherent arguments, meaning I can present my own strong and cohesive point of view in a clear way. I am someone who always looks forward to the next challenge, and I believe that this attitude has fully prepared me to study politics at the highest academic levels.

Recently I have been involved in voluntary political organisations, campaigning groups and also  student societies. Through this work I was involved in organising debates and got to visit national political institutions, party HQs, high-profile organisations and think-tanks. On some projects I was given a high level of responsibility, which was amazing, and I gained a great sense of achievement in completing the objectives I have been set. I came away from this experience with a enhanced understanding of the analytical skills and conceptual tools necessary to undertake research at the cutting edge of this discipline.

My ambition is to enrol at a university where I will be able to study with like minded students and scholars who are experts in their fields. I have therefore decided to apply to your institution. The academics at your university are widely recognised for their expertise and ability to explain the complex political issues surrounding power, global transformation and economic issues in the 21st century. On a recent visit to your campus and after talking to some of your tutors I got the impression that they are always pleased to answer questions, and never make students seem anything less than their top priority. I was also impressed by the way lecturers talked to students as equals, all be it in a very relaxed by professional way. The academic facilities were great, with the interactive equipment used in classes very good. There were many high tech gadgets that could be used for presentations etc. I was also excited by the fact that your universities reputation helps to attracts visitors of the highest calibre, meaning that in the past there have been speeches by leading political figures and commentators.”

 

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