Politics BA (Hons)

In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with: liberal democracy, the far right in contemporary Europe, and political thinkers, amongst others.

Modules

• Emerging Powers and Global Order - 20 credits

  This module examines the power shifts in the international system and their implications for global order as the centre of gravity in global politics increasingly shifts away from the United States and Europe to so-called emerging powers such as China, India, Brazil and South Africa. 

  Compulsory

• The Far Right in Contemporary Europe - 20 credits

  This module focuses on the rise of Far Right political parties in West European countries. The focus will be on the different explanations put forwards for their success or failure to acquire electoral support, their influence on the behaviour of mainstream political parties and politics in general in the case study countries. 

  Compulsory

• Global Experiences of Liberal Democracy - 20 credits

  This module focuses on politics and the state in different countries and continents. It aims to give you an understanding of liberal democracy in theory and practice, methods of gauging the quality of democracy and transitions towards and away from this particular regime type. 

  Compulsory

• Political Thinkers: From Machiavelli to Marx - 20 credits

  This module provides an introduction to the history of modern political thought. It involves an examination of some of the key political ideas and theories developed by major Western political thinkers from Machiavelli to Marx - ideas and theories that have accompanied various stages in the development of the modern state. 

  Compulsory

• British Politics since 1997  - 20 credits

  This module aims to introduce and analyse the system of government in Britain, with special emphasis on assessing whether these institutions are appropriate for British society in the twenty-first century. Also, the module will look at recent debates, issues and topics arising within contemporary British political life. 

  Compulsory

• Making of the Modern United States: Race, Class and Gender - 20 credits

  The aim of this module is to explore the major social, cultural, and political forces which led to the emergence of the United States. It will pay particular attention to the ways in which race, class, and gender have shaped the country’s history, from the colonial period to its rise as a global superpower.  

  Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

• UK Work Placement – 0 credits

  This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes. 

  Optional

• International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

  This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes. 

  Optional

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor. In your third year you will have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules, to total 120 credits overall. 

Modules

• Independent Project - 20 credits

  This module is designed to enable you to develop, enhance and put into practice the research and analytical skills acquired in your previous years of study in order to pursue an in-depth analysis of a subject of your own choosing within the context of your programme of study. This can take the form of an extended piece of writing, or a media project such as a documentary film. 

  Optional

• Sex, Sexuality, Power and Oppression - 20 credits

  This module examines the shifting attitudes towards sexuality and critically evaluates the role discourse has played in these changes. It explores the relationship between sex, sexuality and political and moral definitions of crime and deviance, and examines a range of issues from the viewpoint of both victim and perpetrator.  

  Optional

• Chinese Politics, Foreign Relations and Security - 20 credits

  This module sets out to explore China’s domestic political institutions and political culture; deconstruct the country’s regional and global foreign relations; and define the military and non-military security challenges for the regional and global systems. It explores the challenges at home and overseas facing the leadership in Beijing and the way that China engages with the international community including the U.S., Japan, Southeast Asia and, perhaps most controversially, Africa. 

  Optional

• The Green Movement: The Search for Sustainability - 20 credits

  This module considers the emergence of the modern environmental movement from the 1960s to the most recent climate change activism of Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion as well as identifying the emergence and impact of climate change denial. It will demonstrate possible sustainable futures with an appraisal of alternative ways of living in search of sustainable futures. 

  Optional

• US Politics: Tyranny or Democracy?  - 20 credits

  This module seeks to highlight the system of government in the United States. It places special emphasis on assessing the political institutions that have evolved from the US constitution and analysing whether these institutions are appropriate for American society in the twenty-first century. 

  Optional

• Nationalism and Democratisation in Post-Communist Europe - 20 credits

  This module aims to introduce you to the political challenges facing the countries of Central and Eastern Europe since the end of Communism, especially the unresolved clash between liberal democratic and ethnic nationalist norms. You will be introduced to key debates in both theories of nationalism and theories of democratisation as well as particular events and case study countries. 

  Optional

• Political Ideologies since 1945 - 20 credits

  This module examines the major political ideologies of the twentieth century in Britain, Europe, North America and the Third World. It provides an in-depth understanding of the main intellectual and political debates within ten influential ideological currents, namely, conservatism, Christian Democracy, far right populism/neo-fascism, liberalism, socialism, the New Left, feminism, ecologism, political Islam and anti-colonialism. 

  Optional

• Politics of the Middle East - 20 credits

  This module aims to introduce you to the contemporary history, politics and international relations of the Middle East since 1948. Topics include the process of European decolonisation since the 1940s, the rise of Zionism and national independence movements, the emergence of the Palestinian question, the revival of political Islam, the Western Wars against Iraq in 1991 and 2003, and the Arab Spring Revolutions of 2010-11. 

  Optional