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Politics BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

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Empower your critical thinking and understand the way we live to shape more just and equitable governments, institutions and societies.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

L200

Start date

September 2026

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Course overview

Politics is about power. Studying politics is about understanding who gets what and who makes those decisions. By understanding the dynamics of power and authority, you should gain the knowledge and confidence to participate in and influence critical issues that define our times.

Politics and power: learn how to understand the rules of the political game and how power is distributed throughout society. Be inspired by ideas that have driven social change. Challenge, question and defend your understanding of the world.
Ideology: explore politics from multiple perspectives. Discover the origins of essential political ideas—freedom, justice, democracy and rights—and their ongoing influence on modern political landscapes.
Project-based learning: go beyond the headlines. We'll provide the context behind current events so you can lead the conversation and shape policy that has a real impact.

A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Applied learning: apply your understanding to media production, role-play simulations, real-world research and data tasks, optional placements and internships,² and policy challenges that bring political theory and concepts to life.
Showcase your skills: our assessment methods go far beyond the written word, and we won’t ask you to sit timed exams. The course aims to develop a wider range of real-world, work-ready skills—from writing op-eds and policy papers to producing short documentary films, strategy reports and data analysis.
International perspectives: explore politics around the world, from the inner workings of the British Parliament to the complex political landscapes of Africa, India, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Customisation: pursue guided and independent projects in your second and final years, exploring topics of your choosing by producing work-relevant outputs.
Employability: prepare for an exciting and impactful career in government and public policy, campaigning and advocacy, research, media, business, social enterprise and law.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

History BA (Hons)
History and Politics BA (Hons)
International Relations BA (Hons)
Politics BA (Hons)
Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

Modules

Order: Power and Authority in a Changing World

This module explores power and order in the modern and historical eras, examining how order is maintained, shaped and contested. You will examine order and power in a comparative manner, helping you understand how different societies have thought about, conceived and executed these concepts.

Compulsory

Chaos: Catastrophe and Violence – 30 credits

This module introduces you to a wide range of chaos-focused case studies, examining how and why these events occurred, alongside their long-term- and short–term consequences. You will consider the principal actors behind the chaos that affects, and is inflicted upon, society, from civil wars and genocides to environmental change, corruption and geopolitical conflict.

Compulsory

Identity: Belief, Vision, and Values – 30 credits

Motion: Migration, Trafficking and Colonisation – 30 credits

Motion is key to understanding how different communities have evolved or collapsed in the past. It is also key to understand how societies and states in the modern era interact and shape policy. In this module, you will investigate the impact of movement, both voluntary and involuntary, on the global community.

Compulsory

Modules

Visions of Politics: Western Liberalism and its Critics – 30 credits

All people are political thinkers, whether they know it or not. This module examines the crucial role of political ideas in shaping the world. Over centuries, ‘the West’ has come to be defined as much by its political values as by its economic and technological development.

Compulsory

Dictatorship and Democratic Breakdown

This module looks at histories of earlier democratic breakdowns to answer the question ‘When is democracy in danger of withering away?’. It also covers theories of democratic breakdowns in history, philosophy and above all comparative government. In addition, it aims to compare democracies and asks if dictatorships are more efficient than democracies. Lastly, it looks at when dictatorships fall and why they rarely do so.

Compulsory

Britain and the US: Threats and Opportunities

This module delves into the development and transformation of liberal political systems in Britain and the US. This module analyses these institutions and explores the distinctive democratic political styles that have emerged in each country. It also examines the threats to these democracies in the 21st century amid a rapidly changing global landscape.

Compulsory

Motion: Migration, Trafficking and Colonisation

Motion is key to understanding how different communities have evolved or collapsed in the past. It is also key to understand how societies and states in the modern era interact and shape policy. In this module, you will investigate the impact of movement, both voluntary and involuntary, on the global community.

Compulsory

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

Modules

The Politics of the Global South – 30 credits

This module explores the historical and contemporary political dynamics of the Global South. Through comparative case studies, the module highlights the varied political trajectories of states across Latin America, Africa and Asia, exploring how historical legacies, economic structures and international pressures shape political outcomes.

Compulsory

Global Conspiracies, Populism, and the Far Right – 30 credits

Conspiracy theories have gained traction in the 21st century due to economic dislocation, cultural anxieties and reactions against globalisation. This module will look at the far-right tradition, providing you the chance to understand ideologies like fascism, neo-nazism and white supremacy.

Compulsory

Independent Project – 30 credits

Working independently is a key skill for scholars studying the interconnected fields of history, international relations, politics and security. Being able to explore your own specialist topic in-depth provides an opportunity for you to hone the skills and experiences you gained in years one and two. This module provides you with an opportunity to complete an independent project of your choosing.

Compulsory

Optional modules

Choose one from the following two:

Political Communication, Propaganda and the Media - 30 credits

As human beings, we experience mediated reality. We consume our news through screens, communicate through apps, and create online avatars of ourselves. Gain an understanding of different strategies of political communication and question how media content is made, who makes it, how it is consumed, and whose interest it serves.

From the Age of Ideology to the Clash of Civilisations - 30 credits

Explore how ideologies clash and interact in the modern era. Develop an understanding of the conflict that developed between the dominant ideologies of the early 20th century and their change through to the era of the Cold War. Examine the battle fought between fascism, nazism and communism that culminated in the Cold War, which dominated the post-World War II period. Additionally, the module covers the Cold War in Europe up to the War on Terror. A focus on ideology in the 20th century, and early 21st century, will allow you to look at both the major extremes of Nazism and Communism, while exploring the Cold War and post-Cold War period.

Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Our teaching takes a global perspective, helping you to develop an international outlook that is sensitive to the changing nature of the world in which we live. You'll learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s about creating experiences that allow you to apply knowledge, gain confidence and feel prepared for your future career.

Teaching methods may include:

crisis simulations such as Model United Nations and historic emulations, allowing you to apply knowledge to simulated real-world settings
interactive lectures that help to make learning relatable, relevant and engaging
immersive workshops and seminars which help to develop key skills that will empower you to pursue a wide range of careers
regular ‘course hours’ that will allow you to meet your lecturers and course director and build a sense of community within your subject area.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Part-time study:

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.

Assessment

This course incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.

The assessment methods may include:

writing exercises such as essays, reports, policy reviews and briefings
live simulations and reflective journals
individual and group presentations
curation and public communication
podcasts, academic posters and other media projects.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	29 points
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma. Plus GCSE English at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

South East Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Request fee information
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Condensed course – January start date

If you choose to start this course in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.

If you start the course in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Students will benefit from studying on our well-equipped, modern campus ⁴.

The Hub and the george eliot building in the evening

George Eliot Building

Named after one of the leading writers of the Victorian age, the George Eliot building is the city-centre home of politics and international relations studies at Coventry University. Mingle with like-minded students, cross the Edible Garden campus to relax at the Hub, or take the few minutes walk to immerse yourself in books at the Lanchester library.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

The Library

You will benefit from our personalised support and industry-relevant teaching and resources, which are designed to help you succeed. These include our modern library with academic-liaison librarians who provide specialist help and support throughout your degree.

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Academic support

No matter which degree you’re studying, you’ll find a lot of support on campus, including the Centre of Academic Writing and sigma, which offers mathematics and statistics support.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Throughout the course, you should develop a broad range of highly valued skills to reflect the changing and dynamic needs of industry, including exceptional communication, project planning, critical thinking and analysis, crisis management, problem solving and powerful presentation and listening skills.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself working in the following areas:

Local authorities
NGO and charity careers
Political aide
International organisations like the EU and UN
Political research
Local government.

Where our graduates work

Some of our previous students have secured graduate-level jobs in the civil service, international organisations, local government, the media, private sector companies, the culture industry, further and higher education teaching and non-government organisations (NGOs).

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the International Relations MA, History MA and Politics MA. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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How to apply

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

UK students

Full-time students will be able to apply for this course through UCAS from September 2025. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
AHU113

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and membershipsons

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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