Overview

Politics is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field, touching every area of our lives, from national security and social inequality to the climate crisis. The BA (Hons) Politics at Durham University gives students insight into political systems and governance on both a local and global scale, taught by experts who expose students to ideas and opinions genuinely designed to challenge their perceptions. The School of Government and International Affairs is home to several research centres and institutes, with lecturers actively engaged in research that feeds directly into the curriculum, keeping it informed by contemporary political debate. Studies are structured around two main themes, political thought and comparative politics, with a growing range of optional modules covering areas such as democratic thought, British politics, US politics, international organisations, and gender and politics. Small-group seminars supported by one-on-one guidance sit alongside an extensive programme of School-based talks from staff and guest speakers. The course suits students who want to combine critical analytical thinking with a deep understanding of global current affairs, building skills that translate into careers spanning social policy research, journalism, academia, the Civil Service and the Foreign Office.

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What You'll Learn

• The role of political ideals, values and theories in shaping modern political thought and public policy

• The historical, socio-economic and cultural context of democratic political systems

• Methods, approaches and key concepts in comparative politics

• Research strategies used to produce knowledge in politics and international relations

• Either international security or perspectives on political economy, exploring power and global structures

• Foundations of Western political thought or analytical politics, applying theoretical models to real issues

• Specialist option modules covering topics from international organisations to capitalism and global political economy

• A dissertation offering an in-depth, critical examination of a topic of your choosing

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse political systems, institutions and governance across local and global scales, drawing on both political thought and comparative politics. They will be equipped to apply a range of research strategies to interpret and evaluate contemporary political and international issues. Through independent research projects and a final-year dissertation, students will develop the ability to plan, manage and communicate original, well-supported political analysis. Graduates will leave with strong analytical, research and communication skills, well suited to careers spanning social policy research, journalism, academia, the Civil Service, the Foreign Office and international organisations.