Overview

Analyzing the mechanisms of political power, governmental institutions, and political ideas is essential to understanding decision-making, global governance, and civic participation. The BA (Hons) Politics at University of Leeds, delivered by the School of Politics and International Studies, offers a comprehensive exploration of political systems, political theory, and comparative politics. Taught by research-led political scientists and policy experts, the curriculum investigates critical political themes—including democratic health, political economy, state sovereignty, electoral dynamics, and global security. Students explore political theories from classical thought to contemporary critical frameworks while analyzing real-world policy responses to global challenges such as populism, inequality, and climate change. The program incorporates qualitative and quantitative research methodologies alongside opportunities for industrial work placements or study abroad. This degree is ideally suited for analytical, politically engaged thinkers seeking to evaluate power dynamics and influence policy across public, private, and non-profit sectors.

What You'll Learn

• Core concepts of political science, comparative politics, political institutions, and electoral systems

• Foundations of political theory, tracing classical political thought, liberalism, socialism, and contemporary political philosophy

• British politics, parliamentary governance, policy-making processes, and constitutional reform dynamics

• Global political economy, international organizations, state power, and global governance frameworks

• Qualitative research methodologies, policy analysis techniques, discourse analysis, and political research design

• Quantitative social data analysis, political polling evaluation, and empirical political research methods

• Specialist elective pathways covering political communication, security studies, environmental politics, and identity politics

• Independent political research capstone project or policy dissertation on a chosen political or social issue

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will possess an in-depth understanding of political theories, institutional structures, and comparative governance systems. They will demonstrate the capability to critically evaluate political arguments, analyze public policy formulations, and assess empirical political data using qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Students build strong technical competencies in political analysis, policy evaluation, and evidence-based argument construction through interactive seminars and research workshops. Furthermore, learners master the ability to communicate complex political insights clearly and persuasively across policy briefs, analytical essays, and oral presentations. Through flexible module selection and an independent final-year research dissertation, scholars cultivate the analytical precision, ethical judgment, and critical thinking required to excel in public policy, civil service, political journalism, non-governmental organizations, lobbying, public relations, or postgraduate academic research.