Overview

The BA/BSc Politics course examines how political systems, institutions and ideas shape societies and influence relationships between states and communities. Students explore political questions from different perspectives while developing the analytical skills needed to assess power, policy, governance and political change.

What You'll Learn

• Political theory and major approaches to political thought

• Comparative politics and different forms of government

• International relations and global political structures

• Political institutions, parties and participation

• Public policy and processes of political decision-making

• Democracy, power, representation and political legitimacy

• Conflict, cooperation and political change

• Political economy and relationships between politics and society

• Research methods and approaches to political analysis

• Interpretation and evaluation of political evidence

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to explain major political concepts and apply them to contemporary and historical political questions. They will develop the ability to compare political systems, analyse institutions and assess how power operates within and across societies. Students will also be able to evaluate competing arguments, interpret political evidence, conduct structured research and communicate reasoned conclusions clearly. The course supports an informed understanding of political processes and the factors that influence governance, policy and political behaviour.