BA (Hons) POLITICS
BA (HONS) POLITICS
Who gets what, when and how? This is one of the central questions of politics. On this course you will uncover the negotiation and bargaining processes of politics, who is involved in political discussions, who wins and who loses, what constraints different actors face, and whether certain actors like business and the media have privileged access to power. You will also study the role of gender, class and race and their relationship with political processes and outcomes. The study of political behaviour will enable you to think about the processes of governance and democracy, the causes of war, the impact of the media, and the effects of globalisation.
You will explore important ideas in politics: liberal democracy, the idea of freedom, and the capitalist economy, to take just a few. You will also examine how politics works, examining the role and behaviour of officials, governments, political parties, interest and campaign groups, and the public.
About
The study of Politics at UEA will help you develop your critical thinking. You’ll be taught by academic staff who are leading researchers and experts in their field: in the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), UEA was ranked 14th overall for research quality in Politics and International Studies. You’ll spend your time with us asking difficult questions, debating the answers with fellow students and expert academics, and formulating your own ideas.
You’ll study political ideas and how politics fundamentally works, and you’ll look at these topics in the context of other countries and regions in the US, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa. You’ll get to grips with the negotiation and bargaining processes of politics. You’ll examine who is involved in political discussions, who wins and who loses, the constraints some face – and the power others possess. And you’ll come to understand why the personal and social are political too, because studying politics is about the role of gender, class and race and their relationship with political processes and outcomes.
Our flexible programme will give you a solid grounding in the key themes of politics and allow you to concentrate on the aspects that interest you most. You might focus on systems of democratic representation, or perhaps security issues. Whatever subject grabs your attention, the course will enable you to gain a sophisticated understanding of how the world works.
You will develop skills such as how to argue persuasively, analyse carefully and make well informed and well-reasoned decisions. You will also learn to challenge received wisdom, and different views, thoughtfully and respectfully. These are important skills for navigating the turbulent and multi-faceted world, serving you well in any number of future careers.
UEA also stages talks from high-profile politicians that you can attend. In the past, guest speakers have included Jeremy Corbyn (Labour), John Bercow (Conservative MP, and Speaker of the House of Commons), Caroline Lucas (Green), Douglas Carswell (formerly of UKIP) and Vince Cable (Liberal Democrats).

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
During the course you will have the opportunity to take part in study trips, internships and placements in Britain and Europe (see our Careers and Employability pages).
You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and experience the political climate of another country first-hand by spending a semester studying abroad.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.

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After the Course
A Politics BA from UEA will equip you with the knowledge and skills for a large choice of careers directly related to politics, and well beyond.
You could find yourself working for an international organisation, parliament or political party, or the civil service. Or you could take your skills and apply them to journalism, marketing, advertising, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, think-tanks or research institutions.
You could even choose to return to academia to study for a postgraduate degree.
Career destinations
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Policy analyst
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Consultant
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Subject specialist/Researcher
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Lobbyist
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Strategic adviser
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Communication officer

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Eastminster: a global politics and policy blog from UEA

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Study International Relations at UEA

Counter-Terrorism

The Art of Persuasion

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Assessment for Year 1
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level, with some group assessment. These include essays and other written assessment including mini-essays and critical summaries, literature reviews or reading logs.
Assessment for Year 2
You can choose from modules with a range of assessment formats. Most of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. Students could also take modules involving assessment by presentation, group projects, including presentations, and a range of new types of writing including policy briefs, reports and select committee submissions.
Assessment for Year 3
You will have the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words. You will select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert.
The Course Director can support up to 40 credits off profile over the course of your degree. Students who wish to take language modules cannot take more than 40 credits of languages across their degree without seeking approval from the Course Director.
Assessment for Year 1
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level, with some group assessment. These include essays and other written assessment including mini-essays and critical summaries, literature reviews or reading logs.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.The Course Director can support up to 40 credits off profile over the course of your degree. Students who wish to take language modules cannot take more than 40 credits of languages across their degree without seeking approval from the Course Director.
Assessment for Year 2
You can choose from modules with a range of assessment formats. Most of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. Students could also take modules involving assessment by presentation, group projects, including presentations, and a range of new types of writing including policy briefs, reports and select committee submissions.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.The Course Director can support up to 40 credits off profile over the course of your degree.
Assessment for Year 3
You will have the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words. You will select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBB or ABC or BBC with an A in the Extended ProjectT Levels
No acceptable pathways for 2022 entry.BTEC
DDM. Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business AdministrationScottish highers
AABBBScottish highers advanced
CCCIrish leaving certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3Access course
Access to Humanities & Social Sciences pathway preferred. Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3European Baccalaureate
70%International Baccalaureate
31 pointsGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in BA Politics (with a Foundation Year).
INTO UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
If you do not meet the academic and or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Alternative Entry Requirements
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

We’re 14th for research quality!

Eastminster: a global politics and policy blog from UEA

Study Politics at UEA

Study International Relations at UEA

Counter-Terrorism

The Art of Persuasion

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
View our information about Additional Course Fees.

We’re 14th for research quality!

Eastminster: a global politics and policy blog from UEA

Study Politics at UEA

Study International Relations at UEA

Counter-Terrorism

The Art of Persuasion

Ask a Student
How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is an online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The application allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it is sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.

We’re 14th for research quality!

Eastminster: a global politics and policy blog from UEA

Study Politics at UEA

Study International Relations at UEA

Counter-Terrorism

The Art of Persuasion

Ask a Student

We’re 14th for research quality!

Eastminster: a global politics and policy blog from UEA

Study Politics at UEA

Study International Relations at UEA

Counter-Terrorism

The Art of Persuasion
