BA in Politics with Foundation

One of the best parts about starting with a Foundation Year at Durham is that you don’t just sit in lectures — you actively learn how to think, research, and work like a university student from day one. The programme blends small-group tutorials, workshops, and project work so you can practice building arguments, presenting ideas, and applying political concepts to real issues. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one support and dedicated academic skills training, making the transition into a full degree smoother and more confident.

To make this even more engaging, Durham gives you access to modern teaching spaces, cutting-edge facilities, and specialised institutes that keep your learning fresh and connected to real debates. For example, you’ll complete an individual project tailored to your chosen progression degree, which is a great chance to explore a political topic you care about while sharpening your research skills.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

• Core Foundation modules such as Concepts, Methods and Theories in Social Science and Scholarship in Higher Education combine theory with applied tasks that prepare you for advanced study.

• Weekly meetings with an academic adviser ensure you have personalised guidance and support for both coursework and university life.

• Workshops and tutorials give you the space to test ideas, debate issues, and learn how to argue your point effectively.

• An individual research project in your Foundation Year lets you dive deeper into a political theme linked to your future degree pathway.

• The Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD) helps you strengthen skills like academic writing, numeracy, and time management.

• You’ll study in the impressive Lower Mountjoy Teaching and Learning Centre, with spaces designed for collaborative projects and independent study.

• Beyond the classroom, you can engage with the School of Government and International Affairs and the Centre for Political Thought, where seminars, speaker events, and research groups bring political ideas to life.

These experiences mean you’re not just preparing for a Politics degree — you’re already practicing the skills that graduates use in policy, government, and international organisations.

Completing Politics with Foundation at Durham sets you up for a wide range of exciting careers. Many graduates move into fields where strong analytical skills and political awareness are essential, such as policy analysis, communications, NGO and charity management, or roles in government and diplomacy. Employers value the confidence, critical thinking, and research abilities that Durham students develop, which makes them stand out in competitive job markets.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s what this could mean for you:

• Tailored career support – Durham’s Careers, Employability & Enterprise Centre runs one-to-one coaching, CV and interview workshops, and networking sessions with employers. You’ll also benefit from the Student Employability Fund, which can help cover the costs of internships or work experience.

• Strong outcomes – Around 87% of graduates are in work or further study soon after finishing, and over 90% of those jobs are in professional or skilled roles. The average starting salary is around £30,000, which reflects Durham’s strong reputation with employers.

• Employer connections – While you’re a student, you’ll have opportunities to meet visiting employers, attend career fairs, and explore internships and placements supported by Durham’s industry links.

• Global recognition – A Durham Politics degree carries weight internationally. The training in critical thinking and research gives long-term value, opening doors to civil service careers, international organisations, and leading graduate schemes.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue studying, you could move on to a master’s degree in Politics, International Relations, Public Policy, or Political Economy. Some students go even further, pursuing research degrees like an MPhil or PhD, or adding professional qualifications in public administration or diplomacy to strengthen their career path.