Enter OTP
If you’re fascinated by how decisions are made, why power shifts, and how ideas shape societies, Oxford Brookes’ Politics degree is a brilliant place to start. This course explores everything from political ideologies and revolutions to global governance and identity politics — giving you the skills to think critically about the world and influence real change.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Building your foundation
Your first year is all about understanding the fundamentals of political life. You’ll explore how people form political beliefs in Political Socialisation and Ideology, compare how different countries govern in Politics in Comparative Perspective, and sharpen your academic skills in Critical Skills in Politics and International Relations. You can also branch out into wider historical and social contexts through optional modules like From Empires to States or Foundations of Social Theory, helping you connect political ideas to the world around you.
Year 2 – Deepening your knowledge
In the second year, you’ll dig deeper into big political questions. Modules like Theorising Power and Society challenge you to rethink what power, freedom, and equality mean in different contexts, while Researching Politics and International Relations equips you with the tools to design and conduct your own political research. You’ll also have the chance to specialise in areas that interest you most — whether that’s UK Politics, Nations and Nationalism, or State and Society: Europe & the US. A work-based learning placement is available too, so you can apply what you’re learning in a real-world setting.
Year 3 – Shaping your expertise
Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll lead your own independent research project through a Double Dissertation or Interdisciplinary Dissertation, focusing on a topic you care about. There’s also a wide range of advanced modules to choose from, like Violence, Resistance and Identity Politics, Freedom, Justice and Liberation, State and Society in Contemporary Russia, or South African Politics. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and analytical confidence to understand complex political issues — and make an impact in the field.
Focus areas: Political ideologies and power, governance and state systems, conflict, identity, and global politics
Learning outcomes: Confident critical thinking, strong research and writing skills, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and real-world political awareness
Professional alignment: While not tied to a specific professional body, this degree is designed for careers in government, policy analysis, journalism, NGOs, diplomacy, and international organisations, as well as postgraduate study in politics and related fields.
Reputation: Oxford Brookes is known for its practical, career-focused approach. Politics graduates go on to work in the civil service, think tanks, publishing, media, and global organisations — building careers that shape public life and policy.
Studying Politics at Oxford Brookes isn’t just about reading theories — it’s about living them. From your very first year, you’ll put ideas into practice through interactive projects, real-world simulations, and opportunities to engage with professionals shaping today’s political landscape. You’ll step into the shoes of diplomats and negotiators, design policy proposals, and even collaborate with NGOs — all while developing the practical skills employers value most. The course also connects you with Brookes’ active research community and gives you access to events, guest lectures, and workshops that bring politics to life.
Here’s how Oxford Brookes helps you learn by doing:
Real-world simulations and role plays – Take part in peace negotiation exercises, NGO briefings, and decision-making simulations that mirror real political scenarios.
Creative digital assessments – Showcase your ideas through podcasts, group projects, video presentations, and collaborative assignments that go beyond traditional essays.
Work-based learning placement (optional) – In your second year, you can apply your knowledge in a professional setting by working with a political organisation, government office, or NGO.
Politics at Work seminar series – Hear directly from practitioners in development, humanitarian work, international relations, and policymaking through regular career-focused events.
Centre for Global Politics, Economy and Society – Attend research talks and guest lectures from academics, policymakers, and activists, giving you fresh perspectives on contemporary issues.
Student-led societies and debates – Join the Politics & Current Affairs Society to debate global events, meet guest speakers, and expand your network beyond the classroom.
BrookesEDGE employability programme – Access workshops, placements, and extracurricular projects designed to build the skills and experiences that make graduates stand out.
A Politics degree from Oxford Brookes opens doors to a huge range of careers — from shaping policy to influencing public opinion and working on the global stage. Our graduates go on to become policy analysts, public affairs consultants, campaign strategists, and research officers in government, NGOs, think tanks, and international organisations. Many also step into advisory and leadership roles, where they help tackle some of the world’s biggest political and social challenges.
Here’s how Oxford Brookes helps you get there:
Dedicated careers support – You’ll have access to one-to-one coaching, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and career fairs through the Brookes Careers Service — all designed to help you plan your next steps with confidence.
Strong graduate outcomes – 87% of Oxford Brookes graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22).
Real-world connections – Brookes has strong links with public bodies, NGOs, and policy organisations, giving you access to placements, mentoring, and guest lectures that help you build valuable experience and contacts.
Impressive early career salaries – Many politics and social science graduates from Brookes earn between £20,000 and £30,000 within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Highly valued skills – The research, analytical, communication, and leadership skills you develop are prized by employers across sectors — from diplomacy and journalism to consultancy and policy-making.
Diverse career destinations – Brookes Politics graduates now work in government departments, international organisations, media, non-profits, and research institutions across the UK and beyond.
Further Academic Progression:
Your journey doesn’t have to stop with a bachelor’s degree. Many students choose to deepen their expertise with a Master’s in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or Governance — and some continue on to PhD research in politics or international relations at Oxford Brookes or other leading universities. These paths can lead to academic careers, high-level policy roles, or leadership positions in global organisations.
A Level: BCCIB Points: 29Indian Curriculum Std XII equivalency 65%American Curriculum High School Diploma GPA required 3.0. Oxford Brookes has made SAT and ACT optional. APs in relevant subjects with a minimum score of 3.IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in reading & writing and 5.5 in listening & speakingTOEFL, with a typical minimum overall score of 72Policy Adviser / Senior Policy Analyst Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer NGO Programme Manager / Humanitarian Affairs Officer Political Risk Analyst / Intelligence Analyst Legislative Affairs Manager / Advocacy Director
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