Politics with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)

At Swansea, your Politics degree goes far beyond the classroom. From your very first year, you’ll gain the kind of hands-on experience that builds real-world skills and confidence. You won’t just study political theories — you’ll see them in action, apply them to current events, and even work directly with people shaping policy today. Whether it’s through placements, field visits, research opportunities, or guest lectures from those working at the heart of government, Swansea is designed to help you graduate with both knowledge and experience.

And that practical exposure comes in many exciting ways:

• Work placements in government: Take part in a prestigious placement module with the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru), where you’ll work alongside political leaders, contribute to real policy projects, and see how decision-making works from the inside.

• Parliamentary studies and field visits: The British Parliamentary Studies module includes insights from Members of Parliament and an eye-opening visit to the UK Parliament in London, where you’ll witness live debates and legislative processes.

• Study abroad opportunities: Broaden your perspective by spending a semester or full year at one of Swansea’s partner universities around the world — from the USA and Singapore to Hong Kong — and experience political systems in a global context.

• Expert guest lectures and seminars: Regular talks and workshops with political advisors, diplomats, NGOs, and policy makers give you insider views on the challenges and opportunities in the field.

• Research involvement: Engage with cutting-edge research through institutes like the Public Policy & Practice Research Institute and the Comparative Politics and Policy group, working on collaborative projects and gaining valuable research skills.

• World-class learning facilities: You’ll have access to Swansea’s state-of-the-art library and digital archives, specialized study spaces, and vibrant departmental hubs that support group projects, debates, and collaborative learning.

A Politics degree from Swansea opens doors to a wide range of exciting and influential careers. Many graduates go on to shape public policy, advise decision-makers, work with international organisations, or influence global debates. Whether your dream is to work as a policy analyst, government officer, political consultant, or NGO manager, this programme gives you the knowledge, skills, and experience to make it happen.

Here’s how Swansea helps you turn your ambitions into reality:

• Dedicated career support: Through the Swansea Employability Academy (SEA), you’ll get tailored career advice, interview coaching, CV building workshops, and access to internships — all designed to give you a competitive edge.

• Impressive graduate outcomes: Around 80% of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing the course, with average starting salaries around £26,000 and strong potential for growth.

• Strong industry and government links: You’ll have the chance to take part in a prestigious placement module with the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru) and connect directly with guest speakers from government, policy organisations, and NGOs.

• Highly valued qualification: While not tied to a single accrediting body, Swansea’s Politics degree is widely respected by employers in the public sector, diplomacy, research, and international development — and it’s consistently ranked among the UK’s best for graduate outcomes.

• Career destinations: Graduates have gone on to roles in public service, research, policy analysis, communications, and political consultancy — many stepping into positions where they influence decisions and drive real-world change.

Further Academic Progression:
Your journey doesn’t have to stop with a bachelor’s degree. Many Swansea graduates continue into master’s programmes in areas such as Public Policy, International Relations, Governance, Political Theory, or Global Development, and some even pursue PhDs to shape the future of political research. The university’s dedicated postgraduate career services are there to support you every step of the way — from planning your next move to securing funding.