If you're passionate about understanding how political systems work and want to dive deep into global issues, the BA (Hons) Politics program at UEA is perfect for you. You'll explore the power structures that shape our world, learn from leading experts, and be equipped with the skills to make a real difference in the political landscape.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your journey begins with a strong foundation in politics. You’ll study the essentials with modules like Introduction to Politics, Political Ideas, and Introduction to Political Analysis. These courses will give you a clear understanding of political systems and theories, helping you build the critical thinking skills you need for the rest of your degree.
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into the mechanics of politics with courses like Political Economy, Comparative Politics, and Political Research Methods. Here, you’ll not only learn about global political issues but also sharpen your research skills, preparing you for more complex debates and analyses.
Final Year
By your final year, you’ll have the flexibility to focus on areas that interest you the most, whether that’s International Relations, Political Philosophy, or Public Policy. You’ll also have the chance to complete a Dissertation, where you can research a political topic that truly fascinates you and show off all that you’ve learned throughout the program.
Focus Areas
Political theory, Comparative politics, International relations, Political economy, Public policy, Political philosophy, Global issues, Governance, Political ideologies, Research methods.
Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a thorough understanding of political systems and theories, and the skills to critically analyze political processes. You’ll be well-prepared to engage in political discourse and influence change in whichever path you choose.
Professional Alignment
The program is built to ensure you’re ready for a career in politics, international relations, or public policy. You'll gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to work in government, NGOs, think tanks, and more.
Reputation
UEA’s School of Politics, Philosophy, and Area Studies is highly respected for its research and teaching. In fact, 90% of its research was ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Plus, 91% of students in Politics and International Relations at UEA say their teachers explain things well (NSS 2023). That’s a testament to the program’s quality and the support you’ll receive throughout your studies.
At UEA, the BA Politics program is designed not just to teach you about political theory, but to give you hands-on experiences that will shape your future career. Through practical learning opportunities, you’ll gain real-world skills and knowledge, all while contributing to projects that make a difference.
Here’s how you’ll gain practical skills during your degree:
Enactus UEA: As part of the global Enactus network, you’ll work on projects that tackle social and environmental challenges. This gives you the chance to put your political knowledge into action, developing leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills along the way.
i-Teams Program: In this program, you’ll collaborate with industry professionals to create business plans for innovative solutions. It’s a great way to apply your understanding of politics and economics to practical, real-world problems, helping you build commercial awareness and professional skills.
Student Volunteering: UEA encourages students to get involved with local community projects. Whether it’s helping organize events or working on political outreach, volunteering allows you to engage with real-world political issues and develop a deeper understanding of the impact politics has on people’s lives.
Career Services: The university’s Career Services are dedicated to helping you connect with potential employers, providing support with internships and job placements in the political sphere. You’ll also have access to workshops, networking opportunities, and career advice to guide your journey.
These hands-on experiences ensure that you’ll not only leave UEA with a strong academic foundation but also with the skills and practical knowledge to excel in your career.
Graduating with a BA in Politics from UEA opens up a world of career possibilities. Whether you want to shape public policy, work in international relations, or communicate political strategies, this program prepares you with the skills and knowledge you need. Some of the career paths our graduates typically follow include:
Policy Analyst
Public Affairs Consultant
Political Communications Specialist
Civil Servant
At UEA, you’re not just getting a degree; you’re also gaining a support network to help launch your career:
CareerCentral: This is your go-to service for personalized career advice. They’ll help you with everything from CVs to interview preparation and job searches, making sure you feel confident when you start looking for jobs.
Graduate Outcomes: 81% of UEA graduates are either employed or furthering their studies within 15 months of graduation. That’s a great indicator of how well this program equips you for the real world.
Industry Partnerships: Through connections with major organizations like the BBC, Oxfam, and the UK Civil Service, you’ll have opportunities for internships and placements that provide valuable hands-on experience.
Graduate Route: If you’re an international student, the UK’s Graduate Route allows you to stay and work for up to two years after you graduate, giving you extra time to find the right job and build your career in the UK.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’re looking to deepen your expertise, there are plenty of opportunities for further study after completing your degree:
MA in International Relations
MA in Public Policy
MSc in Political Economy
PhD in Politics
These advanced programs allow you to specialize in areas that interest you most and continue building a career in academia or the public sector.
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.