BA (Hons) Politics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hull

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how power works, why governments make the choices they do, and how global events shape our everyday lives, Hull’s BA Politics is the perfect fit. This degree is designed for students who want to question, debate, and really understand the big issues shaping politics today — while gaining the skills to influence change in the future.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year is all about building a strong foundation. You’ll explore how political systems are built and challenged through modules like Political Ideologies and British Political History since 1945. Alongside this, you’ll study Comparative Politics and Introduction to International Politics, which help you understand how different governments work and how global conflicts and cooperation unfold.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll start digging deeper and tailoring the course to your interests. Modules such as British Government and History of Political Thought give you the chance to see how past ideas still shape today’s debates, while options in Political Economy or Public Policy allow you to connect theory with the real decisions affecting society. This is also when you’ll have opportunities to broaden your horizons through optional placements or study abroad.

Year 3
Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll take advanced modules on themes that matter most to you — from global security to political economy — and complete your own dissertation project. This independent research piece is your chance to investigate a question you’re passionate about, showing employers or postgraduate tutors that you can handle complex research and critical thinking at a high level.

Focus areas: Political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, political economy

Learning outcomes: Develop a critical understanding of political systems, sharpen your ability to research and evaluate evidence, and gain the confidence to communicate ideas persuasively in writing and debate

Professional alignment (accreditation): Hull has one of the UK’s most established Westminster placement schemes, giving you the chance to work directly with MPs and peers in Parliament — a real head start if you want a career in politics, government, or policy.

Reputation (employability rankings): Hull is ranked 3rd in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction in Politics (Guardian University Guide 2025). Graduates also achieve 100% employability within six months of finishing the course (Graduate Outcomes 2021/22).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying Politics at Hull means you’ll do much more than learn from books — you’ll experience politics as it really happens. One of the biggest highlights is the chance to intern at Westminster, where you’ll work with an MP or peer and sit in on seminars with senior figures from Parliament. You can even spend a trimester abroad, adding an international perspective to your degree. Alongside this, Hull gives you access to top-class resources like the seven-storey Brynmor Jones Library, modern lecture theatres, and digital archives that support your research and projects.

Here’s how you’ll put your learning into practice:

Westminster placement scheme – spend a trimester in Parliament, gaining first-hand experience of political life and insider seminars with figures like Black Rod or the Speaker.
Study abroad opportunities – take your studies global with a trimester in Europe, the USA, or even Hong Kong.
Research-driven modules – work on projects and a dissertation where you design your own research and test out political theories in practice.
Group work and debates – sharpen your critical thinking through collaborative seminars, policy discussions, and interactive workshops.
World-class library and archives – explore the Brynmor Jones Library’s million-plus volumes and extensive digital collections.
Modern campus facilities – study in bright lecture theatres and smaller seminar spaces designed for lively discussion and debate.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Studying Politics at Hull opens doors to some truly exciting careers. Many of our graduates find themselves working at the very heart of decision-making — from Parliament and political parties to international NGOs and think tanks. Whether you see yourself as a Policy Adviser, Political Analyst, Communications Officer, or Research Fellow, this degree gives you the skills and the professional networks to get there.

And here’s why students at Hull do so well after graduation:

Tailored career support: You’ll have access to the University’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service, where you can get help with CVs, interview prep, internships, and exclusive job opportunities.
Stand-out placements: Hull’s famous Westminster placement scheme has been running for over 35 years, giving students the rare chance to spend a full trimester working alongside an MP or peer in Parliament.
Impressive employability: Politics at Hull boasts 100% graduate employability (Graduate Outcomes 2021/22), showing how valued our graduates are in the workplace.
Valuable connections: The programme is strongly linked with Parliament, political institutions, NGOs, and public bodies — so you’re constantly learning from people who shape real policy.
Proven track record: Our alumni network is so influential in politics that it’s often referred to as the “Hull Mafia” — graduates who’ve gone on to shape government, civil service, journalism, and more.

Further Academic Progression

If you’d like to continue your studies, this degree gives you an excellent platform for postgraduate opportunities. Many graduates go on to master’s programmes in Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies, or Security Studies, while others pursue a PhD to enter academia or advanced research. You could also take professional training in public administration or leadership if your goal is to work in government, diplomacy, or international organisations.