Politics BA (Hons) sandwich with work placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about how governments make decisions, how societies change, and how global issues like climate or inequality affect our daily lives — this Politics degree is for you. It’s designed for curious, independent thinkers who want to understand power and policy, gain hands-on experience, and make an impact in areas like government, law, journalism, or international relations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Understanding Politics and Power
Your journey begins by exploring the core principles that shape politics today. In Analysing Politics: Britain and Beyond, you’ll discover how political systems operate in the UK and globally, while Global Development dives into how international institutions address poverty and inequality. The module Critical Thinking and Professional Identity strengthens your analytical, writing, and communication skills — the essential tools for any political professional.

Year 2 – Exploring Global Politics and Research
In your second year, you’ll sharpen your ability to investigate and question the world around you. Modules like Bending the Truth a Little? Research Methods in Politics, International Relations and Development help you study complex topics such as misinformation, elections, and international cooperation. You can tailor your studies with options such as European Politics or Global Crises: Climate, Conflict and Insecurity, expanding your perspective on how countries respond to major global challenges.

Year 3 – Placement Year (Optional)
This is your opportunity to put theory into practice. Through the University’s Connected Degree option, you can spend a year working in a real-world environment — from government departments and NGOs to think tanks or media organisations. You’ll graduate with valuable experience, professional connections, and the confidence to step straight into your career.

Final Year – Specialisation and Independent Research
Your final year is all about focusing on what inspires you most. You’ll complete a dissertation or major research project on a political issue of your choice and take specialist modules such as Global Political Economy, Race, Rights and Development, or Post-Brexit Politics. By the end, you’ll have developed strong analytical and research skills — ready for roles that demand clear thinking and informed leadership.

Focus Areas:

Comparative Politics • International Relations • Political Theory • Global Governance • Public Policy

Learning Outcomes:

You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of political systems and global issues, strong research and analytical abilities, and the confidence to influence change — whether in policy-making, advocacy, media, or further academic study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

While the course isn’t tied to a professional body, it’s backed by Portsmouth’s Gold TEF rating, which recognises excellence in teaching, learning experience, and graduate outcomes. The optional placement year ensures you develop practical skills highly valued by employers.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Graduate Success: 90% of Politics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Average Graduate Salary: Around £30,000, with many working in government, law, communications, or the charity sector.
Global Standing: University of Portsmouth ranks #635 globally (QS 2026) and is recognised for its career-focused teaching.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Portsmouth, studying Politics goes far beyond the classroom. You’ll learn how real-world decisions are made, debate issues that shape societies, and gain the confidence to influence policy through hands-on experience. From interactive simulations and live case studies to a full placement year, the course is built to help you apply theory in meaningful, practical ways.

You’ll be part of the Connected Degrees model — a flexible study pathway that lets you take your placement year after your second or third year, depending on when you’re ready. You’ll have full access to the University’s placement team, research centres, and modern study facilities that support your growth as a political thinker and future changemaker.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience and professional exposure during the course:

Work Placement Year (Optional): Spend up to a year working in government offices, NGOs, think tanks, or media organisations — such as the House of Commons or Ministry of Defence — applying your knowledge in real policy environments.
Research-Driven Learning: Learn from active researchers at the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), where academic insight connects directly to pressing global issues like democracy, migration, and security.
Hands-On Political Investigation: Through modules like “Bending the Truth a Little? Research Methods in Politics, International Relations and Development”, you’ll design your own research, analyse data, and challenge political narratives.
Collaborative Group Projects: Debate, design campaigns, and develop solutions for global challenges in seminars that mirror real-life policy discussions and diplomatic problem-solving.
Modern Resources and Support: Access expert guidance from the Careers and Employability Service, digital learning tools, and professional networking events designed to prepare you for life after graduation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This Politics degree is designed to prepare you for a career that makes an impact — whether in government, media, law, or international organisations. The 4-year sandwich structure gives you the advantage of combining deep academic learning with valuable hands-on experience, making you workplace-ready the moment you graduate. Graduates go on to roles such as policy advisor, political researcher, communications officer, or civil service analyst, applying their understanding of global and national issues in real settings.

Here’s how Portsmouth helps you build a strong professional future:

Career Support That Lasts: The Careers and Employability Service offers personalised coaching, networking opportunities, and access to internships and graduate jobs — and continues to support you for up to five years after graduation.
Excellent Graduate Outcomes: Around 90% of Politics graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Competitive Starting Salaries: Portsmouth Politics graduates report an average salary of around £30,000, reflecting strong employability and skill relevance.
Professional Experience During Study: The Connected Degrees model lets you complete a full placement year in organisations such as the House of Commons, NGOs, or media outlets — helping you gain insight and professional connections before graduation.
Long-Term Career Value: While the course isn’t tied to a specific accreditation, it offers a mix of research-led teaching, placement experience, and real-world projects that strengthen your readiness for leadership roles in the public and private sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA (Hons) Politics (4-Year Sandwich with Work Placement), you can advance to postgraduate study in fields such as International Relations, Public Policy, Political Sociology, or Governance. Many graduates also pursue PhD research or join competitive graduate programmes in the civil service, diplomacy, or global development.