Politics BA (Hons) with foundation year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Politics with Foundation Year at the University of Portsmouth is perfect for students who want to understand how power, policies, and people shape our world. From global issues like climate change and human rights to UK government and international relations, this program helps you build analytical, communication, and debating skills that prepare you for a career in politics, media, or the public sector.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year
You’ll start by exploring Introduction to Politics and International Relations and Research Methods, Critical Thinking and Expression. This year helps you strengthen your academic writing, research, and study skills, setting a strong base for your degree.

Year 1
In your first academic year, you’ll study Analysing Politics: Britain and Beyond, Political Thought, and Global Development. You’ll learn how political systems work, how ideologies evolve, and how global challenges affect nations and communities.

Year 2
You’ll move into topics like European Politics and Research Methods in Politics, International Relations and Development. You can also choose special modules such as Global Crises: Climate, Conflict and Insecurity — gaining the tools to evaluate data, policies, and international cooperation.

Final Year
Your final year focuses on independent research through a Dissertation or Major Project, alongside options such as US Politics, Global Political Economy, or Race, Rights and Development. You’ll apply what you’ve learned to real-world issues and prepare for your next steps after graduation.

Focus Areas: Political systems and ideologies, research and policy analysis, governance, international development, and human rights.

Learning Outcomes: You’ll graduate with strong analytical and research skills, confident communication abilities, and a deep understanding of how political institutions, societies, and movements interact on a global scale.

Professional Alignment: The course is guided by the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), linking classroom learning with real-world political practice and policy research.

Reputation: The University of Portsmouth is ranked among the world’s top universities (QS World University Rankings 2026: #=635) and reports an impressive 90% employment or further study rate within 15 months of graduation, with average earnings around £30,000.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Portsmouth, this Politics degree isn’t just about theory—it’s about seeing how politics works in real life. From visiting Parliament to organising your own campaign, you’ll build confidence in research, communication, and leadership while gaining a clear view of how policies and institutions shape the world around us. The course is designed to keep you engaged, hands-on, and connected to real political practice.

Here’s how you’ll experience learning beyond the classroom:

Parliament field trip: Visit the Houses of Parliament and witness debates and committee work firsthand.
Academic conference simulation: Present your own research and defend your ideas in front of peers, just like real political analysts do.
Run your own campaign: Design and manage a political or social campaign on a topic you’re passionate about—turning ideas into action.
Optional placement or self-employed year: Spend a year gaining professional experience or starting your own initiative through Portsmouth’s unique Connected Degree pathway.
Research with experts: Learn directly from staff at the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), whose work shapes public policy and international dialogue.
Guest speakers and networking: Attend talks by politicians, journalists, and policy-makers who bring their real-world insights into your lectures.
Language learning options: Take a free module in languages like Arabic, French, or Spanish to broaden your global communication skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Politics with Foundation Year at the University of Portsmouth are known for their ability to think critically, debate confidently, and analyse complex political issues. Many go on to careers in public policy, international organisations, journalism, and government advisory roles — turning their passion for politics into meaningful impact. Typical career paths include Policy Analyst, Campaign Coordinator, Public Relations Officer, and Government Relations Consultant.

Here’s how Portsmouth helps you prepare for the world beyond university:

Dedicated career support: The Careers and Employability Service provides personalised coaching, CV guidance, interview practice, and connects you with a global employer network of over 3,000 organisations.
Strong employment record: Around 94% of Portsmouth graduates are working or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Higher earning potential: Graduates earn, on average, £3,100 more five years after graduation than expected for their field.
Employer connections: Partnerships with major organisations such as IBM and community policy groups offer practical exposure and internship opportunities.
Reputation and recognition: Your degree holds long-term professional value, respected across sectors from politics and diplomacy to non-profits and communications.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you could advance to a Master’s in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, or Governance and Human Rights. Some graduates choose to pursue PhD research or professional qualifications in law or public administration, supported by the analytical and research strengths developed at Portsmouth.