Politics BA

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about how decisions shape societies, why governments act the way they do, and how ordinary people can influence change, Sussex’s Politics BA (Hons) is the perfect place to start. This degree combines big political ideas with real-world applications, helping you understand power, policy, and people — and preparing you to make an impact in public life, media, diplomacy, or beyond.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year is all about building a strong foundation in politics and understanding how political systems work. Through core modules like British Political History, Foundations of Politics, Contemporary Issues in Politics, and International Politics, you’ll explore how key political institutions evolved and why they matter today. You’ll also learn how to conduct political research and begin tailoring your studies with optional modules linked to current global challenges like sustainability or technology.

Year 2
In the second year, you’ll dive deeper into political systems, ideologies, and policymaking. Modules such as Comparative Public Policy, European Politics, and Modern Political Thought will help you compare how governments operate around the world and question the philosophies that shape them. You can also start shaping your degree towards your interests by choosing options like Capitalism and Its Critics, Communicating Politics, or Political Systems and Issues: USA, exploring everything from economic debates to the role of media in democracy.

Year 3
Your final year is your chance to specialise and put your knowledge into practice. You’ll work on a dissertation — an independent research project on a topic you care about — and choose from a wide range of advanced modules in areas such as international relations, political theory, or public policy. This final stage is designed to prepare you for life after university, whether that’s stepping into a graduate job or continuing with further study.

Focus areas: Political theory and institutions, comparative politics, public policy, international relations, research and analysis

Learning outcomes: Critical thinking, advanced research skills, policy evaluation, persuasive communication, and a deep understanding of political systems and debates

Professional alignment (accreditation): While not tied to a specific accrediting body, this degree is closely aligned with the skills and knowledge employers look for in government, public policy, journalism, NGOs, and international organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings): Sussex is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities for politics and social sciences, with an excellent graduate employability record and a global reputation for research and teaching in political studies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sussex, studying politics goes far beyond lectures and textbooks — it’s about experiencing how politics actually works in the real world. From day one, you’ll step outside the classroom and into the spaces where decisions are made, gaining practical skills that employers value and building the confidence to work in government, media, NGOs, or international organisations. Whether it’s debating ideas with policymakers, completing a professional internship, or researching global issues in the field, you’ll graduate with hands-on experience that sets you apart.

Here’s how Sussex helps you turn theory into practice:

Professional placements and internships – Put your knowledge into action with internship opportunities in Westminster, political consultancies, NGOs, and other organisations where real policy decisions are shaped.
Work-shadowing with political professionals – Learn directly from industry experts, including opportunities to shadow Sussex’s Political Writer-in-Residence, Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent at The Times.
Exclusive masterclasses and guest lectures – Hear first-hand from influential figures such as former United Nations officials and leading policymakers, gaining insights that textbooks alone can’t offer.
Active student-led debate and politics societies – Join the Sussex Politics and Debating Society to sharpen your public speaking skills and engage with guest speakers from across the political spectrum.
International field trips – Experience politics on a global stage with study visits like the annual trip to Berlin, where students meet German Bundestag politicians and witness parliamentary democracy up close.

These immersive experiences, combined with Sussex’s excellent libraries, research centres, and collaborative learning spaces, ensure you leave with far more than just a degree — you graduate with real-world political experience and a professional network already forming.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Politics degree from Sussex is a powerful springboard into careers that shape governments, influence policies, and make an impact on society. Graduates from this programme are highly valued for their critical thinking, research skills, and ability to understand and navigate complex political systems. Many go on to exciting roles in government, international organisations, media, or policy research — driving real change on a global scale.

Typical career paths include:

Policy Advisor or Political Analyst
Diplomatic Service Officer
Political Communications or Public Affairs Specialist
Researcher or Think Tank Analyst

Sussex gives you strong support to build your career from day one:

Hands-on experience: You can take part in integrated internships with Westminster consultancies, political organisations, and NGOs, gaining valuable real-world experience before you graduate.
Specialist mentorship: Learn directly from leading professionals like Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent at The Times, through Sussex’s unique Political Writer-in-Residence programme, offering workshops, lectures, and shadowing opportunities.
Career services: The university’s Careers and Employability Centre offers tailored support with CV building, interview preparation, and employer networking events.
Global exposure: You’ll also have opportunities like study trips to Berlin, where you meet politicians and visit the Bundestag to see politics in action.
Strong graduate outcomes: Sussex is ranked among the UK’s top universities for social sciences and political science, and its graduates secure roles in government, international NGOs, media organisations, and policy institutes around the world.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA Politics degree, you’ll have many options to deepen your expertise. Many graduates continue to pursue master’s degrees in areas like Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or Global Governance — either at Sussex or other leading universities worldwide. Others pursue doctoral research or professional qualifications in diplomacy, public administration, or international development, preparing for leadership roles in global institutions and policymaking bodies.