Enter OTP
If you’re curious about how power works, how decisions are made, and how politics shapes the world around us, the BA Politics at the University of York is the perfect place to start. This course gives you a deep understanding of political ideas, institutions, and global issues — from democracy and justice to conflict, development, and climate change — while building the analytical and communication skills that employers value.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Build Your Foundations
Your first year introduces you to the core principles of political thinking and global affairs. Through modules like Political Analysis, Introduction to Global Politics, Comparative Politics, and States, Liberty and Revolution, you’ll explore how political systems operate and why ideas like power and freedom matter. You’ll also tackle real-world challenges in Global Challenges: From Theory to Practice and take part in the York Policy Lab, where you learn how policies are shaped in practice.
Year 2 – Explore Ideas in Depth
In your second year, you’ll start to think more critically about politics and tailor your learning to your interests. Core modules such as Theories of the State and Research Design deepen your understanding of how political systems evolve and how political research is conducted. You’ll then choose from a wide range of option modules — such as Can Democracy Work?, Politics of Development, Global Political Economy, or The Politics of Gender — allowing you to focus on the topics you care about most. There’s also the chance to study a language or a module from another subject to broaden your perspective.
Year 3 – Specialise and Take the Lead
Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll design and complete an independent Politics Dissertation, investigating a topic you’re passionate about with support from expert staff. Alongside this, you’ll select specialist modules like Global Governance: Purpose, Power and Performance, Green Politics, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism, or Politics of Peace After Civil War, gaining advanced insight into key contemporary debates. If you choose the Applied Quantitative Analysis (AQA) pathway, you’ll also build strong data and research skills highly valued by employers.
Focus areas: Political theory, governance and institutions, international relations, public policy, research methods, and quantitative analysis (optional AQA route)
Learning outcomes: Graduate with the ability to think critically about political systems, apply theories to real-world situations, conduct independent research, communicate ideas clearly, and demonstrate intercultural awareness and reflective judgment.
Professional alignment (accreditation): While not tied to a single accrediting body, the degree is designed to prepare you for careers in government, policy, NGOs, media, and beyond, with opportunities for a placement year or study abroad to boost your employability.
Reputation (employability rankings): York’s Politics program ranks among the UK’s best — Top 10 for Graduate Prospects (Times Good University Guide 2026) — and the Department is recognised for its world-leading research environment (REF 2021).
At York, studying Politics is about more than understanding political ideas — it’s about learning how to use them in real situations. From your first year, you’ll develop practical skills in political research, policy analysis, data interpretation, and communication through seminars, workshops, and independent projects. You’ll also benefit from expert teaching, strong academic support, and access to excellent digital and library resources.
You’ll put your learning into practice through opportunities like:
Applied Quantitative Analysis route, where you develop advanced data skills to analyse real political issues.
An independent dissertation project in your final year, designed and researched by you with support from a supervisor.
An optional placement year in government, policy organisations, NGOs or research institutions such as the UK Parliament or YouGov.
The chance to study abroad and gain a global perspective on politics and international relations.
Small-group seminars and workshops where you debate ideas, solve problems, and learn collaboratively.
Assessments that build real-world skills, including policy reports, research projects, and presentations.
Access to York’s extensive library, digital collections, and specialist research resources.
Teaching informed by active researchers who bring current political debates and real-world insights into the classroom.
A Politics degree from York opens doors to an exciting range of careers across government, public service, media, international organisations, and the private sector. Our graduates are known for their sharp analytical thinking, communication skills, and understanding of how decisions shape the world. With these strengths, many go on to roles such as Policy Advisor, Political Analyst, Public Affairs Consultant, or Campaign Manager — helping shape change on a national and global scale.
To support you in building a strong career, York offers a range of opportunities and services that make the transition from university to the workplace smooth and successful:
Dedicated careers support: You’ll benefit from one-to-one guidance, skills workshops, and employer networking events offered by York’s Careers Service, designed to help Politics students stand out.
Real-world experience: Many students gain hands-on experience through placement years and internships, including opportunities in the House of Commons, at research and polling organisations like YouGov, and with government departments and NGOs.
Global opportunities: Study abroad options allow you to develop an international outlook and strengthen your global employability.
Strong employability outcomes: York ranks 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Times Good University Guide 2026), and our graduates have secured roles at the Home Office, Cabinet Office, European Parliament, World Food Programme, Ernst & Young, and Goldman Sachs.
Industry and public sector links: The department’s active involvement in government advising, policy research, and media commentary helps connect students with influential organisations.
Russell Group reputation: A Politics degree from York, a world-class research-intensive university, is widely respected and valued by employers around the world.
Graduates typically enter the workforce with starting salaries in the range of £25,000 – £35,000, with rapid growth potential as they gain experience and take on specialist or leadership roles.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA Politics degree, you’ll have plenty of options to continue your academic journey. Many graduates choose to pursue a Master’s degree in fields such as Politics, International Relations, Public Policy, or Political Economy. You could also specialise in data-driven political analysis or global governance, or even progress to an MPhil or PhD if you’re interested in research or academia. Interdisciplinary routes, such as Global Development, Security Studies, or Public Administration, are also excellent next steps that build on the skills you’ll gain at York.
A levels AABInternational Baccalaureate 35 points overallIndia Standard XII: Minimum 75%–85% overall score — for CBSE and CISCE boards calculated from the best four subjects, and for other state boards from the best five subjects.US High School Diploma (GPA 3.2) plus three APs (5,5,4) or equivalent, or two Honors classes with SAT 1190–1290 or ACT 24–27.IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each componentTOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each componentCharity officerDetectiveDiplomatic service officerForensic accountantHuman resources officer
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University of York
