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Politics and International Studies (BA) (Full-Time, 2021 Entry)

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UCAS Code
L260

Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Duration
3 years full-time

Start Date
27 September 2021

Department of Study
Department of Politics and International Studies

Location of Study
University of Warwick


Why do states use violence? Does democracy bring greater stability to societies? If these questions fascinate you, this degree could be the right fit for you. Learn about politics at a national and international level. Gain valuable skills in theoretical analysis, quantitative & qualitative research, and written & verbal communication.


Course overview

In this degree, there is an emphasis on the international dimensions of politics. Engage with political theory and how that applies to situations across the globe.

The foundation modules in the first year focus on the integration of theory and practice. Whilst the third year provides a wide choice of modules for you to tailor and specialise your degree.

Skills developed in this degree:

  • Discuss how power is distributed internationally.
  • Test the different ways that societies organise their political systems.
  • Question the ideological roots of world problems.
  • Interrogate how economics affects foreign policy.
  • Analyse how actors engage politically and impact on our daily experiences.
  • Contest terms such as ‘terrorism’ and whether they threaten our security.

Lectures and seminars take place for 25 weeks during the academic year. The last 5 weeks are dedicated to final examinations.

Lectures and Seminars

Most modules are taught using a combination of weekly lectures and seminars. Lectures give an introduction to a topic to help prepare you for discussions in seminars. In seminars, you can engage in debates and share your views.

Teaching

Learn from experts with international research profiles across many subfields including:

  • political theory
  • international relations
  • international security
  • international political economy, and international development
  • comparative politics
  • political systems

Learning support

You will have a personal tutor who you can speak to about any questions you may have. There are also regular feedback sessions and opportunities to speak to module directors and seminar tutors.

Contact hours

There are 8-12 hours of classroom contact available per week. This is also supplemented with group work, one-to-one advice, feedback sessions, and the use of web-based materials.

Class size

  • Year 1 seminars: 14 students max
  • Year 2 and 3 seminars: 18 students max
  • Lecture sizes vary

Modules are usually assessed through a mixture of exams and essays.

  • Summative assessments include exams and coursework that go towards your final grade.

  • Formative assessments do not contribute marks to your final grade. However, they help you understand key learning points and assessment styles.

There are two options for study abroad: Integrated or Intercalated.

Integrated (study abroad included within your three-year degree)

An integrated year allows you to replace your second year with a year of studying abroad. The grades gained during your year abroad become your second-year marks.

Intercalated (study abroad or work placement adds a year to your degree)

This option adds one year to your degree. You can either study at one of our partner universities or set up an approved work placement.


Countries students have visited;*


USA

  • University of California

Canada

  • The University of Waterloo
  • The University of British Columbia
  • Queen’s University
  • Western University

Europe

  • Countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden
  • Cities: Paris, Madrid, Vienna, Berlin, Florence, Barcelona
  • You may also do a work placement in a European country (approval from department needed)

Japan

  • Waseda University
  • Hokkaido University

Australia

  • Monash University

Hong Kong

  • University of Hong Kong
  • Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • City University Hong Kong
  • Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Singapore

  • National University of Singapore
  • Nanyang Technological University

*Please note countries and institutions are subject to change.

Our culture

Join an innovative, creative and passionate department with a lively and interactive culture. Stretch and challenge yourself with the support of friendly staff and your peers.

Our rankings

  • 1st in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
  • Ranked 5th by the Guardian University Guide 2020
  • 91% overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2019
  • 42nd in the world according to The QS World University

Our people

The department has 60 members of staff, making it one of the largest politics departments in the UK. Students and staff represent over 40 countries, providing a diverse and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

World-leading academics

Staff are part of national and international research centres, advocacy groups and think tanks. Some are also holders of consultancy roles with national governments and international organisations.

General entry requirements

A level:

  • AAA

IB:

  • 38

BTEC:

  • Will be considered as long as essential entry requirements are met

Additional requirements:

You will also need to meet our English Language requirements.


International Students

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

Find out more about international entry requirements.


Contextual data and differential offers

Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in the Realising Opportunities programme, or who meet two of the contextual data criteria. Differential offers will be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer (to a minimum of BBB).


Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP)

All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).

Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.


Taking a gap year

Applications for deferred entry welcomed.


Interviews

We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.

Our modules

Core modules provide a detailed understanding and strong foundation in politics. While optional modules allow you to design your degree to specialise in a chosen area.

The following modules are examples of the topics covered and may be subject to change.

Tuition fees

Find out more about fees and funding.


Additional course costs

There may be costs associated with other items or services such as academic texts, course notes, and trips associated with your course. Students who choose to complete a work placement or study abroad will pay reduced tuition fees for their third year.


Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021

We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.

Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021

Your career

We have a dedicated careers consultant who can support you with your career choices. We offer one-to-one appointments and workshops to help you find a career path, internship or work placement.

Where a Politics degree can take you:

  • Charity and campaigning
  • Government and politics (national and regional)
  • Public affairs
  • Education
  • Banking and finance
  • Media
  • Public relations
  • IT
  • Journalism
  • Recruitment
  • Hospitality
  • Advertising

Our graduates have gone on to work for employers such as:

  • Houses of Parliament
  • Cancer Research UK
  • Her Majesty’s Civil Service
  • United Nations
  • Lloyds Banking Group
  • Citizens Advice

"The modules I studied stood me in good stead for the future."

"All the modules I studied were relevant and have stood me in good stead for the future. I secured a paid internship in my second and third summer which helped me realise my passion for working in policy. I now work as an Environment Strategy Manager."

Jennifer Sibley

Environment Strategy Manager


"I can trace the management skills I have now back to my course."

"During my second year, I did a summer intern with a law firm in the US which was great exposure. In my last year, I thrived doing the communications work I was exposed to as Coordinator of One World Week and decided to centre my career in that area. I can trace the management skills I have now to the skills that I learnt through my course."

Ingrid Helsingen Warner

Managing Director, Leidar Norway

Q&A with Sophie

Watch Sophie answer questions about what it's like studying Politics at Warwick.

  • What is the teaching like?
  • Which modules did you enjoy the most?
  • What extra-curricular opportunities are there?
  • What career path are you following?
  • What advice would you give prospective students?

Pawel, Warwick student

"The main reason why I chose Warwick was that it offered a perfect symbiosis of academic challenge, with lectures delivered by some of the leading academics, and innovative ways of learning secured by the freedom to choose from a wide suite of optional modules to cater for a myriad of interests."

"My favourite part about the course was that I was able to develop and mature my opinions by backing them up with philosophical arguments, as well as gaining a detailed insight into another culture by spending a year in France. The versatility of my degree, and very employable skills which it fostered allowed for me to apply for a wide range of jobs in leading professions like law, banking and teaching."

Pawel

Current student

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2021 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.