Politics BA (UCAS L200)
Find out more about our Politics degree at Warwick
How does the political world function? Why and how are decisions made? How should politics and society be organised? If these questions fascinate you, this degree could be for you. Delve into your political interests and explore answers to the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. Choose a specialism and learn how to think critically so you can make your contribution to debates about politics.
General entry requirements
A level typical offer
AAA
A level contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB. See if you’re eligible.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
IB typical offer
36.
IB contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 32. See if you’re eligible.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
BTEC
Will be considered as long as essential entry requirements are met.
Scotland Advanced Highers
AA in two Advanced Highers, and AAB in three additional Highers subjects.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB in three subjects at A level plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
International qualifications
English Language requirements
All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.
This course requires: Band B
Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.
Frequently asked questions
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.
Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.
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.
We welcome applications for deferred entry.
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.
Course overview
Political Theory, Comparative Politics and the study of Political Systems provide the core of this degree, then you can choose options across the full range of modules or focus on specific pathways.
You will tackle questions relating to the nature and distribution of power, the advantages and disadvantages of different political systems, gendered and racialised aspects of politics, and the role of ideology in determining political outcomes. You will critique how politics works in a number of different nations and question the appropriate level to analyse politics from the individual to the global system.
You will also consider how the work of political theorists can help explain the ways in which politicians intervene in questions of economy, law-making, conflict and the regulation of our daily lives. You will apply these ideas to everyday political problems such as immigration, poverty, war and climate change.
In our Politics BA, the first year does not count towards your final degree classification. However, all students are required to pass the first year of the degree programme in order to proceed to the Honours degree. The second year of study will contribute 40% and the final year of study will contribute 60% to the final degree result.
Study abroad
Intercalated (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.
Partner countries
Countries and partner universities where students have studied abroad (please note countries and institutions are subject to change):
Canada
- University of Waterloo
- University of British Columbia
- Queen’s University
- McMaster University
Europe
- Countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden
- Cities include: Paris, Madrid, Vienna, Berlin, Milan, Barcelona
Japan
- Waseda University
- Hokkaido University
- Kyoto University
- Nagoya University
Australia
- Monash University
China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong 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
South Korea
- Seoul National University
You may also apply for a work placement in the UK or abroad (approval from department needed).
Core modules
This degree takes place over three years. In each year you study core modules that provide a strong foundation in the academic discipline of Politics. You then have the choice to tailor your degree with optional modules.
Optional modules are divided into four specialisms or pathways:
- Political Theory and Public Policy
- International Relations and Security
- Comparative Politics and Democratisation
- International Political Economy
Pick modules from one pathway to specialise your degree, or mix and match across different pathways to suit your interests.
Year One
Introduction to Politics
Introduction to Politics gives you a broad overview of the main issues and theoretical perspectives within Politics. You'll learn first to understand and then apply the core concepts of comparative political science and theory to processes, institutions, ideologies and practical policy-making. You'll conduct a comparative study of different political systems and political change, both in writing and in open debate.
Read more about the Introduction to Politics moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
World Politics
In this module, you'll be introduced to world politics and the role that international relations plays in the interactions between nations. You'll gain a solid understanding of the historical underpinnings of the structure and systems of states, and become familiar with major theories of international relations post-1945. You'll analyse contemporary writings on world politics and engage critically, both orally and in writing, with key concepts and theoretical debates on the nature of international political systems.
Read more about the World Politics moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Political Research in the 21st Century
On this course, we aim to make you a better communicator and critical thinker. Armed with cutting-edge research methods and the academic skills to make a successful transition to university-level study. This module focuses on how best we can support you to become independent learners, giving you the firm foundations from which to achieve the best possible degree, in addition to valuable transferable skills post graduation.
Read more about the Political Research in the 21st Century moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Year Two
Foundations of Political Theory
The aim of this module is to introduce you to some of the foundational arguments and debates in modern (mainly) European political theory, as well as some of the discipline’s most important primary texts. To this end, you will critically examine claims about freedom, equality, democracy, revolution and crisis made by some of the most important political thinkers from 1640 onwards.
Read more about the Foundations of Political Theory moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Topics in Political Theory
Politics considers how the political world operates, and how it ought to operate. In this module, we consider the “oughts” of politics. Building on Foundations of Political Theory, the module examines key thinkers and topics in contemporary normative political theory. The module is divided into two parts: key thinkers in contemporary normative political theory, including John Rawls, Robert Nozick, and Susan Moller Okin; and key topics in contemporary normative political theory, including issues such as immigration, education, representation, microaggressions, and climate change.
Read more about the Topics in Political Theory moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2024/25 year of study).
Optional core modules (also available as Optional modules)
- Core Issues in Comparative Politics
- Public Policy for 21st Century Challenges
- Politics in the UK
- Politics of the USA
- Politics of Contemporary China
- Themes in European Integration
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
Year One
- Contemporary Themes in Comparative Politics
- Foundations of Political Economy
- Justice, Democracy, and Citizenship
- Nine Ideas in International Security
- Introduction to Quantitative Political Analysis I
- Introduction to Quantitative Political Analysis II
Year Two
- Politics of International Development
- Theories of International Relations
- States and Markets: An Introduction to International Political Economy
- International Security
- Capitalism and its Alternatives
- Gender Matters in International Relations
- Political Economy and the Liberal-Democratic State
- The Political Economy of Southeast Asia
- Introduction to Casual Inference in Quantitative Political Analysis
Year Three
- Gender and Development
- European Union Policy-Making
- Politics of Globalisation
- United States Foreign Policy
- Critical Security Studies
- Vigilant State: The Politics of Intelligence
- State, Power, Freedom: European Political Theory
- The Political Economy of Money
- International Relations of the Americas
- Latin America: Democratisation and Development
- War in the 21st Century
- Politics and Culture in the Middle East
- Violence, Rights, Justice and Peace in the Middle East
- The Global Energy Challenge
- The Politics of Climate Change
- Public Opinion
- Determinants of Democracy
- Dissertation
- The Politics of Religion
- Gender, War and Militarism
- Race and International Politics
- The Political Economy of Islam in Southeast Asia
Assessment
Modules are assessed in a variety of ways including through 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.
Teaching
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.
Class sizes
Lecture sizes vary. Lectures are typically accompanied by seminar teaching which allows you to discuss and consolidate your learning.
Typical contact hours
There are 8 to 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.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.
Undergraduate fees
On 4 November the UK government announced an increase in the tuition fee cap for Home students for academic year 2025/26. The University of Warwick’s Executive Board has consequently confirmed a change in fees from the previously advertised rate to £9,535.
The University expects to increase fees for future years in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK government.
How are fees set?
The UK Government sets tuition fee rates.
To learn more about how the UK student fees and maintenance loans are set, please visit the UK Government websiteLink opens in a new window and UCASLink opens in a new window.
Undergraduate fees
If you are an overseas student enrolling in 2025-26, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:
- Band 1 – £26,290 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
- Band 2 – £33,520 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)
Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2026 fee rates before you apply.
Fee status guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Further information
Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.
Scholarships and bursaries
Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.
Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window
If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.
Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window
You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
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.
We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £2,500 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.
As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.
Further information
Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.
Eligibility for student loans
Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.
Check if you're eligible for student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.
Maintenance Loan for living costs
You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.
If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.
Help with living costs
If you struggle to meet your essential living costs, our Student Funding team Link opens in a new windowwill be on hand to offer advice and support.
There are a number of options that may be available to you including government, bursary and/or hardship support. Warwick also has a number of bursaries and scholarships Link opens in a new windowthat you may be eligible to apply for.
Repaying your loans
You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount. For students starting their course after 1 August 2023, the repayment threshold is £25,000. Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.
Find out more about repaying your student loanLink opens in a new window.
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.
Graduates from these courses are working in:
- Government and politics (national, regional and international)
- Public affairs
- Education
- Charity and campaigning
- Media
- Public relations
- Journalism
- IT
- Banking and finance
- Recruitment
- Hospitality
- Advertising
Our graduates have gone on to work for employers such as:
- United Nations
- BBC Television
- Houses of Parliament
- OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Human Rights Watch
Helping you find the right career
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. In addition, PAIS students have access to guest lecturers, careers information and placement support. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Your future awaits - the many things you can do after your degree in the PAIS department
- Careers in Government and Politics
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Careers Q&A sessions
- Assessment Centres and Interviews: an overview of what to expect for PAIS students
Find out more about careers support at Warwick.
See how the Department of Politics and International Studies at Warwick helped Divya and Sasi reach their career goals, providing the skills and connections to succeed. Discover how Warwick could shape your future.
Explore the career journeys of Warwick Social Sciences alumni. See how their university experience opened doors across industries and imagine where a degree from Warwick could take you.
Politics and International Studies at Warwick
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.
Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window
Our courses
- Global Politics with Integrated Year Abroad in Brussels
- Politics (BA)
- Politics and International Studies (BA)
- Politics and International Studies with Chinese (BA)
- Politics and Sociology (BA)
- Politics, International Studies and French (BA)
- Politics, International Studies and German (BA)
- Politics, International Studies and Hispanic Studies (BA)
- Politics, International Studies and Italian (BA)
Related degrees
Life at Warwick
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
Warwick Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.
We have a range of residences for undergraduate students on campus.
Our campus
You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Food and drink
We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.
And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.
Clubs and societies
We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.
So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.
Sports and fitness
Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.
Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.
Studying on campus
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.
You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
- The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
- The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
- Different study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.
Travel and local area
Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.
The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).
Wellbeing support and faith provision
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.
How to apply
Learn more about our application process.
Key dates
Key dates for your application to Warwick.
Writing your personal statement
Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.
After you've applied
Find out how we process your application.
Our Admission Statement
Read Warwick's Admission Statement
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Talk to us
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Warwick Experience
Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.
Student blogs
Explore our student blogs in Unibuddy. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.
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- Watch student videos
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- Learn about facilities and landmarks
Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour now
Come to an Open Day
Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.
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