European Politics BA

Course overview

This degree is designed to complement the single honours Politics course by offering you the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the history and politics of Europe, European integration and the European Union. The flexible nature of the degree also allows you to study a range of other political issues, from international relations to political ideas.

Year one 

In year one, you will take modules in European politics and also take modules in political theory, comparative politics and international relations. You will learn to compare political institutions and behaviour in 'Western' liberal democracies and elsewhere and gain a thorough understanding of the history of political ideas.

Year two

In year two, you will take the compulsory modules Approaches to Political Studies and Designing Political Research, along with a range of European politics options. You will also take modules in contemporary political theory, comparative politics and international relations from a range of modules offered by the School.

Year three

In year three, you may choose to undertake a dissertation under supervision of a member of staff, and/or to take modules in political theory, comparative and global politics chosen from the wide selection of modules offered by the School.

Entry requirements

A levels: AAB, none specific but general studies and critical thinking not accepted

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (including 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)

Alternative qualifications 

For details please see alternative qualifications page

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• Foundations for Politics
• Political Ideas in Revolution
• Power and the State
• Understanding Global Politics
• Problems in Global Politics

Typical year-two modules

• Approaches to Political Studies
• Politics and Society in Europe
• Designing Political Research

Typical year-three modules

These modules will typically include Politics and Drugs, The Impact of Globalisation, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and The Far Right in Europe. 

 

Skills and careers

You will have a thorough knowledge of political ideas and concepts, drawn from both the UK and overseas, and a particularly deep understanding of European politics. You will have developed the ability to think through ideas critically and analytically, and to develop and sustain a reasoned argument.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2009/2010 full-time graduates of the School of Politics and International Relations was £20,391.89.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.