Politics

Description

As a Politics student at Surrey, you are able to choose from a number of programmes to match your developing interests. Our degrees are broad-based and allow you to pick up options from a wide range of different areas. The two more specialised degrees in International Politics and Politics with Policy Studies ensure that you develop a solid foundation in political ideas, principles and methods, and in addition give you the opportunity to follow more optional modules in your area of particular interest.

Our BSc/BA degree programmes are designed to make sure that, along with your chosen specialisation, you get a full grounding in the discipline as a whole. In addition, we also take great care to provide you with a wide set of practical skills that will serve you well, whatever you decide to do after your degree.

What you'll study

Politics is about people and power: who gets it, how they use it and what makes a society fair. Our innovative degrees focus on the active role that citizens can play in shaping politics internationally, nationally and locally.

A distinctive feature of our Politics degree programme is its applied nature and its emphasis on bringing about political and social change, whether at a local, national or international level. You are introduced to a range of concepts, approaches and methods in the areas of political, international and policy studies, and are able to explore the ways in which the meaning of concepts, particularly contentious ones, such as ‘justice’, ‘equality’ and ‘liberty’ are mediated.

You learn about the causes of war and peace, as well as how different societies are governed and how international relations between states can be organised.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10790 Year (EEA)
• EUR 15260 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Students -£9,000.00 ;
Overseas Students - £12,735.00

• English

Course Content

Year 1 (FHEQ Level 4)

In your first year, whichever degree you choose, you study a number of compulsory modules. These provide you with a solid background in political, international and policy studies, and in fundamental academic skills.

Modules include:

• Applied Political Skills 1 (not credit-bearing)
• Introduction to Politics
• Introduction to International Relations
• Introduction to Social and Political Theory
• Introduction to Study and Research Skills
• Introduction to Social Policy
• British Politics and Elections
• Introduction to European Integration
• Contemporary International History

Year 2 (FHEQ Level 5)

In your second year of study, you build on the previous level by studying a number of compulsory modules, and you also choose a number of optional modules where you begin to develop your own interests.

Modules include:

• Applied Political Skills 2 (not credit-bearing)
• Approaches to Research
• Research Methods
• Comparative Government and Politics
• International Relations Theories
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• Policy Analysis
• Politics of the European Union
• International Organisations
• Political Ideologies
• Security Studies
• Intermediate Social and Political Theory
• International Political Economy

Professional Training placement (optional)

All our BSc programmes have the option of a Professional Training placement year after your second year, where you can either take a politics-related work placement or study politics overseas. In both cases, this placement allows you to apply and develop your understanding, as well as discover new approaches and elements.

Current and previous providers include Save the Children, IPSOS MORI, Cape Town Refugee Centre, Transport for London, GlaxoSmithKline, International School of Central Switzerland, and the Shadow Defence Secretary's Office, as well as a range of political parties (Conservative, Labour and the Socialist Workers Party).

Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6)

In your final year, you have much more choice in the modules you study and are encouraged to follow your own interests. You are required to undertake a compulsory dissertation and study compulsory modules related to your pathway.

Modules include:

• Applied Political Skills 3 (not credit-bearing)
• Dissertation (45 credits – year-long)
• Greening the EU
• European Defence
• Advanced Readings in Global Policies
• Case Studies in Globalisation
• Policy Making in Practice
• American Foreign Policy
• Critical Terrorism Studies
• Engendering World Politics
• Politics of the Middle East
• Political Communication and Media
• Negotiating Politics
• Cosmopolitanism, Global Justice and Democracy
• States and Markets
• Defence in the Post-Cold War World

By the end of the programme, you have acquired a deep understanding of your chosen field and the skills to use that knowledge to best effect. With our broad range of learning and teaching strategies, you gain a well-rounded and coherent appreciation of the key questions and approaches to this vital and vibrant subject.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A-level

AAB

We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking in our offers.

BTEC (QCF Level 3) Extended Diploma

DDD

European Baccalaureate

75% (including 8 in relevant language)

International Baccalaureate

35 points (to include relevant language grade 5 at HL)

Other international qualifications

If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year.

Required subjects

GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent). One social science or humanities subject preferred. There is no requirement for an A-level in Politics. Grade B or above is required for the appropriate language at A-level or equivalent.

Selection process

Offers are normally made in terms of grades. Suitable candidates will be invited to an Applicant Day. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students.

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill (or equivalent).

We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.