Charlotte
University of Essex
Politics
You are viewing our beta course page.
Course summary
Why should we obey the law? Why don’t democratic countries go to war with each other? Why don’t young people vote? Why do oil-rich countries have worse human rights records? These are the kinds of questions addressed in our BA Politics course, which provides a thorough training in all major areas of political science, and is based in the top politics department in the country.
Always seeking political cause and effect, our course casts light on aspects of life you might never ordinarily connect to politics and government. You investigate the scope of political science as a field of inquiry, and the methods used by political scientists, in order to explore questions concerning both what does occur in politics, and what should occur in politics.
You study topics including:
-
Concepts in political science: state, laws, wars and political parties
-
International relations
-
Democratic systems
-
Political power
-
Obligations, freedom, rights and equality
Politics at Essex is all about moving from opinions to evidence. You will quickly learn to ask – and how to answer – the “how do you know?” question. We train our students to be fearless and independent, to question everything and to draw on the broadest possible range of facts and ideas.
Modules
Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Colchester Campus
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 10/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L200
- Institution code:
- E70
- Campus name:
- Colchester Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1, 2, 3
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Essex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L200
- Institution code:
- E70
- Campus name:
- Colchester Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Politics at University of Essex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
POWERED BY 
Hi, I am Charlotte, a third year politics with human rights student. I am also a member of the Student Union trustee board and a student representative alongside my studies, so I am very immersed in the student life here and more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have. I love to go out and I’m always attending the nightlife events on campus (maybe a little too much)! I am currently treasurer for the sustainable students society so if there’s anything you would be interested to know about societies, I can always let you know. I’m very friendly and bubbly so don’t be afraid to ask anything, no questions are silly. Catarina
University of EssexFinance and BankingI am an international student from Portugal, I have completed my BSc Economics at Essex. Once I completed my course i have worked 2 years as a Student Recruiter where I would travel around England to bring brand awareness. I decided to start my masters in FinTech in October 2025. Callum
University of EssexModern LanguagesI am a final-year student at the University of Essex's Colchester campus, so I have had a very long time here to come to know a lot of things about this place. Over my three years, I have had a broad range of experiences that university has to offer, from getting involved in sports and societies, to using the careers services, to completing a paid internship in a subject related to my degree. Applying to university, I knew that I wanted to study modern languages, but didn't study a language at A-Level, which definitely threw a spanner into a lot of things. As a 16/17 year old, I just didn't think that far ahead in my life- which is normal. I am living proof that, to an extent, this does not need to be the end of your plans to go to uni. As for me as an individual, I am interested in art and music- which I also make, and I also enjoy hiking, cycling and swimming on occassion. I'm also on the autistic spectrum. After graduating this year, my plan is to go and do a year working in a Spanish school, and then hopefully come back home and do a course on TEFL, all of which the academic staff are supporting me to do. Delia
University of EssexComputer ScienceHello there! I am Delia, a 2nd year Romanian student at the Colchester campus. I am a BSc Artificial Intelligence student and I am excited about game programming and software engineering. Alongside my degree, I study Russian with the Languages for All program, and I am a V-Team volunteer for the Animal Protection Project. I am happy to chat about studying at the University of Essex, student life in Colchester, campus life, volunteering, support at university, extracurricular activities, and answer any questions you may have! Caitlyn
University of EssexPsychologyHello! I am Caitlyn, I am a 1st year undergraduate student at the University of Essex. I study psychology with cognitive neuroscience and following my degree I intend to pursue either speech and language therapy or educational psychology. I am most passionate about helping others and trying to bring more joy to the world overall. University was such an unreal idea in my head originally as my family aren't well-off and nobody in my family had ever attended university before me - but here I am, and I would encourage others to take the plunge as well! Beck
University of EssexOccupational TherapyI wasn't always sure of what I wanted to do at university, but my current course is perfect for me. I am happy to advise if you find yourself feeling the same way. Feel free to talk to me about clubs, societies and extracurricular activities. Ann
University of EssexBiomedical ScienceHi, I’m Ann, a third year biomedical student with a keen interest in cancer biology. I plan to continue my studies in the future and am happy to share my experiences and help fellow students navigate university life, from academics to beyond! Anastasiia
University of EssexArt HistoryI am a 29 y.o. PhD student in Art History & Theory with a background in Museum Studies (St Petersburg State University of Culture) and Curatorial Research (St Petersburg State University). I'm here to help you start your academic journey with the UoE. Ask me anything about PGR studies at Essex (especially PHAIS), financial support for international students, accommodation, life on and off campus (especially cultural events, e.g. museums, theatres, etc.) and what it's like to live in the UK/Colchester (e.g. what's there for people from my (and probably yours!) part of the globe. Fun facts about me: travelled to 40+ countries; have a cute little chinchilla named Pyshka🍩; have learnt that all the stereotypes about British weather are true—but it still rains more in St Petersburg, so I’m fine. 🥲 Cayleigh
University of EssexSpeech and Language TherapyHello, my name is Cayleigh, I am a master's student studying Speech and Language Therapy and wish to specialise in paediatrics. My previous degree was a BEd in Primary Education. I am also a qualified teacher. Feel free to ask me any questions about my course, student life, or campus life! Amaia
University of EssexPhysiotherapyHeyy👋🏻, I am Amaia from the UK. I am studying MSc Physiotherapy at University of Essex (Year 2). I enjoy learning about anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition and rehabilitation. I am passionate about Sport and Exercise Science, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Rehabilitation. Feel free to ask me questions about uni, my course, or any other queries you may have. Looking forward to chatting with you :)) Craig
University of EssexSports TherapyI enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone with adrenaline-inducing activities and going with the flow. I aim to work as a physiotherapist/sports therapist for a professional sports team and travel the world. Ayo
University of EssexLawHey, I’m a second-year LLB Law student studying at Essex. I’m interested in Corporate law. When I’m not drowning in cases, Im probably listening to music, watching k dramas, or travelling around the world or probably sleeping. I’d be happy to answer any questions. Feel free to ask me anything about life at Essex - from studying Law, living on campus, best study places or just what the food’s like here. I’m happy to chat!!
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 - 120 points
Offers will be made from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
We accept A Levels, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, International Baccalaureate, T Levels, AAQs and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff.
Whilst International A-levels and BTECs aren't on the tariff calculator, we assign them the same tariff points as their UK counterparts
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. We make Contextual Offers, of up to two A-level grades (or equivalent) below our standard conditional offer, to applicants from underrepresented groups residing in the UK.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 20 other politics courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- AAA
- Highest grades
- DDD
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| EU | £22600 | Year 1 |
| International | £22600 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Fees displayed are for the 2026-27 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Email:admit@essex.ac.uk
Phone:01206 873666
Fax: 01206 872808
Like this page