Politics

Go beyond the sound and fury of the daily headlines to explore the connections between power, principle and policy in modern politics.

Studying Politics means confronting issues with contemporary relevance and practical implications, discussing who and what has the power to dictate how we exist in society. On this degree you will consider, debate and respond to some of the most pressing issues of our time, covering topics from climate change to international state security.

On our Politics course you will address some of today's biggest political questions from local, national and global perspectives, and will gain a thorough understanding of the institutions and processes which drive modern states. This will include an investigation of the domestic government and politics of the UK, along with a wider global focus.

Some of the topics you will explore include:

How new communication technologies are changing the way we interact with politics
How democracies and authoritarian regimes function, thrive and fall in the 21st century
How states interact with each other, and the changing role of the state
How states respond to collective dilemmas such as inequality, threats to national security and climate change
You will learn to explain the historical drivers of social change and analyse the current political landscape. This will mean you are prepared to understand and respond to the challenges that will shape our political future.

We do everything we can to help you graduate into a great career, and you will study a specialist Work Related Learning module in your second year. This could involve:

Designing campaign materials
Analysing a current City of York Council policy proposal
Contributing to the Students’ Union elections
This degree will provide you with valuable skills which you can carry forward into a career either in politics or in many other exciting sectors.