Politics

Studying this BA Politics gives you the chance to understand and analyse major political issues that affect the lives of millions in the UK and beyond, such as populism, terrorism, austerity and war. It is ideal if you have a strong interest in any field or geographic region of politics, either at home or abroad. It will also help boost your career aspirations in a wide range of areas, including in journalism, government, think tanks or NGOs.

Why choose this course?

• On this politics degree, you will be taught by experts specialising in the full range of aspects of political studies, including: public policy, international political economy, peace and conflict, voting behaviour and political theory. Our academics are also specialists in a variety of geographical areas, including Britain, America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

• We engage with politicians and policy makers who make crucial political decisions, and this understanding and insight feeds into our courses. You will also have access to the Birkbeck Centre for British Political Life which brings together political practitioners, activists and elected politicians to debate the big democratic questions about contemporary British politics.

• As part of this course, you can decide to take a unique option module on Parliamentary Studies which is taught in conjunction with the House of Commons outreach service.

What you will learn

The BA Politics will help you to understand and analyse decisions about who gets what, when and how. You will also explore how complex issues are rarely the result of a single factor or process. You will study a mix of compulsory and option modules and have the opportunity to follow your interests independently by undertaking a dissertation.

How you will learn

You will have access to pre-recorded online lectures and essential readings, in addition to attending seminars on campus where you will interact with your tutors and peers and will be engaged in a range of group work activities.

This course is available to study full- or part-time, with classes taking place in the evening.

Foundation Year

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

• Birkbeck is a distinguished centre of research and teaching excellence in politics. Our central London location puts us at the heart of the UK's political life and at the centre of academic London.

• Our courses are designed to encourage independent thinking and hone your argumentative, analytical and critical skills, while our teaching uniquely moves across the boundaries between subjects, encompassing, among others, economics, history and sociology.

• We have built up a strong reputation over more than 50 years for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics.

• Our campus area was once a key location for members of the Bloomsbury Group, so you could be studying in rooms that have hosted distinguished visitors, including T.S. Eliot, George Bernard Shaw and Maynard Keynes.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this BA Politics, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

• learning effectively and taking responsibility for your own learning

• making oral and written presentations

• planning and producing written assignments

• using information technology.

Graduates can pursue career paths in academia, research or roles in:

• local and national government

• the diplomatic service

• the voluntary sector

• policy work

• journalism.

Course modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.