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BSc Politics with Foundation Yr (BA)
About this course
Politics is the study of how power is distributed, exercised, and contested in society. It examines the institutions, ideologies, and processes through which collective decisions are made, from the mechanics of elections and the structure of government to the deeper theoretical questions about legitimacy, justice, and democracy. Studying politics develops the analytical skills to understand why political outcomes occur, how different groups pursue their interests, and how the global order is sustained or disrupted. These are capacities with wide professional application in a world where political complexity is the norm. At Birkbeck College in London, this part-time programme includes a foundation year and is designed for students who want to understand and analyse major political issues affecting people in the UK and beyond. Birkbeck's evening teaching model makes the programme accessible to students who are working or have other daytime commitments, and the inclusion of a foundation year ensures that students who need additional academic preparation can access the degree. You will engage with topics including populism, terrorism, austerity, international security, and social justice, developing the theoretical frameworks and empirical knowledge to analyse political events with rigour. London's status as a centre of global political and media life provides a rich environment in which to study politics. Graduates of Politics work in government, the civil service, think tanks, NGOs, journalism, public affairs, international organisations, and political research. The analytical and writing skills the degree develops are valued in law, business, and the public sector more broadly. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in political science, international relations, public policy, or law, building specialist expertise for research or senior professional roles. The degree supports career development across any field in which understanding institutions, power, and public debate is professionally relevant.
Syllabus & Modules
Typical curriculumStudent Satisfaction
National Student Survey - 20 respondents (72% response rate)
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