BSc Business & Politics

4 years full-time with integrated placement year

UCAS Code: LN2C

Typical offers
A Levels: ABB-BBB from three subjects.

Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted grades that fall below these entry requirements if the application is of a high standard. However, any offer made will not be lower than stated above. In addition to your predicted grades, when making offers we also consider your previous academic performance (eg GCSEs), your school/college reference and the commitment and motivation you demonstrate for your chosen course via the personal statement. Applicants and their teachers/advisers are welcome to contact us with individual queries about entry qualifications via If you already have your grades and would like to check your suitability for one of our courses please contact us via e-mail. Applicants and their teachers/advisers are welcome to contact us with individual queries about entry qualifications via .

View our Admissions Policy.

IB: 33 points
BTEC, Access & other: Students applying with BTEC or Access qualifications are considered on individual basis.

Specific subject requirements: GCSE: Maths & English at grade C/4 or above.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Tuition fees 2017/18: £9,250 (£1,250 during placement year) for UK/EU students. £14,630 (£2,500 during placement year) for overseas students. .

Applicants receiving offers are invited to an open day.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

This course is designed to help you build a comprehensive understanding of the various functions of management and examine the major issues facing governments across the world, and the policies developed and delivered by governments and other organisations.

Politics
Politics will deepen your understanding of the world. You will gain knowledge about the institutions, processes and concepts of politics as well as general insight into how these affect society, both in the UK, the European Union and worldwide.

In your first year you will study introductory modules in politics, the European Union and governance. At the core of your second year are modules dealing with the history of political thought, as well as a focus on British foreign and domestic policy. In your final year a politics research dissertation on an agreed topic of your choice counts for a substantial and challenging part of your programme.

Business

You’ll study the theories, principles and underlying concepts of the main functions of management and develop a strong understanding of business models and processes. You’ll examine how strategic decision-making within organisations takes place, and develop the ability to recognise and analyse the economic, technical, financial, social and organisational parameters within which modern managers make decisions.

Your career

Your placement year will give you the opportunity to apply your key skills and competencies within a real work-based situation.

The course is strongly geared towards increasing your employability since it is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required of professionals working in the public, private and voluntary sectors..

Sample module options: The modules below are indicative only. When an offer is made, students will receive a detailed programme specification which forms part of our terms and conditions.

Year 1

Core modules:
Introduction to Studying and Researching Politics
British Politics since 1945
Introduction to the European Union
Introductory Accounting for Business
Economic Environment of Business
Law for Business
Introduction to Marketing Management

Year 2

Core modules:
Introduction to Political Economy
Comparative Government and Politics
Business, Government and Society
Business Policy
Business Game
Business Economics
Operations Management
Management Accounting

Optional modules:

Political Ideologies and Theories
Security Studies in a Changing World
French Politics and Society
German Politics and Society
Politics and Policies of the EU
Russian and Eastern European Politics and Society
East Asian Politics and Society
South Asian Politics and Society
North American Politics and Society
Latin American Politics and Society

Year 3

You will spend this year in a professional placement or you may choose to take up an international study opportunity at one of our partner institutions. This year is compulsory for all UK and EU students.

See placement year section or find out more about the Aston placement year.

Final Year

Core modules:
Dissertation
Research and Dissertation Skills
Principles of Finance
Value Based Strategy

Optional modules:
EuroSim: Learning Negotiation through Simulation Games
The International Relations of East Asia
Religion and Politics in Contemporary Europe
Political Communication
The American Presidency
Nationalism & Political Power
Political Parties and Party Systems
Conflict and Politics in Contemporary Balkans
Conflict and Security
Diplomacy and Soft Power
The Far Right in Europe
The Politics of Climate Change
Understanding Foreign Policy
Northeast Asia: From Conflict to Cooperation
Gender and Politics
Interest groups and lobbying
Regions and Regionalism in Europe
Contemporary Political Theory
Political Leaders: Case Studies and Comparative Perspectives
Intellectuals and Politics
Power and Parliamentary Decision-Making
Ethics and International Politics
The Politics of Development
The Politics of Sport
BRICS and Emerging Power Shifts in World Politics
Politics and Islam
Britain and the EU
Politics and Protest
International Institutions
African Politics
Making Managerial Decisions using Accounting Information
Theories and Practice of Leadership
Consumer Research and the Customer Experience
International Marketing
International Operations
Business Ethics
International Business Economics