Philosophy, Political Science and, BA

Modules in the first year

You are provided with the basic knowledge and skills to study politics. You also have the opportunity to take other introductory social science courses.

Compulsory modules

• Problems of Philosophy A and B
• Understanding Politics
• Introduction to Political Theory
• Philosopher's Toolkit
• Pathways to Political Research 1 and 2

and either

• Moral and Political Philosophy
• Reasons to Believe

Modules in the second year

Compulsory module

You have the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge in areas that you find of greatest interest, such as political theory and analysis, European integration, British politics, American politics, comparative European politics, and political economy.

• Analysing Political Worlds

Optional modules

• Choose at least one optional Philosophy module
• In addition you will choose four optional modules from Philosophy or Politcs

Second year optional Politics modules Public Choice Theory International Political Economy Diplomatic History post 1945 British Politics International Relations Theory International Politics & Security in Russia & Eurasia Islam and Politics in Europe Comparative Politics Social Research II Public Policy Blunders and Bad Decision Making The Political Economy of Energy and Energy Security Modules in the final year

In addition to choosing modules from a wide range of options, students undertake an independent research project on a topic of their own choosing.

If you want to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be supported with a work placement opportunity as part of your final year, this course includes the opportunity to undertake a 'Professional Development' module as part of your optional module choices.

Pathway one

On this pathway you will write a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choice. You will be guided and supported by a supervisor who is an expert in your area of interest. In addition to writing the dissertation you will be able to choose optional modules from across departments.

Pathway two

On the second pathway you take the module Problems in World Politics or undertake a Philosophical project. In addition to this independent study module you will be able to choose optional modules from across departments.

Optional modules

Optional final year POLSIS modules Power in Britain Contemporary US Foreign and Security Policy Contemporary International Political Economy Topics in British Politics Controversies in Contemporary Democracies Left Parties and Protest Movements Gender in World Politics Critical Approaches to Security Issues in US Domestic Politics Professional Development The Diplomacy of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Global Capitalism and Migration Law, Politics and the International System: Mediating Power beyond the State Parties, Voters and Elections Russian Foreign Policy Democracy and Authoritarianism in Contemporary Europe Rebuilding war torn states: confronting legacies of conflict Parliamentary Studies Exploring the Mekong Politics in Russia Globalisation, Capitalism and Welfare

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2020. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.