Politics

Year 1 provides the foundation of your studies with a set of compulsory modules. You’ll be introduced to all of the core areas of the School’s expertise, including modules in political theory, comparative and British politics, international relations and development studies, as well as gaining the research and academic skills you need to study politics. You’ll also have the choice of an optional module, to help you start developing your own research interests.

You’ll then build on your knowledge in the following year, with compulsory modules that allow you to gain new skills in political research and explore different areas of political theory. Around this, you’ll choose from more advanced modules in topics such as UK politics, electioneering and the political systems of different countries and regions. In addition, you can select options from a range of modules on broader topics like approaches to development, security studies or international relations.

In your final year, you’ll pursue your own specialist study. You’ll produce an extended piece of individual research on a topic of your choosing when you complete your dissertation, and select from a wide range of specialised modules delivered by staff in areas of their own research expertise. Topics could include feminist political thought, human rights, political psychology, political extremism, the relationship between the EU and the wider international community, the politics of aid, terrorism or violence and reconciliation in African states.

Parliamentary Studies Pathway

At the end of Year 1, you’ll have the opportunity (exclusive to BA Politics students) to apply for one of a limited number of places on our four-year BA Politics and Parliamentary Studies pathway, transferring into Year 2 of that programme if you are successful. You’ll take some of the same modules as BA Politics students, but you’ll also have a closer focus on topics such as the UK Parliament, in preparation for your placement year. This will prepare you to spend Year 3 on a related placement before returning to Leeds for your final year of study. On your return you will have a wide range of module options to choose from, including options specific to British politics and parliament, whilst also developing your dissertation.

This exciting placement year could mean working with an MP at Westminster, at a party headquarters, in a constituency office or another political organisation. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain an insight into the workings of parliament and government, put your knowledge and skills into practice and gain valuable work experience to support your future career plans.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Studying and Researching in POLIS 5 credits
• British Politics 20 credits
• Comparative Politics 20 credits
• Making of the Modern World 20 credits
• International Politics 20 credits
• Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas 20 credits

Optional modules

• Global Development Challenges 20 credits
• Contemporary Africas: Politics, Society and the Environment 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Approaches to Analysis 20 credits

Optional modules

• The Conservative Party Since 1945 20 credits
• The Labour Party Since 1945 20 credits
• Spin Doctors and Electioneering 20 credits
• Development Theory and Practice 20 credits
• Comparative Politics of Pacific Asia 20 credits
• State and Politics in Africa 20 credits
• United States Politics 20 credits
• Security Studies 20 credits
• Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century 20 credits
• Justice, Community and Conflict 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation 40 credits