BA (Hons) Politics at University of Essex

Programme overview

BA Politics examines the structures, ideas and decisions that shape societies, from political institutions and democratic processes to power, rights and governance. It is taught in the Department of Government at the Colchester Campus.

Department: Department of Government | Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Study covers political systems and theory, democracy and power, global politics, applied analysis and research methods. Modules include Introduction to Politics, Introduction to International Relations, Authority and Morality, a Career Portfolio each year and a final-year Capstone Project. Students can graduate with a named specialism: Data Science (Q-Step Pathway), Justice and Human Rights, or Political Economy and Development.

Career pathways

Graduates work in government and public service, international organisations and diplomacy, NGOs and advocacy, media and communications, consultancy and think tanks, and research, with employers including the House of Commons, Essex Police, Essex County Council and Sky News.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels; IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that carry UCAS tariff points are accepted; acceptability of some non A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. International A-levels and BTECs are assigned the same tariff points as their UK counterparts. Contextual offer for eligible UK-resident applicants: 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or specified score in an accepted equivalent test).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK fee; fees increase for each academic year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 23,750 a year. International fee; fees increase for each academic year of study Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with optional placement or study abroad year)

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities