What you'll study
The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.
First year modules
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Core
British Political History since 1945
The UK's political history after World War Two: from Eden to the EEC and from Wilson to the 'Winter of Discontent', encounter the people, ideas and policies that have shaped modern Britain.
Science and Society
This module introduces you to the history and philosophy of science, examining the nature of scientific knowledge and practice set in its historical and social context.
Philosophy, History and Ideology
Learn how to analyse the structure of contemporary political ideologies and assess the historical interrelations between key philosophical concepts and their political implications.
Introduction to the Politics of the World Economy
Explore how politics defines the power map of the world's economy and provides the constitution for markets.
Contemporary Political Issues
Develop your critical thinking and analytical skills by considering views, debates and policies on topics such as immigration, environment, UK political crises, domestic terrorism and human rights.
Knowing Now: Applied Philosophy in a Contemporary World
Discover a range of concepts, perspectives and skills, examining topics like knowledge, truth and belief, ethics and moral philosophy – and their relevance and application in modern life.
Second year modules
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Core
History of Political Thought
You'll learn about the thoughts and historical context of some of the world's most important philosophers and political theorists Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Marx (among others).
British Government
In the age of Brexit, who governs Britain? Discover the institutions of the British state, from Downing Street to the devolved assemblies, and from the Conservatives to Labour.
Paths of Research
Discover the research techniques and skills used in the study of politics. This module unpacks everything you'll need for conducting research in your own area of interest.
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Optional
Moral Philosophy
Study key issues such as the nature of morality, moral truth and moral epistemology. And we'll encourage you to reflect critically on the foundations of morality.
Theorising Gender
Examine theories of gender relations, looking at masculinity and femininity, the relationship of gender and sexuality and the intersections of gender with other social divisions.
Understanding States and Markets: An Introduction to Political Economy
Discover the history of ideas in political economy, and their modern relevance. You’ll explore the work of Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, Friedrich Hayek and Joseph Stiglitz.
Contemporary Epistemology
This module examines the nature of knowledge. What is knowledge? What's the difference between knowledge and belief? Does knowing something depend on your viewpoint?
Understanding the European Union
Learn about the history and politics of the European Union. You'll consider its core policies, including the European Single Market, environmental policy and the implications of Brexit.
Understanding America
An introduction to the political culture and institutions of the USA. You'll consider America's international role and the relationship between its domestic and international policies.
Terrorism, War and Ethics
Explore the history and evolution of terrorism, its impacts and the ethical arguments around it. You'll study violent political groups from the 19th century to the present day.
Final year modules
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Choose one
Contemporary Political Philosophy
How should we think about justice, equality, liberty and democracy? Explore ways of addressing these topics through critical readings of leading political philosophers.
One-Trimester Internship
Apply knowledge learned on your degree in a real working environment on one of our unique internship opportunities - enhance your chance of getting a job at the same time.
One Trimester Abroad
An opportunity to study for a semester abroad at any of our partner institutions. Select a number of modules on offer from the host institution to count towards your degree.
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Optional
Dangerous Minds
Study the relationship between ideas, the people who promote them, and political practice. From Plato, to Machiavelli, explore just how influential and dangerous ideas can be.
Short Dissertation
This module enables you to undertake independent research on a question of your choice. Working with an academic across your final semester, you'll write a 6,000-word dissertation.
Gender, Science and Knowledge
This is an overview of the ways of theorising the relationship between gender, science, and knowledge. It explores the concepts of objectivity, rationality and nature.
Critics of Capitalism
Study some of the most important critics of capitalist societies. You'll explore issues such as capitalist oppression, exploitation and the corruption of music and art.
UK Politics in an Age of Austerity and Brexit
Examine contemporary debates on economic, social and political renewal. You'll cover topics such as: Brexit, austerity, foreign policy and the future of the welfare state.
Conflicts in British Culture
Who are the British? What do they believe in? Explore key cultural conficts, such as free speech, gay marriage, feminism, transgenderism, Brexit, multi-culturalism and abortion.
Democracy and Legitimacy in the European Union
This module focuses on the theoretical and empirical context in which democracy and legitimacy have become existential challenges for the European Union.
Germany in the New Europe
This module assesses the reunified Germany and its role in the new Europe. You'll learn about Germany's political parties, its government and its main policies.
Detection, Depiction, Deception
Explore the theories of the nature of photography and photographic images, centred on the contested idea that photographs have a special relation to reality.
Politics of the Environment
Analyse attitudes towards the environment and the politics of the environmental movement, pressure groups, political parties, states, the EU and international organisations.
Dissertation
You will make an original contribution to research by designing, carrying out and writing up your own project on a topic you choose, supported by your dissertation supervisor.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.