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
-
Compulsory
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.
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.
Introduction to Economics
This introduction covers both microeconomics (the affairs of individual consumers, firms and government) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole).
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.
World Economy
Study the changing world economy, developing insights into issues related to international trade, international finance, regional groupings and climate change.
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.
Second year modules
-
Compulsory
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.
Macroeconomics: Managing the Economy
You’ll learn the ways that government policy affects the course of the economy through its influence on the rate of inflation, economic growth, and the level of employment.
Understanding and Rethinking 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.
Final year modules
-
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.
-
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.
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.
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.
Advanced Business Economics
Examine how economics can be applied to issues of current concern to business. Explore how governments deal with the problems of monopoly, the consequences of imperfect information and uncertainty.
Labour Economics
This module takes an analytical look at fundamental themes and issues in modern labour economics. Labour economics spans both microeconomics and macroeconomics, but you'll focus more on microeconomic issues such as those addressed by the income-leisure model.
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.
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.
Applied Business Economics
You'll analyse the decisions of firms and their effects on society. Topics could include price discrimination, imperfect competition, advertising, innovation, and network externalities.
Economics of Government
In many countries, the state's share of spending is more than 30 per cent. This module explores how governments decide on their spending and how they raise the money to pay for it.
All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.