Focus on real-life political decision-making and policies, and discover how politics shapes all of our lives, on our BA (Hons) Politics degree in Cambridge.
Our Politics course will allow you to study the practical and theoretical aspects of modern politics, gaining insights into our past, present and future on both a local and global scale.
You’ll examine relevant political debates from a historical, philosophical and sociological perspective. We‘ll go beyond the ‘high politics’ of traditional theories and the workings of parliaments. Instead, you’ll be able to develop your own specialisms in areas such as global diplomacy and international issues like climate change; protest movements like Black Lives Matter; the devolution of power away from central government; the politics of the new media; the politics of gender, and the place of race in modern society.
Our specialist modules such as Race, Racism and Cultural Identity; Wrestling with Trump: the WWE and Modern Political Culture; and Politics and Social Media will allow you to engage with contemporary issues, developing a deeper understanding of modern politics.
With a range of optional modules to choose from, you’ll be able to explore the historical, philosophical and sociological aspects of politics that interest you, developing specialisms in the process.
As a BA (Hons) Politics student at ARU, you’ll learn from our team of expert tutors including historians, sociologists, criminologists and political scientists. Together, we’ll explore the latest theories, debates and research; examine domestic, European and international themes in politics, and consider the practical implications of political decision-making and policies.
By joining our student community you’ll also benefit from award-wining learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources, with access to support, should you need it, on study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more. All our Politics students also have the opportunity to study in the USA or Canada for a semester, and can apply for funding to help cover the cost.
Our BA (Hons) Politics graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including local government, charities, NGOs, and European and international organisations and agencies. You might also explore career paths in public service, the criminal justice system, future energy policy and planning, security, negotiation and peacekeeping, or communication and media.
As part of your degree you’ll have the option to learn a language through our Anglia Language Programme. This can boost your employability in international areas such as UN conflict resolution and diplomacy.
You could also continue your learning, develop a particular specialism or start an exciting career in research with our MA International Relations, MA Sociology or MA Criminology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Course Details - Modules
Year one, core modules
Introduction to Politics
Global Political Issues
Inequality and Class
Rights and Responsibilities
Political Ideologies and Social Controversies
Year one, optional modules
The Sociology of Globalisation
Year two, core modules
Political Theory - A History
Contemporary European Politics
Comparative Political Systems
Protest and Activism
Year two, optional modules
Cultures of War
The Growth of the USA
The British Empire
Britain in the 19th century
Theories of Deviance, Crime and Social Control
Body Politics: Health and Illness
USA in the 20th Century
Learning from Work Experience (incorporates work placements)
Britain in the 20th Century
Europe in the Age of the First World War
Year three, core modules
Major Project
The Politics of Energy and Ecology
Year three, optional modules
Politics and Social Media
Feminist Theory and Practice
Race, Racism and Cultural Identity
Capitalism in Crisis: The Depression and War in Europe
End of Empires
Enlightenment and Modernity: The Philosophical Legacy
Politics and Public Service
Sport, Globalisation and International politics
Concepts of Good and Evil
Thatcher and the New Right
Global Political Economies
The Cold War: the world divided
Politics in Action
Optional modules available in years two and three
Anglia Language Programme
Course Details – Assessment Method
For a full breakdown of module options and credits, please view the module structure.
You’ll demonstrate your learning through a combination of essays, exams, case studies, optional work experience, and presentations. Your studies will culminate in a final year dissertation on a topic of your choice, and supervised one-on-one by an expert in that area.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
L200
Institution code:
A60
Campus Name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
96 UCAS Tariff Points from a minimum of 2 A levels (or equivalent).
UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent).
UCAS Tariff Points accepted.
2020 Entry requirements are under review for the next cycle and have been published using the current cycle information. Please check back when apply opens for the exact requirements.
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
