Politics BA (Hons)

This module is your introduction to the academic study of Politics. Through it you will become familiar with basic terms, concepts, methodologies and issues in the study of politics, which will prepare you for the rest of your degree. We will explore the diverse definitions and the scope of politics, and discuss what politics means to you. We will also introduce you to some of the essential skills needed to succeed a degree level, including academic writing, researching and referencing. 

This module will introduce you to the comparative approach to modern politics. We will cover theoretical and methodological approaches, giving you an understanding of these political analysis tools. You will then apply these to both authoritarian and democratic regimes. We will explore a range of political institutions and processes, and move beyond studying these in isolation to develop the analytical skill of comparison.

On this module you will investigate key issues in political philosophy, learning about the ideas of thinkers throughout the history of political thought. Through this you will learn the skills to respond to fundamental issues in political thought, questioning who should rule, why we should we obey the state, and what a just society looks like. Throughout the module you will develop your analytical skills by examining arguments and perspectives based on philosophical and conceptual frameworks. 

On this module you will examine the contemporary British state and its relationship with society, considering the impact of traditional state institutions and practices. We will also take a historical perspective, acknowledging that the political present cannot be fully understood without analysing the past. Studying political economy will also help you to understand the nature and impact of economic policy.

Explore the policies and academic practices of international development as you engage in key debates surrounding issues of global inequality and the politics of foreign aid. By delving in to both historical change and contemporary issues, you will broaden your understanding of globalisation, development and inequality. You will also engage in debates, which develop transferrable skills including communication, organisation and planning.

Security studies is an essential part of international relations, and it involves a range of approaches, traditions and debates. On this module you will develop the skills needed to critically analyse and reflect on the historical development of security threats and challenges. This will involve focusing on specific case studies, debating and discussing the policy decision making they prompted.

Our politics degree teaches you to understand not just political concepts, but also how politics is studied and researched. This module will give you an overview of the different theoretical and methodological approaches used to study the political world.

On this module you will have the chance to take part in work related learning and explore the possibilities your degree will offer for your career. We will help you to transfer the skills and knowledge you acquire throughout the course to the workplace. You can choose to complete a minimum of 10 days work experience, or focus on a work related project. It is your responsibility to find your placement, with advice on how to do this included within the module.

Explore the origins and evolution of the political ideologies that have shaped major social and political developments from the 18th century to the present day. On this module you will consider the ideological movements that have emerged as critical responses to the mainstream. The ideological traditions you study may include:

• Liberalism
• Conservatism
• Anarchism
• Nationalism
• Fascism
• Feminism
• Environmentalism
• Multiculturalism

Foreign policy is a critical aspect of the state’s external relations and engagement with the international system. It is important to understand the decision making of key actors, examining how states seek to advance their interests around the world. On this module you will explore the key actors, both individual and institutional, the contexts they operate in and the motivations and rationale behind their decisions and actions. You will approach this theoretically and conceptually, examining case studies to illustrate and evaluate approaches to foreign policy analysis.

This module focuses on the 2 main parties of government of recent years, Labour and Conservative. There will also be a consideration of nationalist parties at the devolved and national levels, as well as the rise and influence of smaller, issue-based political parties. You will also examine the fundamental function of MPs as representatives, and consider notions of good political behaviour in light of a variety of political scandals.

Democracy is the dominant form of political organisation around the world, and to study Politics it is essential to fully understand how it is put into practice. On this module you will explore the development and evolution of democracy. This includes discussions on the concept and various models of democracy, as well as the institutions (executives, legislatures, judiciaries) and processes (electoral and party systems) that rely on it. The module includes a comparative analysis of democratic states throughout the world, examining both established democracies and democracies in transition.

The European Union (EU) is one of the most significant intergovernmental organisations to have developed in the post-war period. This module examines the historical origins of European integration, using various theoretical and conceptual approaches. You will explore the institutions and policies of the EU, as well as discussing contemporary debates and issues such as the democratic deficit, enlargement and withdrawal, and the Euro.

International Relations addresses the fundamental nature of power in the international system. The approaches used in this module are essential for understanding regional, international and global events. We will introduce you to some of the major theories in international relations, such as:

• Realism
• Liberalism
• Neoliberalism
• Marxism
• Critical theory
• Constructivism
• Feminism
• Postcolonialism

Using case studies and coverage of historical and contemporary events, you will consider how you can apply these theories to developments in state relations.

On this module you will examine how political philosophy can help us to address some of the pressing political, moral and ethical issues of the 21^st century. You will learn about the impact that political philosophies can and do have on decision-makers, as well as social groups and wider society. We will discuss a wide range of philosophers and philosophies, engaging with diverse and inclusive perspectives. The issues we explore could include:

• Minority rights
• Freedom of speech
• Criminal punishment
• Global inequalities and wealth distribution
• Abortion and euthanasia
• The environment

This module involves a more detailed look at the institutions and processes of government in the UK. Through this you will gain a comprehensive knowledge of decision making and power relationships that affect the laws and policies that affect our daily lives. You will also engage with broader analysis and debate around the location of power in the British state in the context of evolving domestic, international and global developments. These may include:

• Devolution
• The UK’s relationship with Europe
• The impact of globalisation

This module focuses on the infrastructure of the British state, as well a the structures and processes of governing. You will explore the history of delegated governance in the UK, examining the theoretical and conceptual perspectives that have attempted to explain delegation. You will also address some of the fundamental issues surrounding delegation in the UK, such as:

• Autonomy and control
• Accountability
• Patronage
• Devolution

This module explores the persistence of authoritarian rule in the 21st century. You will study the characteristics of authoritarian systems, along with the structures, actors and actions that foster and maintain them. You will also consider the place of authoritarian systems in international politics, and examine their relationships with totalitarianism and democracy. This will involve using case studies to illustrate and analyse theoretical and conceptual approaches to authoritarianism.

On this module you will explore in detail the institutions, structures and processes of global governance. In particular we will focus on the institutions of the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. We will also cover regional organisations such as the European Union, and other intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations. Global issues will be examined to analyse the work of these institutions, which may include::

• Human rights
• International terrorism
• Global inequality
• The environment
• Conflict and peace