BA Politics
About this course
BA (Hons) in Politics, a politics and international relations degree centred on the study of political institutions, ideas, and governance systems from local to global levels. Core topics include Research Methods, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course includes a practical work-related learning module in the second year and a compulsory independent dissertation in the final year. Throughout the three years, students examine foundational concepts before progressing to advanced study. The first year introduces core themes through compulsory modules such as Foundations of Politics and International Relations, Understanding World Politics, International Security, and British Politics: Continuity and Change. The second year builds methodological and practical proficiencies through modules including Political Analysis: Theory and Method and Practical Politics, alongside optional choices covering political ideologies, parties, and democratic systems. In the final year, students complete a Dissertation alongside optional modules spanning authoritarianism, global governance, state power, and international conflict.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements: 104 UCAS Tariff points; and 3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Skilled trades occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 15%
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 60%
- East Midlands: 5%
- Wales: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 94%
- Baccalaureate: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 3%
- No formal qualifications: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundations of Politics and International Relations
- Understanding World Politics
- International Security
- British Politics: Continuity and Change
- Sustainable Development and the Global South
- Political Philosophy: Themes and Thinkers
- Political Analysis: Theory and Method
- Practical Politics
- Political Ideologies
- The Conservative Party
- Democracies
- Elections and Voters in British Politics
- International Relations: Theory and Practice
- The European Union in Crisis
- Dissertation
- Authoritarianism
- Global Governance in a Changing World Order
- The Labour Party
- Governance and Power in the British State
- Global Justice
- Britain in Crisis
- Theorising Culture War: Media, Hegemony, Ideology
- Gender, Security and Conflict
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Politics at York St John University earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £20,000 after 3 years, £21,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £17,000 and £29,000. The £21,500 median after five years is £12,500 less than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of BA Politics at York St John University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Politics at York St John University?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Politics at York St John University?
The average entrant had 98 UCAS points.
Does BA Politics at York St John University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Politics at York St John University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.