Politics, Sexuality and Gender BA(Hons)

Program Overview

The Politics, Sexuality and Gender BA(Hons) degree at the University of Brighton explores the intersection of sexuality, gender, and politics. Through a combination of theoretical and practical modules, students gain a deep understanding of key issues such as reproductive politics, trans* rights, and feminist theory. The program prepares graduates for careers in various fields, including politics, law, education, and activism.

Program Outline

Politics, Sexuality and Gender BA(Hons)

Degree Overview:

Core modules draw on feminist, queer, and trans theory, giving you a solid knowledge base. Option choices allow you to shape your studies to reflect your interests.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Foundations in World Politics: This module introduces you to a critical historical perspective on the modern international political system.
You will examine how the peoples and governments of the world came to be linked through an imperial system by exploring major world events and processes of global history.
• Introduction to the Global Challenges Lab: Supported by a tutor, you'll design and conduct a research project that addresses one of the global challenges identified by the UN's sustainable development goals.
You will be introduced to theoretical and conceptual approaches related to the field, with an emphasis on how political activity in this area has transformed political agendas and produced new ways of understanding the world. You'll take part in field trips, Q+As with political actors, and engagement with political communications. You'll also be introduced to methods of data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis. Drawing on a range of approaches, you'll explore how inequalities related to sexuality and gender are inscribed and mobilized in national and global contexts related to citizenship, including law and policy.

Year 2:

• UK Politics: Develop your understanding of Britain’s political system in its present form, exploring the roles of political parties, the media, and parliament, along with the challenges they face.
• Gender, Race and the Environment: This module examines the interconnections between gender, race and the environment, critically exploring the ways in which these factors intersect to produce both inequalities and possibilities for more just and sustainable futures.
• We, the People: This module explores the relationship between democracy and the people, including the nature of political representation, the role of social movements, and the challenges of political participation.
• Unruly Bodies: Understanding and Contesting Normativity: This module explores how norms around bodies, sex, and gender are constructed and contested, examining the ways in which these norms shape individual and collective lives.

Assessment:

Assessment methods and criteria will be dependent on the specific modules selected. It is expected that methods may include:

• Essays
• Presentations
• Group work
• Examinations
• Reflective writing
• Research projects
• Creative projects

Teaching:

The program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study. The teaching team is composed of experienced academics and practitioners who are experts in their fields. The program also benefits from a strong network of visiting speakers and guest lecturers.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the public, private, and voluntary sectors. Graduates may pursue careers in:

• Politics and government
• Policy development
• Law
• Education
• Research
• Media and communications
• International development
• Human rights
• Activism
• Social work
• Community development
• Arts and culture

Other:

• The program is offered full-time over three years.
• The program is offered part-time over four years.
• The program is accredited by the British Sociological Association.
• The program is offered on a modular basis, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests.
• The program is a member of the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Network.
• The program is ranked 1st in the UK for Politics in the National Student Survey 2023.

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP International (full-time) 15,900 GBP