BA Politics (Including Foundation Year) - Politics Degree
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BA Politics (Including Foundation Year) program at the University of Essex is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides a thorough grounding in political science. During the foundation year, students receive a comprehensive introduction to the major areas of political science, preparing them for further undergraduate study. The program's faculty includes experts in political science and international relations, and graduates are in demand from a host of employers, including in politics, the civil service, and NGOs. The program is ranked in the top 100 globally and top 10 in the UK for politics and international studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2024).
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The BA Politics (Including Foundation Year) program at the University of Essex is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides a thorough grounding in political science. The program is designed to develop students' subject-specific knowledge and improve their academic skills. During the foundation year (Year Zero), students receive a comprehensive introduction to the major areas of political science, preparing them for further undergraduate study.
Outline:
Year 0
- Component 01: Core
- Analysing the Social and Political World (30 CREDITS)
- Component 02: Core
- Research and Academic Development Skills (30 CREDITS)
- Component 03: Core
- Understanding People and Society (30 CREDITS)
- Component 04: Core
- Knowing Your World from Language to Politics (30 CREDITS)
Year 1
- Component 01: Core
- Introduction to Politics (30 CREDITS)
- Component 02: Compulsory
- Introduction to International Relations (15 CREDITS)
- Component 03: Compulsory
- Truth, Justice, and The Nature of Politics (15 CREDITS)
- Component 04: Optional
- Option(s) from list or Outside Option(s) (30 CREDITS)
- Component 05: Optional
- Social Science option(s) (30 CREDITS)
- Component 06: Compulsory
- Career Portfolio (0 CREDITS)
- Component 07: Compulsory
- Doing Political Research (0 CREDITS)
Year 2
- Component 01: Compulsory with Options
- GV207-5-AU or GV252-5-SP (15 CREDITS)
- Component 02: Optional
- 2nd year Politics option(s) (45 CREDITS)
- Component 03: Optional
- 2nd year Politics option(s) or outside option(s) (30 CREDITS)
- Component 04: Optional
- 2nd year Politics option(s) (30 CREDITS)
- Component 05: Compulsory
- Career Portfolio (0 CREDITS)
- Component 06: Compulsory
- Issues in Politics: Final Year Project preparation (0 CREDITS)
Year 3
- Component 01: Compulsory with Options
- Capstone Project (30 CREDITS)
- Component 02: Optional
- Final year Politics option(s) (30 CREDITS)
- Component 03: Optional
- Final year Politics option(s) (30 CREDITS)
- Component 04: Optional
- Politics option(s) or outside option(s) (30 CREDITS)
- Component 05: Compulsory
- Career Portfolio (0 CREDITS)
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the program include essays, reports, in-class tests, individual or group oral presentations, and small-scale research projects.
Teaching:
Teaching methods in the program include lectures, classes, lab sessions, language classes, and small group classes. The program's faculty includes experts in political science and international relations.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are in demand from a host of employers, including in politics, the civil service, management, journalism, police, armed forces, commerce, business, finance, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), teaching, and graduate research.
Other:
- The program is ranked in the top 100 globally and top 10 in the UK for politics and international studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2024).
- The program is 6th in the UK for research power in politics and international studies (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).
- The program is 27th in the UK for Politics (Guardian University Guide 2024).
- The program works with the University's Student Development Team to help students find work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
Home/UK fee £9,250 per year International fee £19,500 per year Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
University of Essex
Overview:
The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.Student Support:
A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.Careers and Employability:
The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.Essex Sport:
A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.Faith:
The university provides support for students of all faiths.Cost of Living Support:
The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Reputation:
The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.Excellent Research:
The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.Excellent Student Support:
The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.Beautiful Campus:
The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.Academic Programs:
The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.Postgraduate Programs:
The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.Short Courses and CPD:
The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.Other:
The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.
The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.
Entry Requirements:
UK and EU applicants:
- All applications for degree courses with a foundation year (Year Zero) will be considered individually, whether you:
- think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course;
- have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you haven’t studied A-levels or a BTEC);
- are returning to university after some time away from education; or
- are looking for more support during the transition into university study.
- Standard offer: Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent. Examples of the above tariff may include:
- A-levels: DDD
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP
- T-levels: Pass with E in core
Mature applicants and non-traditional academic backgrounds:
- We welcome applications from mature students (over 21) and students with non-traditional academic backgrounds (might not have gone on from school to take level 3 qualifications).
- We will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference, to gain a rounded view of your suitability for the course.
International applicants:
- Essex Pathways Department is unable to accept applications from international students. Foundation pathways for international students are available at the University of Essex International College and are delivered and awarded by Kaplan, in partnership with the University of Essex. Successful completion will enable you to progress to the relevant degree course at the University of Essex.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English:
- IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept. Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
- If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
- Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.
