Why study BA (Hons) Politics at BU?

  • Experience a dynamic and interdisciplinary course tackling the major political challenges of our time with a focus on applying knowledge and skills to real-world situations
  • We cover a range of issues including populism, globalisation, citizenship and everyday politics, conflict and diplomacy, race, gender, identity, and social and environmental activism
  • Gain hands-on experience as political pundits, experts, fact-checkers, journalists, campaigners, and researchers through participation in public outreach projects
  • Engage with industry professionals and add valuable experience to your CV in a 4-week or 30-week placement.  
  • Be part of a community studying politics through regular events, film screenings, discussions and debates organized and led by students’ BU Politics Society.
  • You can choose units tailored to your passions and career aspirations.

Find out more about the content of this course.

Foundation Year: We have a Foundation Year option for students who do not meet the entry requirements for the degree course. This additional year of study will give you a grounding in the media & communication skills required for this course, building your confidence, knowledge and skills for further study. After successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress to the full degree. If you apply to study the full degree and do not meet the academic entry requirements, our admissions team may consider your application for the Foundation Year and notify you accordingly.

What you can achieve with a BA (Hons) Politics degree

Study Politics at BU and you will understand all aspects of politics, from the global to the grassroots level. You will gain skills to allow you to be reflective, critical and solutions-driven.

Your future career path could include frontline politics, research and advisory roles for charities, parties or activist groups, diplomacy and global political affairs within governments, global organisations or for any organisation seeking politically literate and media-savvy employees.

To get a flavour of what it’s like to study Politics at BU, you can take a look the blog run by our lecturers, featuring students’ work and news from the course.

Key information

Next start date:

September 2024, September 2025

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

3 years full-time with a 4-week placement, or 4 years full-time with a 30-week placement. Foundation year: 4 years full-time with a 4-week placement, or 5 years full-time with a 30-week placement

Required subjects:

All subjects considered

Entry requirements:

For September 2024 and September 2025 entry: 104-120 UCAS tariff points from 2 A-levels or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Foundation year: 48-72 UCAS tariff points. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

For September 2024 and September 2025 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each component or equivalent. For more information check out our International entry requirements.