BA (Hons) Politics

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Introduction to our Politics degree

Politics is the art or science of government, the jockeying of groups with different interests to get allocated the resources, power, lifestyle or identity they want recognised. Focus on real-life political decision-making and policies, and discover how international politics shapes all of our lives, by studying our BA (Hons) Politics degree in Cambridge.

Alumni success

Politics BA (Hons) graduate Natasha discusses her ARU journey and landing her 'dream role' working on Irish policy control with the UK Civil Service.

Natasha's story

On this Politics course you’ll study the practical and theoretical aspects of modern politics and international relations, and thereby gain insights into our past, present and future on both a local and global scale.

You’ll examine relevant political debates from a historical, philosophical and sociological perspective.

In doing so, we‘ll go beyond the ‘high politics’ of traditional theories and the workings of parliaments. Instead, you’ll be able to develop your own specialisms in areas such as global diplomacy, international relations, and international issues like climate change; protest movements like Black Lives Matter; the devolution of power away from central government; the politics of the new media; the politics of gender, and the place of race in modern society.

Our specialist modules such as Race, Racism and Cultural Identity, Wrestling with Trump: the WWE and Modern Political Culture, and Politics and Social Media will allow you to engage with contemporary issues, developing a deeper understanding of modern politics.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

Facilities and accreditation

Outstanding student support

Join our student community in Cambridge and:

  • learn from expert tutors including historians, sociologists and political scientists
  • develop your own specialisms with a range of optional modules
  • choose to study in the USA for a semester, and apply for funding to help cover the cost
  • benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
  • access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.

Careers

Our BA (Hons) Politics graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including local government, charities, NGOs, and European and international organisations and agencies. You might also explore career paths in public service, the criminal justice system, future energy policy and planning, security, negotiation and peacekeeping, or communication and media.

As part of your degree you have the option to learn a language, through our Anglia Language Programme. This can boost your employability in international areas such as UN conflict resolution and diplomacy.

You could also learn more, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research with our MA International Relations, MA Sociology or MA Criminology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Apply now for BA (Hons) Politics

Life in Cambridge

Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

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Foundation year available

This course offers a foundation year – an extra year of study to help you prepare for university, and build your knowledge and skills.

More about foundation years

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