Frequently asked questions 
BA (Hons) Politics
Throughout this undergraduate Politics course you will learn about the structures and processes of British politics and other major political systems, as well as the ideas which have driven people to try to change the world.
Modules reflect the fact that politics in the 21st Century both takes place at the global level and is experienced in everyday life: in struggles against discrimination and in our interactions as consumers, workers, readers and viewers. The course encourages you to engage directly as political theorists by doing your own independent research, culminating in the production of a final-year dissertation on a topic of your own choice.
You can also get a taste of Politics at NTU by following our voting reform blog or lecturer Dr Matt Ashton's Politics blog.
Please note the following information for applicants
BA (Hons) Politics course content
The course offers you flexibility, choice and specialisation. The core modules cover the areas of Politics Science and Politics Theory.
Year One
Core modules include:
- Political Ideologies in Conflict
- British Political History from Civil War to EU
- British Politics - Governing in a Global Age
- Global Politics.
Optional modules
Choose one from a selection that currently includes:
- Sociology
- Social Policy
- Foreign Language.
Year Two
Core modules include:
- Researching Politics
- Great Political Thinkers From Plato to Rawls.
Optional modules
Choose three from a selection that currently includes:
- Comparative European Politics
- From Lenin to Castro - World Communism in the 20th Century
- Politics European Integration
- Identity, Class and Nation.
Alternatively you can select a module from a related discipline: Sociology, Criminology, Social Policy, or a Foreign Language.
On the Researching Politics module in Year Two you will have the opportunity to gain work experience with a number of local and national organisations, with your work reports forming part of the assessment.
Year Three
Core module include a dissertation.
Optional modules
Choose four from a selection that currently includes:
- Solidarity, Cosmopolitanism and Global Citizenship
- The Politics of Everyday Life
- Power and Politics in the European Union
- German Democracy and Dictatorships
- Russian Politics and Society
- Hyperpower Politics - The USA
- Understanding Policy Environments.
Alternatively you can select a module from a related discipline: Sociology, Criminology, Social Policy or a Foreign Language.
As part of the University's 2007 Quality Assurance procedures, the politics area was deemed excellent in all respects. The subject review concluded that there is:
- clear evidence of an organised, passionate and enthusiastic team who inspire students
- extensive research-informed and research-based teaching activity which is a clear strength, is fully incorporated into the curriculum, and brings a dynamic component to teaching styles.
Erasmus
The BA (Hons) Politics course is developing its Erasmus links and students will have the opportunity to spend the second term of their second year studying at various European universities. Teaching is in English and funding is provided by the European Union Erasmus Office. Credits achieved at a European University or institution will count towards your final degree. Students return to complete their final year at NTU.
We are also a partner of the State University of New York (SUNY) in the Federation of European Simulation Societies (EUROSIM) network which runs an annual simulation game, alternately in the USA and Europe.
Assessment
Various assessment methods are employed, including essays, examinations, presentations and reports.
Your future career in politics
We've got an excellent employability record. 94% of our graduates* from full-time undergraduate courses are employed or engaged in further study six months after leaving.
(*of those available for work, HESA survey 2009 / 10)
The job titles below give an indication of the careers our recent Politics graduates are following:
- Assistant to a member of the European Parliament
- Conservation Assistant
- Democracy and Education Officer
- Events Manager
- Local Government Officer
- Policy Adviser
- Support Officer - Performance and Information
- Trainee Accountant.
Data extracted from: Nottingham Trent University, Graduate Destinations Database 2006 - 2010.
One of the great advantages of taking the Politics degree is that it encourages the development of transferable skills such as the ability to think, analyse and communicate. Successful completion of the course also suggests to employers that you have a good knowledge of current affairs and global issues.
The BA (Hons) Politics undergraduate course is developing its Erasmus links and students will have the opportunity to spend the second term of their second year studying at various European universities. Teaching is in English and funding is provided by the European Union Erasmus Office. Credits achieved at a European University or institution will count towards your final degree. Students return to complete their final year at NTU. We are also a partner of the State University of New York (SUNY) in the Federation of European Simulation Societies (EUROSIM) network which runs an annual simulation game, alternately in the USA and Europe.
On the Researching Politics module in Year Two you will have the opportunity to gain work experience with a number of local and national organisations, with your work reports forming part of the assessment.
Entry requirements
- 280 minimum UCAS Tariff points achieved from a maximum of three A-levels or equivalent qualification.
- Five GCSEs grade C or above
- GCSE English Language and Maths or Science grade C or above
English language entry requirements
See the English language entry requirements for courses at the School of Social Sciences and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University.
Application and selection
Selection is based on the application form. All applicants and potential applicants are encouraged to attend one of our open days. Applications are made through UCAS where you can apply directly online. Mature or international students can find out more about applying by calling +44 (0)115 848 4460. We have a strong commitment to maintaining access for all to higher education. We recognise the need to invest financially in the future of our students, so we have introduced a system of bursaries aimed at enabling home students from lower income families to undertake a degree course. For information about Nottingham Trent University bursaries please visit the Fees and funding pages.
Contact us
Email
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4460
School of Social Sciences website
