BA

Politics

Key Facts

L203

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to understand how politics works so we can seek better ways to organise our societies. As the world’s first Department of International Politics we have been pioneers in the study of political power for over a hundred years. We build on this legacy today by exploring the key dynamics which shape our world, such as ideologies, political economy, social hierarchies and liberal institutions. 

Course Overview

We offer students high-quality teaching on a wide range of modules (around twenty to choose from in years 2 & 3), an intellectually stimulating but friendly environment and a real sense of community. Here you will study institutions and practices within different systems of government and also the role of other actors in the political arena, such as NGOs, international organizations, the military, and civil society. You will learn about concepts like freedom, power, injustice and democracy, as well as the impact of corruption, and how social movements shape national agendas. We take an international perspective here at Aberystwyth, so you can compare political dynamics in locations like the Middle East, Russia or the Americas, as well as studying how power operates in the EU, the UK and at the level of devolved governments.    

 As well as honing your academic skills, our modules will equip you with the know-how you’ll need for life after Uni, like writing blogs and policy briefs, giving presentations and using your creativity to solve problems. We even run role-play simulation modules every year which develop skills in negotiation, persuasion, collaboration and teamwork – all essential in the world of politics. Our graduates go into a wide range of careers, such as civil service, journalism, or working for political parties, NGOs or international organisations like the UN, as well as graduate pathways in business, industry, education and the public sector.   

 Opportunities – Politics students at Aberystwyth can:

  • Apply for our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme: an opportunity for second years to spend a six-week internship working alongside an MP in Westminster or an MS in Cardiff.
  • Join our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ – a 3-day role playing exercise in political and diplomatic manoeuvres and a highlight of the course.
  • Get involved in Department activities, like the regular ‘Roundtable’ discussions on key global events, Interpol Society activities, the student journal Interstate and our popular pizza & quiz nights. 
Our Staff

Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Exploring the International 1: Central Concepts and Core Skills * IP12420 20
Politics in the 21st Century * IP12920 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Behind the Headlines * IP12620 20
Globalization and Global Development IP12520 20
The Making of the Modern World: War Peace and Revolution since 1789 IP12820 20
War, Strategy and Intelligence IP10320 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Employability is embedded within all courses provided by us. Our degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of careers across a range of sectors. In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.

The skill sets include:

  • effective problem solving and creative thinking skills
  • information technology skills
  • an ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • time-management and organisational skills
  • communication skills, both written and oral
  • self-motivation and self-reliance.

What opportunities are there for me after I complete my degree?

Our graduates are working in the following areas:

  • the development sector
  • local and national politics
  • the Civil Service
  • Government research
  • social research
  • the third sector, such as with NGOs
  • international organisations
  • journalism.

What opportunities are there for me whilst studying at University? 

Employability is embedded across our teaching. We teach our students to aim for the career they want, not the job that they can get.

  • We operate a prestigious Parliamentary Placement scheme, enabling you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff) for a period of 4-6 weeks during the summer. During this time, you will write reports and speeches, undertake research projects, and respond to constituency issues. There may be further opportunities for you to get involved in elections and various international issues.
  • We are also home to Interstate, the oldest student-run international politics journal in the United Kingdom, providing a unique opportunity for you to publish your work (particularly advantageous if you wish to progress to postgraduate study) or gain valuable experience working as part of the editorial team. Stimulating student societies foster a strong sense of community within the department, offering a programme of political debates, visiting speakers, conferences and workshops, alongside numerous social activities such as an annual ball.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.

In the first year you will have the opportunity to discover:

  • political theory and key political ideas
  • the different methodologies to analyse topical issues in international and domestic politics
  • a range of perspectives and approaches to the study of international politics
  • contemporary political problems and how they are portrayed
  • key issues facing the Social World
  • the development and progress of international relations during the twentieth century.

In the second and third year you will have the opportunity to study issues such as:

  • political theories
  • a range of national and regional politics, such as British Politics, the Politics of Argentina, Politics in Russia, the EU, and the BRICS, as well as comparative politics
  • issues such as nationalism, devolution, global inequality, multiculturalism and the politics of language, gender, and populism in politics.

You will also write a compulsory dissertation to demonstrate your substantive knowledge in your chosen subject area.

How will I be taught?

We deliver this degree through the medium of lectures and seminars.

We will assign you a personal tutor who will be with you throughout your degree, this person will help you any problems whether these are academic-related or personal issues.

We assess our students through essays, reports, examinations, book reviews, learning logs and presentations.

We encourage our students to take part in the Crisis Games, which is a twice-yearly residential course away from Aberystwyth. Crisis games have been based on humanitarian crises, the Northern Ireland peace process, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the US presidential election, an Arctic environmental disaster, war between Russia and Georgia. The Crisis Games will allow you to learn about aspects of international politics which cannot be taught in lectures and seminars, especially the constraints which political leaders face in responding to various crises. This is no doubt, the highlight of the year. 

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM

International Baccalaureate:
30-28

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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