Political Studies
Factfile
| Typical Entry Requirements | A level grades BBB (300 points) |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | One social science or humanities subject preferred. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for non-native-English speaking applicants. See also our International Foundation Year. |
| Other Suitable Qualifications | BTEC National Diploma - DDM A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis such as HND, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish qualifications, Access Diplomas and Foundation courses. |
|---|---|
| Planned Intake | 58 |
| Selection Process | Offers are made on the basis of grades. Please note that we do not include General Studies in our offers. Suitable applicants are invited for a visit to the Department. This visit is a great opportunity for you to find out more about our programme and interact with our academic staff and students. Applicants based overseas, who are unable to visit, can make individual arrangments with our admissions tutor. |
A Politics degree from the University of Surrey gives you the opportunity to study power in the real world and develop the skills to make sense of that world. You will learn to apply political ideas to real-world concerns at an international, national and local level. You will benefit from being taught by staff engaged in international-quality research and whose teaching has been rated as excellent.
A unique feature of Surrey education is the professional placement. As a Politics student at Surrey, you will have the opportunity of spending a professional training year with an organisation committed to social or political change. This can be a voluntary sector organisation, a government or local authority department, an MP or MEP, or an international organisation.
Further information
Degree Programmes
BA (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BA (Hons) Politics | L200 | 3/4* years |
| BA (Hons) International Politics | L290 | 3/4* years |
| BA (Hons) Politics with Policy Studies | L2L4 | 3/4* years |
| BA (Hons) International Politics and English for International Communication | LQ23 - Subject to validation | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) International Politics with English for International Communication | L2Q3 - Subject to validation | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) International Politics and French | LR21 - Subject to validation | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) International Politics with French | L2R1 - Subject to validation | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) International Politics and German | LR22 - Subject to validation | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) International Politics with German | L2R2 - Subject to validation | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) International Politics and Spanish | LR24 - Subject to validation | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) International Politics with Spanish | L2R4 - Subject to validation | 4* years |
Our Degrees
Politics is about people and power: who gets it, how they use it, and what makes a society fair. Our innovative degrees focus on the active role citizens can play in shaping politics internationally, nationally and locally.
You will explore why some people are ‘more equal than others’, how power is organised in different kinds of society, and why some issues become the target of policies. You will discover how you can ‘make a difference’ in your organisation or community, and about the social and political movements which change societies. There is a strong international flavour – you will learn about politics in other countries and about why states and nations sometimes go to war but often manage to co-exist in peace.
As a Politics student at Surrey you will be able to choose a number of programmes to match your developing interests. You can choose to study: Politics, International Politics, Politics with Policy Studies, or International Politics with/and Languages (German, French, Spanish, or English for International Communication).
The Politics degree is broad-based and allows you to pick up options from a wide range of different areas. The two more specialised degrees in International Politics or Politics with Policy studies ensure that you develop a solid foundation in political ideas, principles and methods, and in addition give you the opportunity to follow more optional modules in your area of particular interest.
These three degrees share a common first year, and you will be able to change your pathway up until the end of your first year of study. International Politics with Languages allows students to study politics while advancing their language skills in German, Spanish, French or English as international communication.
BA Politics
A distinctive feature of our Politics programme is its applied nature and its emphasis on bringing about political and social change, whether at a local, national or international level. You will be introduced to a range of concepts, approaches and methods in the areas of political, international and policy studies, and will be able to explore the ways in which the meaning of concepts such as ‘justice’, ‘equality’ and ‘liberty’ are hotly contested.
You will learn about the causes of war and peace as well as how different societies are governed and how international relations between states can be organised. As your knowledge and understanding of theory and analysis in politics develop, you will be encouraged to relate your academic study to questions of public concern, and to think critically about events, ideas and institutions in contemporary society. Indeed, by the end of the programme you will be well prepared to engage positively and effectively in the full range of political activities.
The structure of the optional elements of the programme is left open, so that you can follow your own path through the subject, making connections between subjects as diverse as political theory, terrorism, comparative government and political psychology.
BA International Politics
On this programme you build further on the core modules in political, international and policy studies by focusing on the study of political relations and structures in an international context. The programme introduces you to a variety of social and political issues that drive debates about international affairs.
You will explore national, regional and transnational trends through international relations theory and the analysis of a wide range of case studies. You will have the opportunity to examine questions of international security, globalisation, environmental policy and international governance, among others. In particular, your dissertation at Level 3 will allow you to explore an aspect of international politics in significant depth, while also demonstrating your use of research and presentation skills.
The programme takes an interdisciplinary approach throughout, serving as a bridge for students from different disciplines and raising awareness of current socio-political trends. This approach – along with the opportunity to take a professional training year – will help to prepare you for work and research in an international setting.
BA Politics with Policy Studies
If you choose this degree you will gain a good grounding in political studies, but will focus more specifically on the welfare of people and explore how society deals with social needs and problems. In particular, you will have the opportunity to investigate how government action (and inaction) affects us all at some time or another. You will be encouraged to engage critically with key ideas underpinning policy debates, and consider relations between society, social problems and policy responses.
You will gain an understanding of key welfare state institutions in the UK, and how these compare to their counterparts in other European countries. Building on the foundations in political, international and policy studies, you will explore the nature of inequalities and the distribution of power locally, nationally and internationally. You will also analyse various methods of ‘making a difference’ and promoting beneficial change in society. A close focus on social action and the opportunity to spend a professional training year working with an organisation in the policy field will ensure that you are prepared for employment in this area and are capable of participating effectively in the policy process.
BA International Politics with/and Languages
Our four new joint and four new combined International Politics with/and Languages degrees (German, French, Spanish and English for International Communication), starting in September 2009, offer you the opportunity to gain expertise in politics, develop your command of one of the above foreign languages and acquire an understanding of intercultural communication.
The programmes are designed for post A level (or equivalent) full-time students who are interested in politics and hold A levels in German, French or Spanish. In addition international students with a high level of proficiency in English can select a pathway in English for International Communication.
The programmes allow you to enhance your study of political phenomena while studying a language in its socio-political and cultural contexts during a placement year at an institution in the country related to their focus of study.
Programme Overview
Our programmes are designed to make sure that along with your chosen specialisation, you get a full grounding in the discipline as a whole. In addition, we also take great care to provide you with a wide set of practical skills that will serve you well, whatever you decide to do after your degree.
At Level 1, whichever degree you choose, you will study six compulsory modules. These will provide you with a solid background in political, international and policy studies, and in fundamental academic skills. Because this Level is the same for all our programmes, if you decide to change programme as your knowledge and interests develop, then you will not be missing out by making such a switch at this stage.
At Level 2 you will build on Level 1 by studying two further compulsory modules. You will also choose two optional modules (one of which will be specified for you if you have chosen to follow a particular degree pathway), where you begin to develop your own interests.
All our programmes have the option of a professional training year after Level 2, where you can either take a politics-related work placement or study politics overseas. In both cases, this placement will allow you to apply and develop your understanding, as well as discover new approaches and elements.
At Level 3 you will have much more choice in the modules you study and you will be encouraged to follow your own interests. You will be required to take a compulsory dissertation (40 credits) plus one compulsory module related to your pathway (20 credits) as follows: Contemporary Political and Social Theory (for the BA Politics degree); IR and Globalisation (for the BA International Politics degree); Policy Making in Practice (for the BA Politics with Policy Studies degree). The above modules are optional for the other pathways.
By the end of the programme, you will have both a deep understanding of your chosen field and the skills to use that knowledge to best effect. With our broad range of learning and teaching strategies, you will find that you gain a well-rounded and coherent appreciation of the key questions and approaches to this vital and vibrant subject.
Programme Structure
Level 1
Compulsory modules include:
• Introduction to Politics and International Relations
• Introduction to Social and Political Theory
• Social Problems and Social Policy
• Contemporary International History
• Introduction to Study and Research Skills
• British Politics
Level 2
Compulsory modules include:
• Comparative Government and Politics
• Research Theories and Methods
Optional modules include:
• Political Ideologies and Representations
• The International System
• Social Policy Analysis
• Idea of Europe
• International Political Economy
• Global and Regional Governance of Security and Defence
Level P
• Optional professional training year
Level 3
Compulsory modules include:
• Dissertation
• One module related to your pathway
Optional modules include:
• Political Psychology and Electoral Behaviour
• International Relations and Political Economy of the Asia Pacific
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• Engendering World Politics
• Terrorism and Counter-terrorism
• Negotiating Politics
• International Environmental Politics
• Global and Regional Governance of Security and Defence
• Political Communication and Public Opinion
Professional Training
You are encouraged to enrol on a four-year degree and spend your third year on professional placement (for example, in the voluntary sector, a government or local authority department, working for an MP or MEP, or participating in an internship offered by international or European organisations). Your period on professional training is closely linked to the content of your degree and also enables you to develop a range of relevant transferrable skills which will enhance your employability.
Recent students have spent their placements helping to develop London transport policy at Transport for London, gaining experience of political lobbying through public relations agencies in London and Brussels, working at the Office of the London Mayor and at the local branch of the Conservative Party.
Ten reasons to study Political Studies at Surrey
- Applies political ideas to real-world concerns - international, national, local
- Opportunity to spend professional training year with organisation committed to social or political change
- Emphasis on 'making a difference’ and active participation in politics and policy
- Strong focus on international politics
- Innovative teaching methods - including simulations of political negotiations
- Good ratio of staff to students
- Excellent teaching and research quality ratings
- Departmental staff engaged in international-level research
- Excellent preparation for a wide range of graduate careers
- Excellent tutorial staff as well as dedicated pastoral and professional development support
Top for Jobs
Graduates over the last few years entered employment in roles such as:
• YMCA - PA to Business Development Manager
• Houses of Parliament - Researcher
• International Institute for Strategic Studies - Researcher
• Surrey County Council - Care Worker
Teaching
Our department’s excellence in teaching has been recognised with a number of awards and fellowships.
As part of the SCEPTrE scheme – which aims to promote excellence in Professional Training (placement learning) and enhance students’ experiences through enquiry-rich approaches – our department has been awarded fellowships to develop negotiation-based learning (Simon Usherwood, 2007), to incorporate survey design in teaching political psychology and electoral behaviour (Tereza Capelos, 2008), to develop enquiry-based learning (Jason Abbott, 2008), and to establish an enquiry-based learning group (Maxine David and Roberta Guerrina, 2008).
As part of the Teaching with New Technologies (TeNT) scheme – which encourages teachers to experiment with emerging technology – the department has received awards to work with interactive whiteboards (Simon Usherwood, 2007), to use Second Life to collect public opinion data (Tereza Capelos, 2008), to use social networking websites (Jason Abbott, 2008), and to develop a wiki for EU self-study (Roberta Guerrina and Maxine David, 2008).
Erasmus
It is also possible to spend your third year on study exchange with one of our European partner universities. These include the Universities of Aarhus and Copenhagen in Denmark and the University of Cyprus.
The advantages of participation in the Erasmus exchange scheme are numerous. They include exposure to a different culture and the challenges of living in a new country, the opportunity to learn a new language and experience new teaching practices and approaches to political science/ international relations. These challenges and experiences ensure that students emerge from the Erasmus year with increased self-confidence and widened employment opportunities that derive from their improved language competencies and communication skills. Students also acquire a fresh perspective on their subject matter that significantly improves performance in their final year.
Politics Research Seminar
The Politics Department sponsors a regular Research Seminar Series, which meets every two weeks during term time and brings together academic staff and postgraduate and undergraduate students from our university. The purpose of the research seminar is to provide a forum for the presentation of cutting-edge research papers and to increase awareness among or students about developments in diverse themes of research in the field today. We invite high-profile UK and international scholars who present their work and stimulate discussions with the audience. All members of the university community are welcome to participate. For more information, visit our website.
Student Advisor
Students might be faced with any number or type of issues unrelated to their academic work, which nevertheless have repercussions for their academic performance. Our professional student advisor staff provides a listening ear, coordinates a departmental response or puts in place a practical programme of action when necessary.
Peer Mentoring
For some students entering their first year at university, the prospect of starting a course in a new environment may seem daunting. In a bid to ease this transition, the Politics Department offers a peer mentoring scheme where current students provide support to new arrivals. Natalie de Freitas (3rd year student) adds: “The student mentors aim to offer advice about studying and settling into university life as an alternative mode of support in a relaxed and relatable fashion. We mentors aim to advise our peers using our own experiences, mistakes and successes in order to provide an alternative form of support for new students who are starting their own exciting university experience, just as we did.”
Active in Outreach
Our department is engaged in several stimulating outreach projects and opens its doors to students of local schools and colleges. Regular activities involve giving research-related talks to secondary education institutions and neighbouring universities, contributing to the Education Liaison programme, organizing a Question Time event, holding Mock United Nations and similar projects on British electoral politics, coordinating an annual essay prize, participating in the BA Festival of Science and launching a survey of British politics and electoral preferences in the wider Surrey community.
Research in the Department
Members of the Department research and publish on a range of topics, covering areas such as Citizenship and Policy Studies, Defence and Security, European Politics, Political Communication and the Media, Political Psychology, Politics of South East Asia, Political Theory, and Social Exclusion. Your studies will therefore incorporate the latest thinking and research, with teaching delivered by leading experts.
Dr. Jason Abbott is a specialist in Southeast Asian politics and international political economy, while Dr Rachel Brooks’ research focuses on young people and social policy. Dr Tereza Capelos’ current research areas include reputation management, political scandals and accountability, mass media and civic competence. Mrs Maxine David is a specialist in Foreign Policy Analysis whose published work includes research into Russia as a marginal state. Dr. Tom Dyson is a specialist in defence, security and foreign policy analysis, while Professor Chris Flood has carried out theoretical and empirical work on political ideology and mythology. Dr Roberta Guerrina is a specialist in European Union government and politics, and Dr Simon Usherwood has published on various aspects of opposition to the European Union in France and the United Kingdom. Professor Peter Jarvis is editor of the International Journal of Lifelong Education, and Professor Mark Olssen’s recent articles have addressed the political philosophy of liberalism.
The Department also has close links with the Centre for Research on Nationalism, Ethnicity and Multiculturalism (CRONEM).
Contact Details
T: 0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681681
What our students say
Student Profile: Steve Cottingham
BA Politics Level 3
I chose Surrey because it has a good reputation for graduate employment and the fact that I could travel to the University by local public transport.
The campus is compact enough to reach all of its parts within a reasonable time by walking, yet diverse enough to have a lake, large expanse of green area and facilities that you would expect to find in a ‘village’ atmosphere – yet it’s in the county town of Surrey!
As a mature student, I thought that I might not fit in with my young classmates, yet I should have had no worries at all. The teaching experience is really good, with our lecturers having a wonderful breadth of knowledge within their area of expertise. The Department is friendly, with approachable and helpful staff.
Since being at Surrey I have been involved in the University’s football club and recently I was elected chair of the Students’ Union sports executive. I have also written articles for the student newspaper barefacts, and have graced the radio studios of BBC Southern Counties and our own station GU2, to talk about being a mature student at Surrey.
On graduation I would like to put my Politics degree to good use and perhaps work for a local charity or an NGO. The course will have given me some advantages in marrying together my past experiences in work with the skills I have gained from the degree programme.
Student Profile: Roxanna Nazemi
BA Politics Level 3
When attending Surrey, the campus really did help ease me into university life. Everything is easily accessible and there are always people about to direct you to the right building. There are several bars and restaurants as well as the all-important Union Club, which occasionally plays host to famous DJs and bands.
Although I am among the first students to be taking a straight Politics degree at Surrey, the reputation of its predecessor, European Studies, was very positive. The prospect of a small department also appealed; with less than 30 people in the Department for my particular year, there is a real sense of familiarity between students.
Perhaps my favourite aspect of the course is the fortnightly seminars that take place for each module; with no more than 15 students per seminar, it is the perfect opportunity for debate and discussion in an intimate, informal setting.
The optional third-year placement has been the perfect opportunity to put my acquired skills into practice, and hone them further. I would strongly recommend undertaking a professional training year; it is as important to learn that you do not wish to pursue a career in a particular field as it is to establish that you do.
In addition to my studies, there are many ways in which I fill my time: attending theatre performances and live music shows; travelling as far and often as possible; reading, sports and, last but by no means least, socialising with the many people I have met here at Surrey!
