University of Stirling United Kingdom

BA (Hons) Politics

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Politics degree at the University of Stirling invites you to critically examine the forces that shape our world, from local governance to global power dynamics. You will explore diverse political systems, ideologies, and the complex interplay between people, power, and the state. This programme is ideal for students eager to understand the theoretical underpinnings and practical realities of political decision-making, and to develop the analytical skills necessary to engage with contemporary political challenges. You will gain a strong foundation in political concepts and ideas, preparing you for informed civic participation and further academic study.

You will study this full-time, on-campus undergraduate degree over four years, engaging with compulsory modules such as 'People, Power, and the State' and 'Political Concepts and Ideas', alongside a wide range of optional subjects allowing you to tailor your learning. Throughout your studies, you will develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills through coursework, seminars, and a significant dissertation in your final year. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Politics are well-prepared for careers in government, public administration, journalism, international relations, and the third sector, equipped with a nuanced understanding of political processes and policy.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) Politics program offers a comprehensive exploration of political theory, concepts, and international relations. You will delve into the nature of power, the role of the state, and the dynamics of global politics. The curriculum also examines key political thinkers and contemporary political issues, providing a robust understanding of the field.

1 Year One: Semester One

People, Power, and the State: An Introduction to Politics Compulsory
Accounting and Finance for Managers
Our Blue Planet
Ecology: An Introduction
Introduction to Computing Science
Economic Decision Making and Markets
Why is the world like this? Economic perspectives on society
Introduction to Education: Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology
Introduction to Literary Studies: Genre
Building Planet Earth
Financial Markets and Institutions
Personal Finance
Media 1: An Introduction to Media Studies and Industries
The French-Speaking World 1
Introductory French 1
People and the Environment
Renaissance Reformation and Revolution: Scotland 1542-1715
The Making of Modern Britain 1707 to 2000: An Introduction
Introduction to Journalism Studies
Language and Society
Mathematics I
Discrete Structures
The Global Business Environment: An Introduction
Philosophy: What is it all About?
Religion in the Modern World
Spanish and Latin American Studies 1
Introductory Spanish 1
Introduction to Sociology and Criminology
Introduction to Chinese Culture and Society

2 Year One: Semester Two

Political Concepts and Ideas Compulsory
Our Thirsty Planet: Man and the Aquatic Environment
Introduction to Physiology
Programming and User Interface Design
Introduction to Data Science
Understanding the Wider Economy
Introductory Economics
Introduction to Education: Politics, Policy and Practice
Introduction to Literary Studies: Theories & Approaches
Landscape Evolution
The Moving Image
The French-Speaking World 2
Introductory French 2
Global Environmental Issues
Concepts of History: Themes and Transformations
Ethical Issues in Journalism
Foundations of Language
Practical Statistics
Mathematics II
The Management Challenge: An Introduction
How Should We Live?: Philosophy, Ethics, and Life
Religion Colonialism and Nationalism
Spanish and Latin American Studies 2
Introductory Spanish 2
Applying a Social Policy Lens
Mandarin Language and Culture
Wicked Problems, Sustainable Solutions

3 Year Two: Semester One

Understanding International Politics Compulsory
Introduction to Aquatic Environments
Evolution and Genetics
Digital Media and Culture
Scripting for Data Science
Economic Decision Making and Markets
Literary Revolutions
Financial Markets and Institutions
Personal Finance
Reading Film & Television
The French-Speaking World 1
The French-Speaking World 3
Introductory French 1
Intermediate French
Biogeography: An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach
Renaissance Reformation and Revolution: Scotland 1542-1715
The Making of Modern Britain 1707 to 2000: An Introduction
The key to the kingdom: the history and heritage of Stirling
Reputations in History
People Management
Language and the Brain
Analysis I
Fundamentals of Sustainability in Management
Fundamentals of Marketing
From Plato to Existentialism
Philosophy: What is it all About?
People, Power, and the State: An Introduction to Politics
The Social Mind
Religion and Culture: Problems of Representation
Spanish and Latin American Studies 1
Spanish and Latin American Studies 3
Introductory Spanish 1
Intermediate Spanish
Understanding Global Sport

4 Year Two: Semester Two

Great Political Thinkers Compulsory
Comparative Politics - States, People, Power
Science of Diving
Fact-checking and Fake News
Biodiversity
The Organisation of Business
Managing Information
Systems
Programming Language Paradigms
Statistics for Economics, Business and Management
Writing and History: Scotland and Empire
Writing and Theory
Writing and Language
The Biosphere
Finance II
Digital Media and Culture
The French-Speaking World 2
The French-Speaking World 4
Introductory French 2
Environmental Resilience
Rebellion and Enlightenment: Scotland 1713 to 1815
Operations Management
Practical Statistics
Numerical Analysis
Linear Algebra
Socially Responsible Marketing
Knowledge and Mind
Moral Theory
Research Methods
Brain and Behaviour
Inventing Religion: Origins, Methods and Critique
Global Retailing in Society
Statistical Techniques
Spanish and Latin American Studies 2
Spanish and Latin American Studies 4
Introductory Spanish 2
The Development of Social Theory
Foundations of Sport Development and Coaching
Mandarin Language and Culture
Wicked Problems, Sustainable Solutions

5 Year Three: Semester One

Global Development
International Politics
Nations and Nationalism
Global Political Economy
The Politics of Justice Equality and Rights
Politics and Policymaking in Scotland
Urban Politics and Policy
Religion and Politics in China: From Premodern to Contemporary Times

6 Year Three: Semester Two

Research Methods in Politics Compulsory
From World War to Cold War: Europe 1944 - 1989/90
Leadership and Leaders in Contemporary Politics
Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Problems in International Politics
Political Islam

7 Year Four: Semester One

Politics Dissertation
Global Development
International Politics
Nations and Nationalism
Global Political Economy
The Politics of Justice Equality and Rights
Politics and Policymaking in Scotland
Urban Politics and Policy
Religion and Politics in China: From Premodern to Contemporary Times

8 Year Four: Semester Two

From World War to Cold War: Europe 1944 - 1989/90
Leadership and Leaders in Contemporary Politics
Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Problems in International Politics
Political Islam

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,358.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,358.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,358.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,358.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 105,432.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 4,833.00 - USD 6,444.00
Transport USD 967.00 - USD 1,128.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,417.00 - USD 6,847.00
Estimated Total USD 8,217.00 - USD 14,419.00

Living cost estimates are based on Stirling Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationCorporate Training & DevelopmentEdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationHigher Education & UniversitiesMedical Research & Clinical TrialsMental Health & CounselingRehabilitation & PhysiotherapySecondary & High School EducationSpecial & Inclusive Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Fife Council

Scottish Government

United Nations

Why Study BA (Hons) Politics at University of Stirling

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Very Fast Application response time

University of Stirling typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Stirling in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA (Hons) Politics at University of Stirling

Can I work while studying?

As a degree student in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required for this.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you can submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. For instance, TOEFL requires a total score of 78, while IELTS requires an overall score of 6.0.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Career opportunities include roles such as political analyst, civil servant, journalist, lawyer, and educator.

What will I actually study in this course?

Overview

Politics permeates every aspect of our lives – shaping our opinions, informing our decisions and helping us to understand what motivates people.

When you study Politics at the University of Stirling, you’ll increase your awareness of the different political systems, ideologies and policies that impact people’s lives regionally, nationally and globally. We’re ranked among the best universities for Politics in Scotland, and are highly regarded for our

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the BA (Hons) Politics program at the University of Stirling is September. Ensure your application is submitted by the relevant deadlines to secure a place.
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