Aberystwyth University United Kingdom

BA Politics

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA Politics at Aberystwyth University provides you with a comprehensive understanding of political systems, actors, and decision-making processes. You will delve into core political concepts such as power, democracy, and representation, exploring how these are debated and applied in contemporary global politics. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students keen to analyse current issues like migration, nationalism, and the future of democracy, drawing on examples from the UK, Europe, North and Latin America, Russia, and Asia. You will develop critical thinking skills essential for navigating complex political landscapes.

This full-time, on-campus degree is studied over three years, offering a dynamic learning experience. You will engage with a wide array of subjects, from international politics and global development to political theory and comparative politics. The curriculum includes modules such as 'Politics in the 21st Century', 'People and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today', and 'International Relations: Perspectives and Debates'. In your final year, you will undertake a significant dissertation, allowing you to explore a topic of your choice in depth. You will graduate prepared for careers in government, international organisations, journalism, and policy analysis.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA Politics program offers a comprehensive exploration of political systems and international relations. Students will delve into foundational concepts, comparative politics, and the intricacies of global development. The curriculum examines historical and contemporary political issues, including war, intelligence, climate change, and the dynamics of major global powers. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing for in-depth independent research.

1 YEAR 1

Exploring the International 1: Central Concepts and Core Skills
Politics in the 21st Century
Behind the Headlines
Globalization and Global Development
The Making of the Modern World: War Peace and Revolution since 1789
War, Strategy and Intelligence

2 YEAR 2

People and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today
A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century
Capitalism and International Politics
Climate Change Politics
Climate Change and International Politics in the Anthropocene
Contemporary Latin America
Devolution and Wales
International Politics and Global Development
International Relations: Perspectives and Debates
Intervention and Humanitarianism
Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society
Political Theory
Politics in Diverse Societies
Questions of International Politics
Russian intelligence from Lenin to Putin
Science, Technology, and International Relations
Strategy, Intelligence and Security in International Politics
Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War
The BRICS in World Politics
The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems
The Governance of Climate Change: Simulation Module
The Second World War in Europe
Total War, Total Peace
Trade Wars and the Liberal Order
War Crimes
Warfare after Waterloo: Military History 1815-1918

3 YEAR 3

Dissertation
A War on the Mind: Propaganda and Secret Intelligence from the Great War to the 21st Century
Capitalism and International Politics
Climate Change Politics
Contemporary Latin America
Devolution and Wales
Intervention and Humanitarianism
Militaries and Crisis: Where Strategy Meets Society
Political Theory
Politics in Diverse Societies
Questions of International Politics
Russian Intelligence from Lenin to Putin
Science, Technology, and International Relations
Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War
The BRICS in World Politics
The European Union: Politics, Policies, Problems
The Second World War in Europe
Total War, Total Peace
Trade Wars and the Liberal Order
War Crimes

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

10% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,256.00 USD 25,939.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 75,134.00 USD 77,817.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 689.00 - USD 1,322.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Penglais campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

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

Common Graduate Roles

Agribusiness Inputs (Seeds, Fertilizers & Machinery)Aviation Maintenance & RepairConsumer Finance & Credit ServicesCorporate Training & DevelopmentCrop Production & FarmingHigher Education & UniversitiesReal Estate DevelopmentUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones)Vocational & Technical TrainingWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Council

Department for Business and Trade

Environment Agency

European commission

Kings College London

Why Study BA Politics at Aberystwyth University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Aberystwyth University 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 Politics at Aberystwyth University

Can I work while studying?

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

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need to meet specific English language requirements: TOEFL overall score of 93, IELTS overall score of 6.5, or PTE overall score of 62. Ensure you meet the listening, reading, speaking, and writing sub-scores as well.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Possible job titles include Policy Analyst, Political Consultant, Public Affairs Specialist, Researcher, and Diplomat.

What will I actually study in this course?

Studying Politics in the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University will develop your understanding of political regimes and systems, political actors and governments, and processes of political decision-making. You will learn about key political concepts and how they are contested in contemporary politics: power, democracy, freedom, inequality, rights, citizenship, representation and legitimacy.

You will study modules that will introduce you to current political

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA Politics program has an intake in September. Ensure you apply on time to secure your place and prepare for the upcoming academic year.
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