BA Politics (with integrated year studying abroad)

Why study

Politics at Aberystwyth University? 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 organisations, 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 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 university, like writing blogs and policy briefs, giving presentations and using your creativity to solve problems.

We 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 career pathways, such as civil service, journalism and diplomacy, or working for political parties, NGOs or international organisations like the UN, defence, as well as graduate pathways in business, industry, education and the public sector. In addition, we offer a number of modules taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh.

Opportunities - Politics students at Aberystwyth can: Apply for our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme: a three to four week internship which enables you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP in Westminster) or an MS in Cardiff. Join our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ - a role-playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvres which will develop your negotiation and communication, critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills. A highlight of the course.

Spend a semester abroad studying in many destinations, across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Get involved and feel part of our departmental community through activities, like the regular ‘Roundtable’ discussions on key global events, Interpol Society activities, the student journal Interstate, Student Diversity Group and our popular social events. Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE.