Bangor University

Politics (with Foundation Year)

Bangor UniversityBangor, United Kingdom

Course overview

Highlights

A friendly and informal learning environment with easy access to lecturers and an opportunity to build your confidence, knowledge and understanding whatever your background. Taught by internationally respected researchers actively exploring the effects of political and social change, policy, practice and repercussions, both today and as far back as the Middle Ages. Our research specialisms cover diverse themes including politics, media management, protest, gender, religion, society, culture, economics, social policy, and Welsh identity.

The foundation year prepares you for degree-level study, developing your subject-specific knowledge of politics, together with essential academic and research skills.

Course overview

Our Politics with Foundation Year degree provides an alternative route into undergraduate study if, for example, you don’t have the necessary qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements to begin the standard three-year degree. The additional foundation year helps you better prepare for degree-level study, giving you a taste of learning at this higher level. On successful completion, you will join Year 1 of the BA (Hons) Politics programme.

On this foundation year, you’ll develop essential academic skills, such as writing, communication and presentation. You’ll also learn how to conduct independent research, retrieving and analysing information from a range of primary and secondary sources. You’ll be taught by academics with teaching and research expertise on critical issues surrounding the influence of power, governance, sovereignty, conflict, order, mediation, obligation, justice, accountability, legitimacy, security, and decision making.

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Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by gaining real-world experience.

How does the Placement Year work? With dedicated support from your Academic School and our Careers and Employability Services, you will be fully equipped to find the perfect placement to complement your degree. We will guide you through the process of securing and finalising your placement arrangements.

Is the Placement Year for you? There is no need to decide now. You will have the chance to explore the Placement Year option after starting your course at Bangor University.

We'll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Ready to find out more? Discover the exciting work experience opportunities available by visiting the Work Experience During Your Degree section on our website.

International Experience Year What is the International Experience Year? Take your studies to the next level and graduate with ‘International Experience' in your degree title. This degree offers an optional additional International Experience Year, giving you the chance to spend a year abroad.

Why choose an International Experience Year? Expand your horizons and gain a fresh perspective by living and learning in a different country Boost your career prospects by graduating with international experience and intercultural skills Choose your adventure from a range of exciting destinations and partner universities to find your perfect fit. Is there language support?

If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills. Is the International Experience Year for you? You'll have the chance to explore the International Experience…

Key highlights

  • Foundation year builds academic writing, communication and presentation skills
  • Progress directly into Year 1 of the BA (Hons) Politics
  • Taught by internationally respected researchers in political and social change
  • Research specialisms include protest, gender, media management and Welsh identity
  • Optional placement year with a professional organisation, UK or overseas
  • Optional International Experience Year spent studying abroad

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 48-96 — Offers are tariff based, 48 - 96 tariff points, from Level 3 qualifications* e.g. A Levels (including: AS-levels, General Studies) International Baccalaureate Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) BTEC Diplomas and Certif…

Scholarships

  • Alumni Scholarship

    £1,000 in addition to any other international scholarship awarded by Bangor University, UK (excluding the Vice-Chancellor scholarship), awarded for each year of study.

    Up to £1,000
  • Deans Scholarship

    Undergraduate: £6,000 (per year of study); Postgraduate: £6,000.

    Up to £6,000
  • International Scholarships

    Undergraduate: £4,000 minimum (per year of study); Postgraduate: £6,000.

  • Start-Up Bursaries

    Start Up Bursaries of £1,000 are available to those students (aged under 25) entering the University from care.

    Up to £1,000
  • Vice-Chancellor Scholarship

    Undergraduate & Postgraduate Taught - £10,000

    Up to £10,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Policy officer
  • Political researcher
  • Parliamentary assistant
  • Civil servant
  • Public affairs consultant
  • Campaigns officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 | International: £18,000

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Bangor University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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