School of Government & International Affairs | BA Politics (with Placement Year)
48 monthsProgramme duration
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Politics
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
Politics is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field. It touches every area of our lives, covering issues from national security and inequalities in society to the climate crisis. Taught by experts in the field, the BA in Politics will give you an insight into political systems and governance on a local and global scale. You’ll be exposed to ideas and opinions that will challenge your perceptions and encourage you to think critically and analytically.
You can further tailor your course by applying to add a placement year or a study abroad year, increasing the course from three to four years.
The School of Government and International Affairs is home to several research centres and institutes, and many lecturers are actively engaged in research. This innovative work is fed into the course, so you can be sure the curriculum is informed by contemporary political debate.
The critical analytical and research skills that underpin this course, coupled with a deep understanding of global current affairs and the complex connections between nations and ruling parties, will put you in a strong position to pursue a career in social policy research, journalism, academia, the Civil Service, the Foreign Office and more.
Durham Education 2027
The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.
Placement year available
Programme overview
Main Subject
Politics
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
Politics is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field. It touches every area of our lives, covering issues from national security and inequalities in society to the climate crisis. Taught by experts in the field, the BA in Politics will give you an insight into political systems and governance on a local and global scale. You’ll be exposed to ideas and opinions that will challenge your perceptions and encourage you to think critically and analytically.
You can further tailor your course by applying to add a placement year or a study abroad year, increasing the course from three to four years.
The School of Government and International Affairs is home to several research centres and institutes, and many lecturers are actively engaged in research. This innovative work is fed into the course, so you can be sure the curriculum is informed by contemporary political debate.
The critical analytical and research skills that underpin this course, coupled with a deep understanding of global current affairs and the complex connections between nations and ruling parties, will put you in a strong position to pursue a career in social policy research, journalism, academia, the Civil Service, the Foreign Office and more.
Durham Education 2027
The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.
Placement year available
Admission Requirements
Scholarships
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