Politics and Government BA (Hons)

About the course

Government and politics impacts on us all. Studying this course enables you to gain an understanding of the way in which political choices, processes and ideas shape government and public policy.

• A challenging alternative to standard business-related degree courses
• Superb placement opportunities in the public and private sector
• Taught within a department that scored 24/24 for teaching quality (as assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency)

This course helps understand how we are governed. The first year introduces you to current debates and concepts within politics and government. In the second year you continue your studies with core modules which allow you to engage with the big ideas that have shaped politics and government. In the third year you continue to build your knowledge in government.

Key facts

UCAS course code: L290

Duration: Three years full-time, fours years with a placement

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

• Typical offers at 280 UCAS Points for 2012 entry. You need to study at least two subjects at A Level and achieve one grade B or above in one subject
• You must have at least five GCSEs at grades A–C including English Language and Maths
• International Baccalaureate: 28+ points

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

If English is not your first language, we require an English language level of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching will be delivered through a range of methods including formal lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and e-learning packages. Assessment will usually be through a combination of individual and group work, presentations, essays, reports and exams. You are expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed study outside scheduled class times – at university you are responsible for your own learning.

You will normally attend around 15 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures, tutorials etc) each week, and are expected to undertake at least 15 further hours of independent study to complete project work, research etc as required.

Course modules

First year

• Introduction to British Government and Politics
• Policy and Society
• Introduction to Politics
• Comparative Global Politics

Second year

• Governance
• Political Thought

Third year

• Public Policy Making

• Government and Business
• Making of a Global World
• Environmental Politics
• Public Sector Strategic Management
• Health and Health Care
• Globalisation and Democracy
• Managing the Environment

Work experience and placements

Optional paid placement year offers invaluable professional experience.
See dmu.ac.uk/businessplacements| for further details.

Graduate careers

Politics students develop analytical and communication skills and a specific knowledge base that prepares them for a wide range of careers. Recent graduates are employed in both private and public sectors, for instance NHS trusts, education, health and police authorities, researchers in both British and European parliaments. Get a competitive edge in the graduate job market by completing the optional paid placement year.

Fees and funding

UK/EU Fees: £9,000

International Fees: £10,750

Learn more about fees and funding information|

Facilities

Our new £35 million building offers state-of-the-art teaching and computer lab facilities.