 Undergraduate Programmes in Politics
- Ranked in the UK’s Top 10 in The Times and The Independent subject league tables*
- 6th in the UK for world leading research**
- Ranked in the UK’s top 10 Politics departments for learning resources, organisation and management in the National Student Survey (2008)
- Cutting-edge research and teaching in Politics and International Relations including globalisation and security studies, terrorism, radicalisation and ethnic conflict, voter behaviour, American politics, campaigns and media, political psychology, decolonisation, gender, ethics, political theory and geopolitics
- Study single honours Politics and International Studies or combine your interest in Politics with other subjects including History, Geography and Law
- Study Abroad opportunities available
*based on the percentage of positive responses for learning resources (86%) and organisation and management (86%) for full service universities (i.e. excluding specialist colleges); 60 institutions were reviewed for Politics.
*The Times Good University Guide 2010 and The Complete University Guide 2010
**RAE 2008 based on percentage of research categorised as 4* (world-leading)
Exeter’s Politics Department has always focused on providing students with a thorough grounding in the major sub-fields of politics, whilst retaining maximum choice. Our flagship Single Honours programme in Politics and International Studies maintains this tradition by offering a firm foundation across the discipline in Year 1 and the opportunity to specialise in Years 2 and 3. Alternatively, our range of Joint Honours programmes give you the opportunity to divide your study between two complementary areas of interest.
All academic staff in the Politics Department are engaged in research, and bring the latest political thinking and debate into their undergraduate teaching. In the third year, you will be given the opportunity to carry out your own research project under the supervision of a member of staff from Politics or from your joint subject.
You will study the core modules from each subject and a reduced number of options, in a choice of three pathways. For details about each joint subject, please refer to the relevant subject section of this online prospectus.
 Download PDF Prospectus >>
What our students say about living and studying in Cornwall
"Studying politics at Cornwall is completely different from anywhere else - you get the degree from Exeter with the laid back atmosphere of Cornwall and great teaching. Being part of the first cohort made it extra special this year as well." Rebecca Dunn
"Studying at the Cornwall Campus is a great chance to make your mark on a new campus. We're in the process of setting up a Politics Society and it's a wonderful opportunity to get involved with the development of the University. Cornwall is also a great place to study because the department is really friendly and the lecturers are really accessible, not to mention the close proximity to the beaches!" Christina Thorpe
"The School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Politics department itself have been very helpful in my first term, when things have got a bit hairy. The fact that the Politics department is so small is really nice as it means you can build an excellent relationship with your lecturers and peers." Rebecca Pollard
Learning and teaching
Teaching is typically via a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars, as well as self-directed learning. Students are encouraged to utilise web-based course material.
The Department has always prided itself on creating a friendly and encouraging atmosphere and scored very well in the National Student Survey 2007 of final year students in Politics - 11th overall in the UK (combined average score across all 7 assessment categories).
In the first two years, we place considerable emphasis on teaching in small groups, which gives you ample opportunity to participate, as well as providing close contact between you and members of staff. In the third year there are fewer formal lectures and much of your learning is through seminars, in which the usual format consists of you, the student, presenting a report followed by class discussion.
In your third year, you will carry out a piece of research and write a dissertation in an area of interest to you, under the supervision of a member of staff from Politics or your chosen Joint subject.
After your degree
There is an emphasis on developing employability throughout our programmes. The programmes in Cornwall took their first students in 2007. Exeter Politics graduates are highly successful in obtaining graduate employment or postgraduate study opportunities. Whilst studying for your degree, you will have developed a number of skills that are useful in professional and managerial careers. The ability to research and analyse information from a variety of sources, together with the written and verbal skills needed to present and discuss your opinions and conclusions, are attributes that many employers look for in graduates. Your understanding of complex political and cultural issues, often in continually changing environments, can also be relevant to both business and public sector appointments.
Information about graduate careers in Politics can be found by following the link to ‘What do Exeter graduates do?’ at www.exeter.ac.uk/employability/prospective
^ |
