Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
BA (Hons) Politics
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Politics | Programme code | UFA3POLPOL01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The BA Politics is designed to deliver comprehensive training in political systems and ideologies, governance systems, and policy analysis, engaging you with contemporary challenges and debates. You will be trained in core principles, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks fundamental to politics, equipping you with analytical skills to critically analyse, interpret, and assess political phenomena. Additionally, the degree broadens your global understanding by focusing on the theoretical and practical problems of world politics through optional modules in International Relations, International Security, and Area Studies. Through this comprehensive approach, the degree aims to provide you with a robust foundation, preparing graduates for diverse careers in public and private sectors.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1 To provide an excellent education across the range of political studies, from core to specialist, in a supportive and responsive learning environment that is led by internationally recognised research
2 To enable you to understand and use the main concepts, approaches and theories of the discipline; to analyse, interpret and evaluate political events, ideas and institutions; and to relate the academic study of politics to questions of public concern
3 To develop your competence in subject-specific, core academic and personal and key skills
4 To offer you a wide range of choice, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree
5 To equip graduates to be questioning and productive members of society
4. Programme Structure
The BA (Hons) Politics is a 3-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 3 stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website:
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/
The BA (Hons) Politics degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Please note that modules offered are subject to change, depending on staff availability, timetabling and demand.
You may take optional modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme (for instance a language or business module) to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.
Stage 1
Stage 1: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL1000 | Critical Skills for Politics and International Relations | 15 | No |
| POL1025 | Classical Political Thought | 15 | No |
| POL1029 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 15 | No |
| POL1047 | Global Sustainability Governance and Policy | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
60 credits of optional modules from all other POL1* modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politics Stage 1 SH Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| POL1017 | Globalisation of World Politics | 15 | No |
| POL1018 | The Challenges of World Politics in the Twenty-First Century | 15 | No |
| POL1019 | Power and Democracy | 15 | No |
| POL1020 | Politics in Europe | 15 | No |
| POL1026 | Early Modern Political Thought | 15 | No |
| POL1045 | International Politics of the Global South | 15 | No |
| POL1046 | The State of the UK: Identifying Marginalised Identities and Addressing Inequalities | 15 | No |
| POL1048 | The Politics of Development | 15 | No |
| SSI1002 | Programming for the Social Sciences | 30 | No |
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data | 15 | No |
| SPA1002 | Population and Society | 15 | No |
| SPA1001 | Animal Politics | 15 | No |
| SPA1004 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 15 | No |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 | No |
| ARA1010 | Politics and Economy of the Contemporary Middle East | 15 | No |
| ARA1041 | Religious Communities of the Middle East: Culture, Endangerment and Survival | 15 | No |
Stage 2
Stage 2: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL2046 | The Economics of Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2059 | Political Thought of Modernity | 15 | No |
| POL2102 | Explaining Public Policies | 15 | No |
| POL2128 | Introduction to Research Design in Politics and International Relations | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
60 credits of optional modules from all other POL2* modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politics Stage 2 SH Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| POL2020 | Contemporary Theories of World Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2026 | Political Analysis: Behaviour, Institutions, Ideas | 15 | No |
| POL2027 | The Politics of the World Economy | 15 | No |
| POL2047 | American Politics | 15 | No |
| POL2050 | Political Philosophy | 15 | No |
| POL2057 | Security Studies | 15 | No |
| POL2076 | Rising Powers, Peace and Conflict | 15 | No |
| POL2079 | Contemporary Public Debate in an Age of 'Anti-Politics' | 15 | No |
| POL2081 | Thinking about Race: Perspectives from the Biological and Social Sciences | 15 | No |
| POL2082 | Changing Character of Warfare | 15 | No |
| POL2098 | What is Law? Jurisprudence from Stone Tablet to Brain Imaging | 15 | No |
| POL2107 | Gender and Comparative Public Policy | 15 | No |
| POL2115 | British Foreign Policy | 15 | No |
| POL2122 | The Politics and Policies of Youth Engagement | 15 | No |
| POL2130 | Comparative Electoral Systems | 15 | No |
| POL2131 | Environmental Governance | 15 | No |
| POL2132 | Decolonising Global Justice | 15 | No |
| POL2164 | The Politics of Humanitarian Emergencies | 15 | No |
| POL2165 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 15 | No |
| POL2166 | Gendering World Politics | 15 | No |
| HAS2010 | Work Experience: Building Skills and Unlocking Opportunities | 15 | No |
| HAS3010 | Work Experience: Building Skills and Unlocking Opportunities | 15 | No |
Stage 3
Stage 3: 60 credits of compulsory Dissertation and supporting module, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POL3100 | Dissertation | 45 | Yes |
| POL3101 | Futures of Politics | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
60 credits of optional modules from all other POL3* modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations and Politics Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| POL3054 | Nuclear Weapons in International Relations | 15 | No |
| POL3069 | Globalisation and the Politics of Resistance | 30 | No |
| POL3090 | Politics and Conflict in Deeply Divided Societies | 15 | No |
| POL3136 | Political Psychology | 30 | No |
| POL3168 | War and its Aftermath: Interventions and Contemporary Conflict | 30 | No |
| POL3180 | Latin American Parties, Politics and Elections | 30 | No |
| POL3196 | Democracy in the European Union | 30 | No |
| POL3234 | Religion, Politics and Policy in Europe | 30 | No |
| POL3240 | Women in the Criminal Justice System: Law, Policy and Institutions | 15 | No |
| POL3247 | Politics of Biology | 15 | No |
| POL3248 | Marxism(s) and International Relations | 15 | No |
| POL3250 | Environmental Policy in Times of Crisis | 15 | No |
| POL3256 | Trumping the Mainstream: The Populist Radical Right and Democratic politics | 30 | No |
| POL3259 | Climate Justice | 30 | No |
| POL3260 | Russian Foreign Policy | 15 | No |
| POL3263 | Political Economy of Development | 15 | No |
| POL3274 | Money, Lobbying, and Policymaking | 15 | No |
| POL3284 | Realism and Its Critics: Debating and Applying International Relations Theory | 15 | No |
| POL3291 | Disrupting Western and Neo-Liberal Policing of the Global and the Local | 30 | No |
| POL3292 | LGBTQ+ Policies and Politics in the UK | 15 | No |
| POL3293 | The Political Economy of Chinese Development | 15 | No |
| POL3294 | Land, Power and Politics: a critical problem-based approach | 15 | No |
| POL3296 | Political Economy of Populism | 15 | No |
| POL3297 | Comparative Political Economy: Varieties of Capitalism | 15 | No |
| POL3302 | Elections, Public Opinion and Parties in Britain | 15 | No |
| POL3303 | Protest, Activism and the Environment | 30 | No |
| POL3304 | Political Philosophies of Power | 15 | No |
| POL3306 | Contemporary Chinese Diplomacy and Foreign Policy | 15 | No |
| POL3307 | International Politics of the Body | 15 | No |
| POL3310 | War in the 21st Century | 30 | No |
| POL3311 | Brexit: Causes, Interpretation and Implications | 15 | No |
| POL3312 | The Transformation of Politics in the Global Age | 15 | No |
| POL3316 | Empire and Hierarchy in Russia and Eurasia | 15 | No |
| POL3317 | Authoritarian Resilience in the Global South | 15 | No |
| POL3318 | Transformation of Social and Political Realities through Smartphones | 15 | No |
| POL3319 | The Politics of Place | 15 | No |
| POL3320 | Politics Online | 15 | No |
| POL3321 | The Politics of Economic Policymaking | 30 | No |
| POL3322 | Artificial Intelligence and Democracy | 30 | No |
| POL3323 | International Relations in Global History | 30 | No |
| POL3324 | War, Culture and Society | 30 | No |
| POL3325 | Understanding Public and Nonprofit Management | 15 | No |
| POL3326 | International Politics of the Body | 30 | No |
| POL3327 | Strategy and Psychology in Foreign Policy | 15 | No |
| POL3328 | Surveys and Experiments: Design Implementation and Analysis | 15 | No |
| HAS3010 | Work Experience: Building Skills and Unlocking Opportunities | 15 | No |
| POL3213 | Feminist Political Theory | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Understand the nature and significance of politics as a human activity |
| These skills are summatively assessed through a combination of reports, policy briefs, term-time essays, presentations and examinations, depending on which modules are selected. The combination of and length of essays, presentations and exams will vary from one module to the next according to credit value in conformity with Faculty Assessment Norms. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Gather, organise and deploy evidence and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources | These skills are developed throughout the degree programme with progression in stages 1 and 2 as students move from stage to stage. | 5 and 6 are assessed through term-time essays, oral presentations and examinations |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
7. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing |
|
|
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Faculties should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The University of Exeter's academic tutor system provides students with a designated Academic Personal Tutor, serving as a key academic contact throughout their university journey. The tutor supports students' academic, personal, and professional development, helping them understand assignment feedback and improve academically. Unlike module tutors who focus on specific course content, Academic Personal Tutors oversee students' overall progress, offering guidance on skill development and employability while directing students to additional support services as needed. Meetings, which can be individual or group-based, are scheduled at crucial academic milestones, including transitions between study years and career planning. The system emphasizes open communication, allowing students to discuss concerns ranging from assessment deadlines to personal issues affecting their studies. For more detailed information, visit the University of Exeter's website on personal tutoring: [University of Exeter Personal Tutoring](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/personaltutoring/).
Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:
The Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) offers a comprehensive online platform for the University of Exeter students, facilitating access to a wide array of learning materials. This digital environment supports academic study by providing resources such as readings, lecture recordings, and a suite of online tools and activities designed to enhance course engagement. ELE serves as a crucial element in the university's educational delivery, enabling students to interact with their courses in a more flexible and accessible manner. For detailed information and support materials on utilizing ELE effectively, students are encouraged to explore the platform and its resources directly.
The University of Exeter Library Service offers comprehensive support for research and learning, encompassing both physical and digital resources. Through the library's website, students can access a vast collection of materials online, making learning flexible and accessible. The library provides tailored support, including subject librarians to assist with resource discovery and the integration of digitized reading lists into the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). Additionally, the library offers essential guidance on referencing, ensuring academic integrity. This includes tutorials on using referencing software, evaluating sources, and avoiding plagiarism, equipping students with the skills needed for successful academic writing. For more detailed information on library services, induction, and referencing guidance, visit the [Library Induction](https://libguides.exeter.ac.uk/libraryinduction) and [Referencing](https://libguides.exeter.ac.uk/referencing) pages.
IT services: The University of Exeter provides extensive IT Services, including the user-friendly iExeter portal for accessing university services and resources efficiently. For technical support, the IT helpdesk is available to resolve system issues and enhance the digital experience. Financial support services, notably the Hardship Fund, offer crucial assistance to students facing financial challenges, ensuring they can focus on their studies without undue stress. Additionally, the university's study spaces are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of study preferences, available for booking or drop-in use. These integrated services underscore Exeter's commitment to supporting students academically, financially, and practically. For more detailed information, visit the IT Services [website](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/it/help/), learn about financial assistance options including the Hardship Fund [here](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/financialhelp/), and explore study space options [here](https://libguides.exeter.ac.uk/studyspaces).
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision. Further information is available here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/yourvoice/
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Politics
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Politics and international relations
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/10/1993 |
Date of last revision | 02/12/2025 |
|---|
