Skip to main content

Undergraduate Study

BA Politics and Geography (Cornwall) - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code LL28
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Penryn Campus
Discipline Politics and International Relations
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 723192

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: ABB
IB: 32/655
BTEC: DDM

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBC
IB: 28/554
BTEC: DMM

Overview

  • One of the few programmes in the UK to combine politics and geography
  • Our interdisciplinary programme will give you the unique opportunity to question how politics and geography interact to shape the world we live in and learn from internationally-recognised scholars
  • You’ll join an intentionally small community of students allowing you to actively discuss and debate your ideas and work closely with academic staff
  • Get involved with the Politics and Geography student societies, make friends, attend beach BBQ’s, conservation volunteering, surf trips and hear from guest speakers
  • You’ll develop an understanding of the central problems of change and uncertainty in contemporary political and ecological systems that will be valued by public, private and third sectors employers

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open days and visiting us

How to apply

Politics in Cornwall

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Trophy icon

Top 10 in the UK for Politics

9th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

An image of a globe on a stand, depicted through a line drawing, showcasing the continents and countries of the world.

Opportunities to study abroad

Earth icon

We are in the Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research*

* Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021

Top 100 icon

Top 100 in the world for Politics

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level ABB N/A
IB 32/655 N/A
BTEC DDM N/A
GCSE C or 4 English Language
Access to HE 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade N/A
T-Level Distinction N/A
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBC
IB: 28/554
BTEC: DMM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

Course content

The BA Politics and Geography 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 will take half your credits in Politics and the remaining credits in Geography.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
GEO1401B Approaches to Geographical Knowledge 15
GEO1413 The Geography of Cornwall 15
POC1033 Political Communication 30

Optional modules

60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules (of which 15 credits must be selected from stage 1 Politics optional modules and 15 credits from stage 1 Geography optional modules).

For a full list of Politics and Geography modules on Penryn Campus

Penryn Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=hass-cornwall




 

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
POC2124 Political Analysis 15
POC2108 Political Geographies: Local to Global 15

Optional modules

90 credits of optional modules of which at least 30 credits must be selected from stage 2 Politics optional modules and 30 credits from stage 2 Geography optional modules

 

 

CodeModule Credits
Politics-Geography Penryn Stage 2 Options 24.25
POC2103 Introduction to Postcolonialism 15
POC2108 Political Geographies: Local to Global 15
POC2114 Green Politics in Theory and Practice 15
POC2120 Power and Democracy 15
POC2131 Political Economy 15
POC2130 Political Behaviour across Generations and the Life Course 15
POC2098 Comparative Politics 15
POC2005 American Politics 15
POC2123 Politics of the Middle East 15
POC2088 Understanding Israel and Palestine: One Land, Two People 15
POC2018 National and Community Identity 15
POC2041 The Political Psychology of Elites 15
POC2150 The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment 15
POC2047 Work Placement 15
GEO2442 The Politics of Climate Change and Energy 15
GEO2445 Rural Social Issues 15
GEO2454 Waste and Society 15
GEO2457 Physical Ocean Processes 15
GEO2440 Geographical Information Science and Systems 15
GEO2441 Remote Sensing for Environmental Management 15
GEO2456 Social and Cultural Geographies 15
GEO2451 Ice Sheets: Glaciology, Climate and the Oceans 15
GEO2450 Biogeography 15
GEO2458 People and Nature 15
GEO2444 Landscape Evolution 15

Students spend this stage in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study. The year abroad comprises 120 credits. Assessment is normally based on the credits gained at the partner institution abroad.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
POC3040 Dissertation 30

Optional modules

90 credits of optional modules of which at least 30 credits must be selected from final stage Politics optional modules and 30 credits from final stage Geography optional modules.

All Combined Honours students register for POC3040 but will be supervised by staff in Politics or Geography depending on their research interests.

 

 

CodeModule Credits
Politics-Geography Penryn Final Stage Options 24.25
POC3095 Environmental Knowledge Controversies 15
POC3130 Controversies in American Politics 15
POC3105 Negotiating Postcoloniality: History and Politics of Independent India 15
POC3023 Entangled Life: Radical Democracy in Theory 15
POC3141 Displacement and Migration in the Middle East 15
POC3153 Global Palestine and the Politics of Solidarity 15
POC3103 The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse? 15
POC3151 Parliamentary Studies 15
POC3152 Representing the People 15
POC3128 Post-Soviet Politics and Societies 15
POC3140 Religion, Conflict and Reconciliation 15
POC3146 Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain 15
POC3147 Politics of Work 15
POC3142 Social and Islamist Armed Movements 15
POC3094 Global Policy Challenges 15
POC3133 Chinese Politics and Society 15
POC3150 The Making of Democratic Politicians: Comparative Political Recruitment 15
POC3120 Political Thinkers of the Early Twentieth Century 15
GEO3437B Climate Change and Society 15
GEO3448 Quaternary Environmental Change 15
GEO3452 Literature Review in Environment and Society 15
GEO3454 Antarctica: Science from a Frozen Continent 15
GEO3457 Geographies of Democracy 15
GEO3458 Marine and Coastal Sustainability 15
GEO3461 Arctic Frontiers: Can We Preserve the Arctic Environment? 15
GEO3466 Biological Oceanography 15
GEO3467 Human-Animal Interactions 15
GEO3469 Catastropolis 15

Course variants

UCAS code: LL29

Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.

Why Study Abroad?

Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.

Where can I Study Abroad?

We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.

Does it count towards my degree?

Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. 

How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?

For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.

UCAS code: L256

Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.

Why choose to include Employment Experience?

Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.

Where will I do my work placement?

The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.

How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?

For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £24,700 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

How will I learn?

We use a wide range of teaching methods as well as encouraging independent study with an increasing emphasis on seminar discussion and project work in your second and third years:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Project and group work
  • Independent study
  • Field work
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Access to the latest geographical information systems (GIS), mapping statistics and coding software
  • Interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment
  • Access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and interact through activities such as the discussion forums, blogging and virtual field trips
  • Virtual field trips integrate video and audio data, maps, datasets, documents and published research 

Learn from experts

We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-inspired culture. You will discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials and be taught by expert staff who are actively engaged in research on a wide range of specialisms, including climate change, remote sensing, landscape evolution, energy policy, environment and sustainability, social innovation and cultural landscapes. Teaching and research activities emphasise the value of holistic thinking – looking beyond traditional boundaries to the complex interactions between human societies and non-human environments.

How will I be assessed?

  • Essays
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Projects
  • Exams
  • Dissertation in your final year

You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.

Fieldwork

Conducting fieldwork gives you the opportunity to witness the evolution of political process and their impact on society first hand. Depending on the modules you choose this may include:

  • Interviews with important stakeholders
  • Focus group discussions with community members
  • Analysis of politicised spaces
  • Public Forums

Taking modules outside of your programme

Students on this course are now able to add ‘with proficiency in Law’ to their degree title, by gaining a strand of additional legal knowledge and skills that adds value to their degree.

The ‘With proficiency in Law’ modules being offered to non-law students provide a theoretical and technical basis for understanding the regulatory and legal frameworks that you might encounter within your main field of study. These modules lend themselves strongly to students wishing to develop their skillset to work across the environment and sustainability sector and in wider business.

If you accrue at least 60 credits in elective law modules you will have ‘with proficiency in Law’ added to your degree title.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Law
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

Expand text

Politics in Cornwall

Politics and International Relations programmes in Cornwall are part of a world-class research institution. We are committed to creating a diverse and thriving student community. We believe that this is achieved by providing a supportive learning environment, which nurtures our students through-out your time with us and helps you make the transition from school to university. In addition, in Cornwall, students will benefit from a bespoke learning experience within a diverse cohort of students and an unrivalled commitment to excellence in teaching.

Politics in Cornwall is characterised by its focus on some of the biggest political challenges facing the world today such as inequality, climate change, the global financial crisis, conflict, and the depletion of natural resources, public disillusionment with politics, and the changing balance in world power. We’ll teach you about political systems and theories and apply these to world events and the major issues setting the modern political agenda, giving you real world skills valued by employers.

Find out more on our dedicated Cornwall pages.

Your future

Develop skills valued by employers

As a Politics and Geography graduate you will not only have an understanding of complex political and cultural issues, often in continually changing environments, but also an appreciation for how geography impacts on policy in areas such as sustainability, settlement and space and governance. Throughout your studies you will also develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills including:

  • Analytical, critical and independent thinking
  • Independent research
  • Problem solving
  • Discussion and group work
  • Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
  • Organising, planning and time management
  • Data gathering
  • Report production and presentation (written and oral)

Career paths

This programme will be particularly beneficial to students with an interest in pursuing careers or postgraduate training in areas such as: 

  • Local/regional/urban planning
  • Green politics and policy
  • Sustainability
  • International aid/development
  • Climate transitions
  • Heritage studies
  • Border studies/migration policy
  • International conflict and security studies 

Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award

Many of our students participate in The Exeter Award and The Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.

Developing your skills and career prospects

We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.

The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.

Employability sessions

A range of employability sessions are put on for the students which include: career talks with visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds, career conversations and employability seminar series events with employers, a Careers in Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection Careers and Networking event and visits to the Met Office and UKHO.

Royal Geographical Society (RGS) Ambassador Scheme

You will have the opportunity to apply for the RGS Ambassador Scheme. The scheme recruits, trains and supports geographers currently at university and graduate geographers from the work place to act as ambassadors for geography in the classroom. Ambassadors act as positive role models for pupils and can illustrate, with enthusiasm, both the specific and transferable skills they have developed as a geographer. For more information you can visit the RGS Ambassador Scheme website.

 

Video features the song "Everything is a Jawn" by EVA (https://joshlis.bandcamp.com/) which is available under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). Edited for length.

Expand text