BA Politics and Geography (Cornwall)
| UCAS code | LL28 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | LL29 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | LL35 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Why study BA Politics and Geography (Cornwall) at Exeter?
- 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
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
14th in The Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the world for Politics
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
We are Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading Politics and International Studies research
Based on research rated 4* in REF 2021
Top 100 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2025
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 |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| 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 B1. 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.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
75 credits of compulsory modules. 45 credits of optional modules of which at least 15 credits must be selected from stage 1 Politics optional modules and 15 credits from stage 1 Geography optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Approaches to Geographical Knowledge | 15 | |
| The Geography of Cornwall | 15 | |
| Political Communication | 30 | |
| Generative AI and Sustainable Futures: Ethics, Society, and Scholarship | 15 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| British Government and Politics | 15 | |
| Key Concepts in Politics and International Relations | 15 | |
| Violence in World Politics | 15 | |
| Power, Inequality and Global Justice | 15 | |
| Work Placement | 15 | |
| Optional 2 | ||
| Earth System Science | 15 | |
| Global Issues in Environmental Science | 15 | |
| Granite Landscapes and Society | 15 | |
| Optional 3 | ||
| Foundations of Environmental Humanities | 15 | |
| European History: Politics and Society | 15 | |
| An Introduction to Histories of Science and Environment | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
30 credits of compulsory 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
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Political Geographies: Local to Global | 15 | |
| Political Analysis | 15 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| American Politics | 15 | |
| National and Community Identity | 15 | |
| The Political Psychology of Elites | 15 | |
| Work Placement | 15 | |
| Security Studies | 15 | |
| Introduction to Postcolonialism | 15 | |
| Politics of the Middle East | 15 | |
| Global Authoritarianism | 15 | |
| Politics of Gender, Sex and Sexuality | 15 | |
| Politics, Policy and Economics | 15 | |
| Optional 2 | ||
| Geographical Information Science and Systems | 15 | |
| Remote Sensing for Environmental Management | 15 | |
| Landscape Evolution | 15 | |
| Green Consultants | 15 | |
| Biogeography | 15 | |
| Ice Sheets: Glaciology, Climate and the Oceans | 15 | |
| Waste and Society | 15 | |
| Social and Cultural Geographies | 15 | |
| Physical Ocean Processes | 15 | |
| People and Nature | 15 | |
| Optional 3 | ||
| Apocalyptic Narratives: Disaster Writing | 15 | |
| Ecology and Empire | 15 | |
| Stolen Histories: Colonialism, Looting, and the Illicit Trade of Cultural Heritage | 15 | |
| Critical Elements of Environmental Humanities: Cultures of Earth and Water | 15 | |
| Enlightenment and the Age of Reason: Philosophy, Politics, Society | 15 | |
| Revolution and Abolition: History and Legacies of the Atlantic Slave Trade | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Find out more about study abroad or employment experience under Course variants.
With Study Abroad
120 credit compulsory placement module
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Study Abroad | 120 | |
With Employment Experience
120 credit compulsory placement module
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||
| Work Placement Year | 120 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
30 credits of compulsory 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.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Dissertation | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Entangled Life: Radical Democracy in Theory | 15 | |
| The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse? | 15 | |
| Negotiating Postcoloniality: History and Politics of Independent India | 15 | |
| The Politics of Climate Change | 15 | |
| Controversies in American Politics | 15 | |
| Chinese Politics and Society | 15 | |
| The Politics of Knowledge and Ignorance | 15 | |
| Displacement and Migration in the Middle East | 15 | |
| Social and Islamist Armed Movements | 15 | |
| Gender and Politics in Africa | 15 | |
| Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain | 15 | |
| Parliamentary Studies | 15 | |
| Global Palestine and the Politics of Solidarity | 15 | |
| Environment and Conflict in the Middle East | 15 | |
| The Endless War on Terror | 15 | |
| Optional 2 | ||
| Climate Change and Society | 15 | |
| Marine Climate and Environmental Change | 15 | |
| Human-Animal Interactions | 15 | |
| Marine and Coastal Social-Ecological systems | 15 | |
| Sustainable Cities | 15 | |
| The Southern Ocean and Oceanic Eddies | 15 | |
| Optional 3 | ||
| Environmental Humanities: Futures | 15 | |
| Writing Nature | 15 | |
| Caribbean Histories: Colonialism, Resistance and Environmental Crisis | 15 | |
| Boffins: Scientists, War, Politics and Culture in the Twentieth Century | 15 | |
| Pacific Histories: Environment, People, and Politics | 15 | |
Course variants
BA Politics and Geography with Study Abroad
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.
BA Politics and Geography with Employment Experience
UCAS code: LL35
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree offers you the option of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements, within the UK or abroad, 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 and country you choose to work in 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.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is 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, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
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
- Fieldwork
- 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
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.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
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.
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.
