Politics
UCAS code L210
- Entry requirements
- International Baccalaureate: 26 or 544
- HKDSE: 4,3,3
- India Standard XII: 60%
- View full requirements
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
Studying Politics develops an in-depth and critical understanding of government and society at local, national and international levels. You will learn to ask questions of power, justice, order, conflict, legitimacy, accountability, obligation, sovereignty, governance and decision-making
Introduction
This flexible and broad programme explores the different approaches to political science in a range of national and international settings. It draws on the expertise of world leading scholars in the field and their cutting edge research to create an engaging, research led course.
You will explore political ideas, systems and processes and you will learn how to collect data, develop knowledge, construct arguments and communicate your findings in different ways.
In your first year you will be introduced to the building blocks of political studies, meaning that no prior specialist knowledge is required. Then in your second and third year you will have the freedom to explore the areas of political study that interest you the most. With a wide range of modules to choose from you can focus your degree in one or two areas or cover a whole variety of topics from British Politics, gender analysis, International Relations, political theory, comparative politics and much more.
There are also options to get involved in a number of different placement schemes including the opportunity for year three students studying Politics at Single Honours to apply to take part in the Parliamentary Placement Scheme.
What you'll learn
- Key features of local, national and international politics
- Conceptual and theoretical dimensions of key aspects and issues of politics
- Critical evaluation of political events, ideas and institutions using a variety of methodologies and approaches
- Principles of academic writing and speaking
- Opportunity to undertake a work placement
- Application of the academic study of politics to questions of public concern and the ability to communicate with both specialist and non-specialist audiences
Welcome to Liverpool
We want you to feel welcome from the moment you apply to study at Liverpool. We offer lots of support for our students who are moving from abroad. We can welcome you at Manchester Airport with our meet and greet service (for September starts) and we have a friendly International Advice and Guidance team who run events to welcome you on to campus and provide in person support and events all year round.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In your first year you will be introduced to the building blocks of political studies, meaning that no prior specialist knowledge is required.
All modules in year one are required.
Students take 60 credits of required modules in each semester.
POLI105 is a year-long module, representing 15 credits per semester.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In year two you move on to more specialist modules to develop your path of study based on your own interest. You have completely free choice in your modules in your second year and the opportunity to design the degree that most interests you. You also have a number of different opportunities to study abroad and to widen your knowledge and experience through that scheme.
Students take 60 credits of optional modules in each semester.
POLI200 is subject to an appropriate placement being sourced. Students cannot register directly for this module.
Registration onto HLAC220 is only for students planning to undertake a Work Placement Year.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
In your third year you may select the Dissertation module and complete a sustained, original piece of work on a topic of your own choice.
Students take 60 credits of optional modules in each semester.
POLI342, POLI343 and POLI354 are subject to a suitable placement being sourced. Students cannot register directly onto these modules.
There is an application process for POLI342 and POLI343. Students accepted onto POLI342 module take POLI401 (Dissertation).
Students cannot take both POLI342 and POLI343.
POLI401 is a year-long module and represents 15 credits in each semester.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Combined degree
Choosing this subject as a combined degree
If studying Politics at 50%, in year one you will take ‘Foundations in Politics’ and ‘Foundations in International Politics’. You will also choose to study either ‘British Politics I’ or ‘Studying Politics Successfully: skills and methods’, and either ‘British Politics II’ or ‘Comparative Politics’. In years two and three there are a wide choice of optional modules, including the option of a dissertation in year three, giving you the chance to complete a sustained, original piece of work on a topic of your choice.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Research-connected teaching is initiated in the first year with introductions to quantitative, qualitative, theoretical, and critical methodologies, which are then embedded in second- and third-year modules so that students can evaluate and apply the methodologies to construct their own analyses. Though our lectures are interactive, our seminars, workshops, computer lab sessions, dissertations, and placements form the core of our active learning approach.
How you're assessed
We use a rich variety of assessment methods to develop students’ various skills. Essays, exams, and presentations enable to students to practice core academic writing and speaking skills, while innovative assessments such as blog posts, reflective logs, group projects, podcasts, radio broadcasts and speeches expand our authentic assessment, enabling students to deploy transferable skills in various formats. Digital fluency is also developed in different ways, including sourcing relevant material, using online learning platforms and tools, producing audio and visual materials, word processing and statistical analysis.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | 26 points overall with no score less than 4, or Pass the IB Diploma plus 5,4,4 in 3 HL subjects. Plus a minimum of 5 in SL Maths or 4 in HL Maths and 5 in SL/HL English A or 7 in SL English B or 6 in HL English B |
| HKDSE | 433 from 2 electives plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 3 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language |
| India Standard XII | Overall average of 60% from four core subjects, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE) and a minimum of 50% for Standard X Maths. |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Combine this subject
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
- Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
- Choose joint or major minor subjects
- Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
- Same number of credits as single honours students
- Same classes as single honours students
- Appeal to a wide range of employers
Your experience
The Department of Politics is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures and is based in 8-14 Abercromby Square. Students will be taught in a variety of buildings across campus.
Explore where you'll study
Inside Politics. A conversation with Juliana Christianson and Dr Gemma Bird
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why Politics at University of Liverpool?
- We are able to offer an excellent range of modules providing both a national and international focus. Pathways offer students module choices to develop their own specialist interests
- We are a small department that works to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Due to the small size of the seminar groups and the MA programmes in general, lecturers know students individually, and are easily accessible
- The Department of Politics is home to the Europe and the World Research Centre, through which you will you will be able to take advantage of the strong programme of organised activities such as conferences, guest lectures, seminars
- We aim to be a flexible and open department. We adopt a positive and flexible policy towards the postgraduate requirements of overseas and/or part-time students, including effective timetabling on taught programmes and facilitation of language training.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Politics student Phoebe shares her experience of studying at Liverpool
Careers and employability
A Politics degree can open doors to a range of careers, including political work, social and political research, journalism, PR and marketing.
Previous employers include:
- Dell
- Pricewaterhouse Coopers
- The National Trust
- The British Council
- The Independent.
Meet our alumni
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Joseph Howe, BA (Hons) History and Politics 2017
Can you tell us a little bit about your role at the House of Commons? “One of the best things about working in Parliament is that there really is no ‘typical day’. My role is to advise and work with the MP in responding to, and communicating, current affairs. On the Parliamentary side of things, […]
Emma Little, BA (Hons) Politics and Communication Studies 2012
Emma is a Production Management Assistant on the One Show.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Year abroad fee - £12,050 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship
If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels. Most of our undergraduate degrees are eligible, with the exception of clinical programmes in Medicine and Dental Surgery.
Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship
Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from an online Kaplan Foundation Certificate.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship
Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.
University of Liverpool International College First Class Scholarship
We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.
University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships
If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions