Studying Politics in the UK is a great opportunity to learn directly from some of the world’s leading experts in the field while being part of an ever-evolving community of students. This article explains how the degree is structured, outlines the examination process and the fun activities to check out once you get to university!
A degree in Politics & International Relations
Degrees such as Politics & International Relations, as well as similar degrees in the UK have the advantage of being extremely broad in areas of study. Hence, students have the ability to pick and chose which courses (or modules) to take.
In the first year of your studies, you will probably have quite a few mandatory modules which serve as introduction to studies in this field. These include, but are not limited to introductory modules to political theory, international relations and political science. This last one is a subject for which students tend to have several modules on throughout their degree. They examine methods of carrying out studies of politics and difficulties that may come from this. These will serve as tools for all the research you carry out in your other modules.
Choosing your own modules
Most modules are up to you to pick! You may chose modules that fit into a specific field (such as terrorism studies, European politics or political philosophy) or you may chose to keep your options open and chose modules based solely on how interesting they seem!
Learning tends to happen through three streams — lectures, seminars and readings. For each week’s topic your module convenor will give a presentation (the lecture), assign primary or secondary reading materials (the readings), and then you will have a chance to discuss this with your course-mates in smaller groups led by teaching assistants (the seminars).
Most students will have the option of writing a dissertation in their final year. This is a year-long research project into a topic of your choice, culminating in a (long) paper. It’s your chance to put all the skills you’ve developed throughout your degree in researching something you are passionate about.
Exams: a lot of writing!
Different modules will have different ways of examining you — but the one aspect that is common throughout most is a lot of writing! For most classes, you will have at least an essay to do at home and an exam (which usually consists, amongst else, of writing essays under a time-limit).
Many will also mark you through other means aside these two — this may include group projects like presentation, quizzes throughout the term or class-participation. The way each class is marked is made clear at the beginning of term, and all of your teacher’s will have office hours where you can discuss one-on-one any issues you may be having!
Outside your classroom: a vibrant community
Universities in the UK have a vibrant community outside your classroom that can compliment your studies. If you are passionate about politics, they tend to put on talks with interesting political figures that you can attend, and there are many societies (student groups) that focus on political matters.
Overall, studying politics in the UK is a great opportunity and lots of fun. You are surrounded by smart and passionate people learning about relevant issues!