Politics with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

The BA Politics will help you to understand and analyse major political issues that affect the lives of millions in the UK and beyond, such as populism, terrorism, austerity and war. Politics can be understood as decisions about who gets what, when and how, but complex issues are rarely the result of a single factor or process. This means you need access to the broad range of expertise which we offer. Our academics are specialists in a variety of geographical areas, including Britain, America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. On this politics degree, you will be taught by experts in the full range of sub-fields in political studies, including:<br/><br/><br/>- public policy<br/><br/><br/>- international political economy<br/><br/><br/>- peace and conflict<br/><br/><br/>- voting behaviour<br/><br/><br/>- political theory. <br/><br/><br/>We engage with politicians and policy makers who make crucial political decisions. You will have access to the Birkbeck Centre for British Political Life which brings together political practitioners, activists and elected politicians to debate the big democratic questions about contemporary British politics. You can also choose to take a unique option module on Parliamentary Studies which is taught in conjunction with the House of Commons outreach service.<br/><br/>If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didnt achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. <br/><br/>**Highlights**<br/><br/><br/>- Birkbeck is a distinguished centre of research and teaching excellence in politics. Our central London location puts us at the heart of the UKs political life and at the centre of academic London. Our courses are designed to encourage independent thinking and hone your argumentative, analytical and critical skills, while our teaching uniquely moves across the boundaries between subjects, encompassing, among others, economics, history and sociology.<br/><br/><br/>- We have built up a strong reputation over more than 50 years for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics.<br/><br/><br/>- Our building was once a key location for members of the Bloomsbury Group, so you could be studying in rooms that have hosted distinguished visitors, including T.S. Eliot, George Bernard Shaw and Maynard Keynes.<br/><br/><br/>**Careers and employability**<br/><br/>Graduates can pursue career paths in:<br/><br/><br/>- local and national government<br/><br/><br/>- the diplomatic service<br/><br/><br/>- the voluntary sector<br/><br/><br/>- policy work<br/><br/><br/>- research<br/><br/><br/>- journalism.<br/><br/><br/>We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.