Politics with Foundation Year

Get set to take on an undergraduate degree in politics with this foundation year course.

If you don't yet have the entry requirements you need for a bachelor's degree, if you've taken a break from studying, or if you're looking to gain confidence and study skills beforehand, this foundation year degree will give you the step up you need.

You'll study with us for a year on campus, through ICP. You'll get the knowledge and academic skills needed to take on a bachelor's degree, learning how to analyse information, do research, and improve your academic writing.

What you'll learn will help you work in teams as well as on your own in culturally diverse workplaces. You'll develop your understanding of new workplaces and environments, and how to adapt to new environments.

After your foundation year, you'll be ready to move onto the first year of BA (Hons) Politics.

Course highlights
• ICP is based on the University of Portsmouth campus so you'll have access to all facilities, support and societies



• When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BA (Hons) Politics



• Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move onto your degree ready for success



• Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's at university



Careers and opportunities
Studying politics allows you to discover the political issues shaping – and dividing – societies around the world.

Once you've finished your foundation year, you'll transfer straight on to our BA (Hons) Politics degree, which will help you get to grips with the major issues facing people and politicians today, including Brexit, the NHS, and life in a ‘post-truth’ world.

You'll gain in-depth political knowledge and skills in communication, research, critical thinking and analysis essential for a range of careers. Many of our politics graduates go into people-focused roles, or apply their understanding of political theory to roles in research, shaping social policy or working for social change.

Placement year opportunities
Once you've completed your foundation year and moved on to your full Bachelor's degree, you can do an optional work placement sandwich year, to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.

Previous students have secured placements at:


• The Ministry of Defence



• The House of Commons



• National Museum of the Royal Navy



We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Portsmouth offers accommodation to all Clearing applicants who accept an offer within 24 hours and apply for a room in halls by 19 August (terms and conditions apply).

By signing up for Priority Clearing, you can receive accommodation information straight to your inbox, along with exclusive access to Portsmouth’s Clearing Visit Day on Thursday 6 August. Priority Clearing applicants benefit from queue-jump status on Results Day, as well as exclusive updates, invitations to Clearing Webinars and personalised one-to-one application support.

The Clearing Visit Day offers you the chance to experience Portsmouth’s welcoming campus and vibrant student community first-hand before you enrol. With guaranteed accommodation, you can feel reassured that you’ll be at the heart of university life from day one.