Politics, BA (Hons)

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Course Overview

Politics isn’t just about governments, it’s about power, ideas, and change. Our undergraduate Politics degree gives you the tools to explore big questions: Who makes decisions? How do societies work? What can you do to make a difference?

Politics is deeply connected to economics, history, culture, and identity (gender, race, class, and nationality) as well as to questions of values within society. Through our BA (Hons) Politics degree you can explore issues of democratisation and democratic decline, of equality and human rights, of norms and values that shape societies and individuals, as well as of how public policies are developed in Wales, Britain and beyond. 

The opportunity to intern with a Member of the Senedd in our Senedd/Welsh Parliament module provides a chance to learn how parliaments and parliamentarians work. You can also participate in the British Parliamentary Studies module, partly delivered by expert staff from the Houses of Parliament. Our BA (Hons) Politics degree can open up a range of exciting career possibilities by helping you to develop research and analytical skills, as well as working collaboratively towards shared goals and equipping you with the graduate attributes highly valued by employers.

Join a vibrant community of thinkers and changemakers, dive into real-world issues, and develop the skills to influence tomorrow. If you care about how we govern ourselves as a society, how we deal with diverse perspectives, and how we can respond to global challenges, our BA Politics offers an exciting starting point for your intellectual and professional journey.

Why Politics at Swansea?

Politics at Swansea is ranked:

  • 7th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)*
  • Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • Top 20 in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2025)*
  • In the Top 250 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

*based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Our stunning Singleton Park campus will keep you grounded and offer the perfect environment for taking a break in the park and enjoying the views across Swansea Bay on the edge of the beautiful Gower Peninsula.

Your Politics Experience

At Swansea, we offer varied course content that allows you to pursue your interests and shape your politics degree into the profile you wish to graduate with.

Topics include global challenges such as democracy and polarisation, inequality, racism, global human rights and environmental challenges; ethics and moral controversies in contemporary societies, or questions of identity and identity politics, as well as the changing role of the US for shaping political discourses over time.

Teaching is informed by our world-leading research, and you can attend extra-curricular events with high-profile guest speakers, political representatives, or alumni sharing their career journeys.

You will also have a personal tutor for any pastoral and academic support you may need.

Highlights of the degree include:

  • The Parliamentary Studies module that is delivered in collaboration with the House of Commons;
  • The experiential learning module ‘Global Summit Simulation’ in which you can try out your negotiation skills and work on solutions for selected global challenges;
  • The Researching Politics and International Relations (IR) year-long project in which you conduct research individually and within a small group on topical questions in IR culminating in a presentation of your approach to the topic and your findings to the cohort.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Semester or Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Hong Kong or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BA.

Politics Employment Opportunities

As a student on this course you typically develop excellent communication skills, and will learn to present your ideas in a range of formats, along with strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Our graduates are truly international and are employed all around the world.

They have careers in:

  • Education
  • Government and politics
  • Humanitarian organisations
  • Business
  • Media and public relations
  • Law
  • Public services

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Politics, BA (Hons)

Politics with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

Politics with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)