Ways to study Politics
Changes in politics happen fast and can affect our lives every day. This includes not just the usual political parties on a national level, but also new ways of making changes on a global level.
At the University of Nottingham, politics is taught by experts who take an interest in the latest ideas about politics from across the world. The School of Politics and International Relations has particular strengths in the fields of security, social and global justice, international history, and comparative British politics. Politics themes and modules are also found in a wide range of arts and humanities courses.
Which course is right for you?
Ways to Study Politics conference (Year 12, 13 December 2024)
Politics and International Relations
Learn about the latest political events happening across the world and the complex processes that support our society.
Core areas
- Comparative politics, political theory and international relations
On this course you will:
- explore specialist areas such as social justice, global security and secret intelligence
- take a specialised pathway that includes training in quantitative analysis
- have the opportunity to study abroad in locations like China, Europe and the USA
The best part has been the range of modules I have covered, including selecting to follow the Q-Step pathway which has helped to develop both my academic skills and increase my employability when I look for graduate opportunities.
Politics and International Relations BA
International Relations and Asian Studies
Focus your studies on the latest political and international relations developments within Asia and between Asia and the rest of the world.
Core areas
- Evolution of the Asian continent and the complex challenges of global politics
On this course you will:
- address major political, social and economic challenges of Asia, with the support of the Asia Research Institute
- have the opportunity to spend your second year abroad at either our China or Malaysia campus
- tailor your studies to your interests and career goals through a range of optional modules
International Relations and Asian Studies BA
Politics and Economics
Draw from theories in politics and economics to understand how the choices we make as individuals, and the actions of our government impact us locally, nationally, and globally.
Core areas
- Global and comparative politics, micro and macroeconomics and complex political and economic processes
On this course you will:
- explore how we can answer and resolve key political problems
- understand how politics and economics interact and the impact this has
- take flexible modules that suit a wide range of interests and career paths
The course is unique in that it provides you an opportunity to improve your mathematical skills, whilst also gaining a much greater perspective of the world than you would do on pure politics or economics courses.
Politics and Economics BA
International Security Studies
Uncover how we can address the most pressing political and security issues of the 21st century and devise strategic solutions to a complex geopolitical environment.
Core areas
- Contemporary global politics and security, regional politics and comparative politics
On this course you will:
- develop a specialist knowledge of international security
- use theoretical and practical tools to address political and security issues
- contribute to debates connected to contemporary global politics and security
International Security Studies BA
Politics and Philosophy
Use theories from philosophy and politics to underpin your understanding of contemporary political issues and how they can be tackled.
Core areas
- Comparative politics, political theory, global security and applying philosophy to political issues
On this course you will:
- develop a strong knowledge of core political theories, models and ideas
- study politics through a philosophical lens to challenge contemporary political issues
- have a flexible range of modules to choose from to develop a specialist knowledge and transferable skills
Politics and Philosophy BA
History and Politics
Discover how politics has been heavily influenced by modern history and the impact this has on contemporary political ideas and issues.
Core areas
- Modern history, contemporary politics and the overlaps and tensions between politics and history
On this course you will:
- use primary and secondary historical sources to research, write and debate history
- compare and contrast different political institutions, systems and behaviours
- explore methods of research and analysis, opening the door to a wide range of exciting careers
From Britain's Prime Ministers to the works of Plato and Aristotle, the history of Modern Medicine to the historical significance of street lighting; studying History and Politics has opened my eyes to a plethora of topics I had previously not considered researching. I have been afforded the opportunity to develop my independent research, source analysis, and presentation skills thanks to friendly and approachable tutors in both departments.
History and Politics BA
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Understand how philosophy, politics and economics intertwine to explain the complex political and economic landscape we see today.
Core areas
- Microeconomics and macroeconomics, political theory and global politics, as well as core aspects of philosophy like reasoning, logic and ethics
On this course you will:
- conduct philosophical analysis of political issues and economic phenomena
- tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations through optional modules
- graduate with a distinct skillset and all the knowledge, practical skills and confidence you need to stand out
This course allows you to study such a broad range of topics but lets you focus on the ones that interest you the most. Everything you learn is so applicable to the real world.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA
Politics and American Studies BA
Gain a broad overview of contemporary global politics complemented by a specialist knowledge of American and Canadian culture.
Core areas
- Global politics, comparative politics and American politics and culture
On this course you will:
- receive the intellectual training needed to understand a range of political ideas
- choose from a wide variety of modules in both politics and American studies
- have the opportunity to study in a US or Canadian university
Politics and American Studies BA
Art History and Visual Culture
If you like approaching themes from unconventional angles and exploring important issues with a fresh perspective, then this could be just the degree for you.
Exploring politics through the lens of art history will allow you to discover the more personal side of politics.
It'll provide you with a thorough understanding of how government actions reverberate through the people they represent and how nations react to the politics imposed upon them.
I looked at the modules and thought they seemed really interesting and applicable to loads of future careers as well. You don’t have to work in a museum when you come out the other end.
Art History and Visual Culture BA
Criminology BA
Draw on insights from politics to understand how crime has become increasingly politicised in recent years and the impact this has on society.
Core areas
- Crime, justice, victimisation and crime control
On this course you will:
- uncover the two-way relationship between crime and politics, finding out how changes to policy impact crime and opinions towards crime
- have flexibility in the modules you study, so you can focus on the topics that interest you
- develop critical thinking and research skills for your career
Criminology BA
Sociology BA
Use key political theories to explore how society works both locally and globally to expand your knowledge of the world we live in.
Core areas
- Contemporary social issues and the role the government has in these issues, importance of identity and difference and diversity in society
On this course you will:
- gain a deeper knowledge of how society and politics interact to influence our lives
- have the opportunity to study abroad or take part in the placements scheme to put your knowledge to the test in the real world
- develop transferable skills that open doors to a wide range of careers in politics and beyond
One of my favourite things about the course is the support we get from tutors and academics. I speak from the heart when I say that every single one of them gives their job their all and goes above and beyond for their students. Never have I received so much academic support and confidence instilled in me consistently from the staff members that I turn to for help.
Sociology BA
Education BA
Explore education through a political lens to understand the impact of policy on curriculum and how the political party in power influences education.
Core areas
- Learning in the digital age, global education and social justice in education
On this course you will:
- explore a wide variety of educational practices and ideas, with the opportunity to focus on the politics of education
- have the opportunity to take a placement module, allowing you to put your understanding of educational theories into practice
- tailor your degree to suit your interests and career goals, such as careers in local government, the civil service and educational organisation bodies
I loved the alternative methods of teaching and assessment we were able to try, as well as seeing the impact of student voice and opinion on the course.
Education BA
Theology and Religion
Explore the multifaceted and complex between politics and religion across societies and cultures and throughout history.
Core areas
Study religion from diverse perspectives: theology, philosophy, ethics, politics, sociology, history, gender, and culture.
On our courses you will:
- discuss the insights theology and ethics bring to the biggest questions we face today
- understand how religious ideas, practices, and identities develop over time
- develop key employability skills that equip you for a diverse range of roles
Don’t presume that you will be learning purely about the past, you can walk out of a lecture and see something you've learned applied in society, in real time.
Theology and Religion
International Media and Communications
Learn to think critically about media and communication in your own society and in a global context.
Core areas
You will draw on a range of approaches, such as sociology, cultural studies, politics and communication theory.
On our courses you will:
- explore how media empowers individuals and groups and helps change society
- understand how individuals, groups and countries engage with different forms of media and communication
- discuss how the industry can help tackle global challenges such as climate change and women's rights
- study a language, with nine language options available and classes tailored to your existing ability
I chose to study International Media and Communications as the modules offered me a chance to explore all my interests; politics, society, technology, and how they interact with each other.
International Media and Communications BA
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