Politics - 2012 entry
BA (Hons)
/
BSc (Hons)
- combined (see 'Combine with...' tab for available combinations)
Typical A-level offer: BBC or equivalent
Overview
This course is run by the Department of Social Sciences
The study of politics is the study of power. It starts by examining the roots and nature of political activity set in the context of wider social activity. It explores governments and types of governance, as well as the nature of power and rule under democratic and non-democratic regimes. At Oxford Brookes we encourage you to explore your own areas of interest, providing you with a solid foundation in the discipline, transferable skills, and the opportunity to participate in the design of your own course of study after the first year, with guidance from members of the politics staff.
The Department of International Relations, Politics and Sociology is home to the Centre for Democracy Studies and three research groups in Critical International Studies, European Politics and Society, and Social and Political Change. Teaching staff are active researchers with strong publication records. This means that the knowledge you gain will be underpinned by the latest academic thinking. During semester time we host a series of weekly research seminars where guest speakers from other universities and from outside the academic sector give presentations on research themes of interest to politics students.
Politics is studied as a combined honours degree which means you study it alongside one of a selected number of subjects. If you wish to study both International Relations and Politics you will need to opt for our single honours course. Similarly if you wish to study both Politics and Economics you will need to opt for our single honours course in Economics, Politics and International Relations.
Why Brookes?
At Brookes we are committed to offering you an up-to-date programme of study whilst maintaining student choice and student-centred learning.
The distinctive features of our Politics course:
- research-led teaching programme
- flexible modular programme
- choice of a wide range of related subjects to study alongside Politics as part of your combined honours degree
- placement learning opportunities
- undergraduate research scholarship scheme
- study abroad exchange programmes.
Teaching, learning and assessment
We use a variety of teaching methods, including role-play exercises, group work, video presentations, podcasts, placement learning and individual tutorials, as well as lectures and seminars.
You will be learning in a stimulating and friendly atmosphere. The teaching staff are committed to the highest standards in research-led teaching, and have an impressive record of publication in books, journals and conference papers as well as policy consultancy. There is a lively student Politics and International Relations Society which organises regular events including speakers, visits and parties. Students are also invited to attend and take part in our departmental Centre for Democracy Studies seminars, which usually involve invited speakers from other universities who present papers on their research interests.
Assessment is by coursework and examination. Coursework includes essays, group projects and individual seminar presentations. Some modules involve an examination, although others are assessed solely on the basis of your work during the semester.
Learning outcomes
When you have successfully completed the course, you will be able to:
- assess critically the history and intellectual tradition of the academic study of politics
- explore the conceptual terrain of the discipline of political science, and its interactions with other academic disciplines
- recognise the appropriate methodologies and methods relevant to political analysis and research
- analyse events and political issues in the contemporary world
- compare and contrast the operation of different political cultures, institutions and processes
- use a range of transferable skills in such areas as researching data, time management, IT, communication and teamwork.
In detail
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Course content
Studying politics means studying the real world - and developing the skills to make sense of that world. This is why we invite you to start by considering your own political development.
In Year 1 you will take the Introduction to Politics module which examines the concept of democracy by looking at the individual and society, and political ideologies, and the Politics in Comparative Perspective module which compares different types of political systems.
In Years 2 and 3 you will have a choice of modules on such subjects as political thought, researching politics and international relations, counter terrorism, comparative welfare states, conflict and postwar reconstruction, the political sociology of crime and disorder, identity politics and also on the politics and governance of specific states or regions such as the UK, the USA, Europe, the Russian Federation and South Africa. You may choose to write a dissertation in your final year as part of the honours component of the course. This is an extended piece of original research which offers you the opportunity to specialise in one of your fields or to combine them both in an interdisciplinary project.
As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown here. You can read detailed module descriptions here.
Year 1 modules
- Introduction to Politics
- Politics in Comparative Perspective
Years 2 and 3 modules
- Freedom, Justice and Political Theory
- Comparative Welfare States
- Conflict and Post-war Reconstruction
- Identity Politics and Violence
- Counter Terrorism in Comparative Perspective
- State and Society in Contemporary Russia
- Political Sociology of Crime and Disorder
- South African Politics: from Apartheid to Democracy
- Independent Study in Politics
- Dissertation or Interdisciplinary Dissertation in Politics
- Theory and Practice of Human Rights
- State and Society in Europe
- Modern British Politics
- Russia and East Europe after Lenin
- Understanding Europe: History, Culture and Political Economy
- Political Thought 1 and 2
- Researching Politics and International Relations 1: Analytical Mode and 2: Methods
Work placements
Oxford Brookes is working with the University of Warwick and Coventry University to develop academic placements for students of international relations, politics and sociology. Possible placements for a politics student include working for an MP or local councillor, or with a voluntary organisation. At present, the number of places is limited and subject to competition, but more placements will become available as the scheme expands.
Study abroad
Politics students are actively encouraged to study for part of their degree at other universities in the EU, including Göteborg in Sweden, Free University Amsterdam, and Genoa in Italy. In the past students have also taken advantage of opportunities to study in America and Australia.
The department has links with a number of European universities through the Erasmus programme, which last for one or two semesters. With over 100 partner institutions across the world, Oxford Brookes can offer you a unique overseas study experience.
More information about exchanges, European work placements and other study abroad programmes, is available here.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
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Department
Course length
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: up to 6 years
Teaching location
Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane
Start date
September 2012
Combine with...
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This course can be combined with one of the following subjects:
Anthropology
LL62 Mod/POAN
Business Management
NL2F Mod/PODP
Communications, Media and Culture
PL92 Mod/POHQ
English
QL32 Mod/POEA
French Studies
RL12 Mod/POFC
Geography
LL72 Mod/POGG
History
LV21 Mod/POHI
Japanese Studies
TL2F Mod/POJB
Philosophy
LV25 Mod/POPQ
Psychology
CL82 Mod/POPS
Sociology
LL32 Mod/POSO
Fees / funding
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Tuition fees
UK/EU students
Full-time: £9,000
Part-time: £750 per module. You can take up to five modules per academic year.
International students
Full-time: £11,000
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
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Typical offers
A-level: BBC or equivalent
IB Diploma: 31 points
Advanced Diploma: grade B, including A-level at grade B
Other academic qualifications that fulfil the entry requirements include:
- BB at A-level and CC at AS-level
- vocational A-levels at equivalent grades
- a recognised foundation or access course
- European Baccalaureate.
Further EU qualifications are also accepted; for more details please contact the senior tutor for this course.
Specific entry requirements
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Student experience
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Why Oxford is a great place to study Politics
One hour from London but on the edge of quintessentially English countryside, Oxford provides the perfect backdrop for student life. For the last two years Oxford has been voted the top UK city for culture and has a worldwide reputation as a centre of academic excellence. Oxford is the perfect combination of historic and modern, and offers everything you’d expect of a big city, but beautifully packaged.
Specialist facilities
With over half a million books, DVDs and CDs, a vast range of databases, e-journals and reference materials, the library provides all the resources you need for your study of Politics. You can also take advantage of the Library Electronic Information Network (LEIN), giving you access to a range of bibliographical searching tools, databases and electronic journals.
We have a dedicated Politics and International Relations librarian who is on hand to answer your enquiries, teach you information skills and guide you around the electronic resources on offer. The library also offers regular training sessions on accessing and making the best use of key resources in your specific subject area. Once you reach the stage of writing your dissertation you will have access to the world-famous Bodleian Library.
Support for students studying Politics
The support you receive as a Politics undergraduate is unparalleled. Our student support co-ordinators are there for you from the day you arrive to the day you leave, helping with anything from module advice to supporting you with any personal issues you may experience. They organise induction programmes and events throughout the year, and offer a friendly face when you need one.
Oxford Brookes’ unique free Upgrade study service is available to anyone who needs advice on study skills, from planning and writing essays, research and statistics, to highlighting areas for improvement. Upgrade desks are located at all three campuses and you can call in for help at the drop-in times advertised. We may be able to help straight away, or you can choose to book a 30-minute tutorial.
When you arrive at Oxford Brookes you will be assigned an academic adviser who will provide you with academic support and supervision throughout your degree, helping you monitor your progress and performance. They will also keep you up to date with events around your studies, such as visiting speakers, seminars and career fairs.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
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Career prospects
A politics degree from Oxford Brookes means excellent employment potential. Our graduates have made successful careers in a variety of professions, including social work, management, teaching, lecturing, publishing, journalism, advertising, local government, law and the trade unions. One graduate is an MP and others work for political parties or as parliamentary researchers. Many go on to study for postgraduate awards.
