Course information

Entry requirements

UCAS code

L200

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655

Length

3 years full-time

Course overview

The study of politics entails more than the study of government. This programme is concerned with the way in which we understand and communicate about the problems and conflicts we face, and the formal exercise of power.

You'll learn that we cannot make sense of the ways in which politics affects every aspect of our lives without first addressing the ways in which the concept of ‘politics’ is constructed in the first place.

We will develop your critical and analytical skills, providing you with a thorough grounding in the major aspects of modern political studies, including political theory, international relations, political economy, British and European comparative politics and the politics of non-Western countries.

Through a study of diverse topics, such as feminism, foreign policy, and human rights, you'll sharpen your ability to evaluate complex, challenging claims. You’ll see that politics encompasses the most difficult challenges humanity faces, and you’ll learn how to engage with these challenges in a sophisticated, persuasive way. 

A degree in politics is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable subjects you can study at university. And the skills you’ll gain will stay with you forever.

Why study BA Politics at Goldsmiths

  • This programme extends beyond the conventional - we'll look at how and why politics is practised in such different ways around the planet
  • Our research interests are as diverse as the discipline of politics; you’ll have the option of studying from the full range of subjects that we offer (subject to prerequisites)
  • You’ll learn about the politics of the Houses of Parliament and the United States Senate, but you’ll also learn about the political decisions which take place in the classroom, the company directors’ meeting, the art gallery and the internet forum. Through these (and more) diverse studies, we’ll help you to question your own assumptions and beliefs in order to give you the ability to question the assumptions and beliefs of others
  • In your third year you’ll be able to put these skills into practice in our Work Placement programme. We have links with the Home Office, Department for Transport, local government and the European Commission
  • We have a lively events programme that attracts renowned speakers, so you'll have the opportunity to hear (and challenge) the latest political arguments, theories and ideas

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Professor Saul Newman (for information about applying).

Watch videos about your course

What you'll study

Note about optional modules (if available): The below is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.

Year 1 (credit level 4)

Students take a total of 120 credits comprised of these compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
UK and European Comparative Governance and Politics 30 credits
Political Theory and Ideologies 30 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 1 15 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 2 15 credits

You will then choose an optional module from the following:

Module title Credits
World Politics 30 credits
Issues in Political and Cultural Economy 30 credits
Colonialism, Power, Resistance 30 credits

Year 2 (credit level 5)

In your second year, you'll take the compulsory module The Goldsmiths Elective (details below). You'll also take 105 additional credits from a list approved by the department each year. As part of this, you will have the option of taking up to 15 credits from another department or from another University of London institution (if deemed suitable by the department).

Module title Credits
The Goldsmiths Elective 15 credits

Students take a total of 90 credits from the list of options currently available in the Department.

Examples of modules include the following:

Module title Credits
Political Economy 30 credits
Chinese Politics: The Revolutionary Era 15 credits
Rough Politics 15 credits
US Politics and Foreign Policy 15 credits
The Politics of Climate Change 15 Credits

Year 3 (credit level 6)

Students write a research dissertation (30 credits) and make up their remaining 90 credits from the list of options chosen by the department.

Examples of optional modules available are listed below:

Module title Credits
Colonialism and Non-Western Political Thought 15 credits
Migration, Technology, and Humanitarianism 15 credits
Sustainable Development 15 Credits
The Politics of Memory 15 Credits
Ethics and Economics of Environmental Protection 15 credits
Work placement (Politics) 15 credits
Fascisms, Old and New 15 credits
The Politics of Popular Music 15 credits

Teaching style

This programme is mainly taught through scheduled learning - a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.

The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 13% scheduled learning, 87% independent learning
  • Year 2 - 13% scheduled learning, 87% independent learning
  • Year 3 - 13% scheduled learning, 87% independent learning

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects.

The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 63% coursework, 38% written exam
  • Year 2 - 79% coursework, 19% written exam, 3% practical work
  • Year 3 - 100% coursework

*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2022/23. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices.

Credits and levels of learning

An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year. A standard module is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half modules or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Major Project.

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

What our students say

Hamza Taouzzale

Goldsmiths was always my first choice. I liked the fact that there was a friendly and open atmosphere.

Changing the system

Hamza has achieved more than he ever expected since studying a BA Politics degree at Goldsmiths. In 2022, aged just 22, he became the youngest Lord Mayor of Westminster, and the borough’s first Muslim Lord Mayor. “Not in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be Lord Mayor,” says Hamza. “It’s changed up the whole system.”

His role involves representing the achievements of Westminster and its diverse communities, and attending civic and ceremonial events. “I’m now able to go to places where people like me wouldn’t usually be able to go,” explains Hamza, who grew up on a council estate in the borough. “Just the other week I was in Buckingham Palace, speaking to King Charles. It’s a lot to take in.”

Tackling inequality

Hamza has used his platform to have “tough conversations” with the people he meets about the huge levels of inequality in Westminster. He advocates for a youth work charity, and regularly visits schools to inspire the young people he meets to dream big.

“I want to ensure that they get a solid chance in life, no matter where they live, or who they are,” Hamza says. “Growing up in my area, uni wasn’t somewhere that people would normally go.”

Juggling university with local government

Thinking back to his own university days, Hamza says the Goldsmiths politics degree really appealed because of the module choices. “There were other London unis where I could have studied politics but I thought that Goldsmiths was a bit more ‘out there’ and more creative,” he explains. “So Goldsmiths was always my first choice. I also liked the fact that there was a friendly and open atmosphere.” 

During his degree, Hamza was also a Labour Party Councillor, so he juggled these duties alongside his studies. “Sometimes I’d finish uni and then come straight to Westminster City Hall for meetings, or do casework for residents in my ward,” he remembers.

Advocating for young people

Hamza’s term as Lord Mayor will finish this year, at which point he’ll go back to his Councillor role. Thinking about the remainder of his time in office, and his future plans, his priorities remain people-focused. “I want to keep linking things back to the communities that need a helping hand,” he says. “I’m still going to be advocating for young people and fighting their corner.”

Entry requirements

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Alternative qualifications

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

Fees & funding

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

From August 2021 EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for 'Home' fee status. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be classified as 'International' for fee purposes, more information can be found on our fees page.

  • Home - full-time: £9250
  • Home - part-time: £4625
  • International - full-time: £19640

If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.

Careers

Skills

This programme will develop you intellectually, and will enhance your transferable and communication skills – learning to plan your workload, to research solutions, and to express your ideas coherently.

Careers

Our graduates go on to a wide variety of careers. Some go on to postgraduate study or further training in law, accountancy, social work, business administration, or to specialise in one area of their academic studies, whilst others go directly into employment.

Recent graduates have found employment in administration and management; in various departments of central and local government; in finance, in the media; in research and computing; in voluntary agencies; in health, education and housing management; the probation service; in company management, and as lecturers and teachers. You can find out more about the career paths open to you after graduating on our Politics and International Relations careers page.

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.