Birkbeck, University of London
Politics BA (Hons)
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 15 graduates of Politics BA (Hons) and other courses in Politics & International Relations at Birkbeck, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Politics & International Relations.

Overall student satisfaction
90 /100
15 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of CAH15

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25651 £24571 £30295
25-75 percentile range £22016 - £30312 £19077 - £31076 £22913 - £40577

Course Description

The BA Politics will help you to understand and analyse major political issues that affect the lives of millions in the UK and beyond, such as populism, terrorism, austerity and war. Politics can be understood as decisions about who gets what, when and how, but complex issues are rarely the result of a single factor or process. This means you need access to the broad range of expertise which we offer. Our academics are specialists in a variety of geographical areas, including Britain, America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. On this politics degree, you will be taught by experts in the full range of sub-fields in political studies, including:

  • public policy
  • international political economy
  • peace and conflict
  • voting behaviour
  • political theory. 

We engage with politicians and policy makers who make crucial political decisions. You will have access to the Birkbeck Centre for British Political Life which brings together political practitioners, activists and elected politicians to debate the big democratic questions about contemporary British politics. You can also choose to take a unique option module on Parliamentary Studies which is taught in conjunction with the House of Commons outreach service.

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

  • Birkbeck is a distinguished centre of research and teaching excellence in politics. Our central London location puts us at the heart of the UK's political life and at the centre of academic London. Our courses are designed to encourage independent thinking and hone your argumentative, analytical and critical skills, while our teaching uniquely moves across the boundaries between subjects, encompassing, among others, economics, history and sociology.
  • We have built up a strong reputation over more than 50 years for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics.
  • Our building was once a key location for members of the Bloomsbury Group, so you could be studying in rooms that have hosted distinguished visitors, including T.S. Eliot, George Bernard Shaw and Maynard Keynes.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in:

  • local and national government
  • the diplomatic service
  • the voluntary sector
  • policy work
  • research
  • journalism.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Politics BA (Hons) at Birkbeck, University of London

15% Administrative occupations
10% Teaching Professionals
10% Caring personal services
10% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10% Elementary occupations
10% Managers, directors and senior officials
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
10% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Elementary occupations

Grading & Study Time

**Coursework and examinations**

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Politics & International Relations

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Politics, BA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Birkbeck, University of London in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #30 
    • #176 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]

See all 17 university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

List of 197 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birkbeck, University of London - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Birkbeck, University of London

undergraduates:
4800
postgraduates:
2810
Total:
7610
  • Stella’s Starting Study Vlog
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  • Studying for a PhD at Birkbeck - Veronika Akhmadieva

Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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