Politics with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Sheffield Hallam University

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Learn the latest thinking in analysing and explaining political trends or issues.
• Develop a critical understanding of political institutions, ideologies and theories.
• Gain valuable work experience with well-known organisations.
• Visit Brussels for a chance to meet policy makers and politicians.
• Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.

Develop the skills to formulate and defend complex ideas – and the ability to think clearly and objectively. Be given the platform to debate convincingly. By focusing on the application of political ideas in the real world, this degree supports you in a variety of career paths.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) courses – or if you’re not quite ready for studying at degree-level – we recommend you take our foundation course. You’ll share the foundation year with other Social Science students before moving onto your degree.

How you learn

At each level of study teaching is structured to provide you with the skills necessary to succeed. Classwork is supplemented by guest speakers drawn from the public, academic, non-governmental and campaign sectors which provide not only different perspectives on real world issues but also an insight into the knowledge and skills required to work in these sectors.

You learn through

• lectures
• seminars
• away days
• workshops
• e-learning
• placement opportunities
• guest lecturers
• extracurricular activities such as publishing and editing Politics Review Magazine
• joining the Model UN Simulation Society, the Politics Society, and the Debating Society

Throughout the course you’ll be able to improve your employability by studying a language. You can study a language of your choice for credit – whether you’re a beginner or at a more advanced level. Languages available include French, Spanish, German, Italian, Catalan, Portuguese, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese.

You will be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through a number of key areas. These include

• access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development.
• access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments.
• industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities.

Applied learning

Once you’ve completed the foundation year and progressed onto the BA (Hons) Politics degree, you’ll be able to apply your learning to a range of opportunities.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to take a semester-long work placement in your second year. This gives you real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. Examples include assisting members of parliament, working for NGOs, campaign groups or the council.

Live projects

If you choose a non-placement route, you’ll receive employer engagement through our sector-leading Venture Matrix enterprise – where employers invite you to help them address the issues their organisations need to resolve.

Field trips

You’ll be able to go on a five-day visit to the European Union headquarters in Brussels – where you’ll meet policy makers, politicians and various representatives from non-governmental organisations. This field trip is provided at no extra cost.