2012/13 Politics

Studying Politics will allow you to develop the ability to ask and answer questions about:
• the nature of power;
• the meaning and relevance of political ideologies;
• the interrelationship between domestic and international politics;
• the challenges posed by new social movements and global developments;
• the meaning and application of political theories.
Our Politics course covers all the core areas of
the discipline and offers a range of options focusing on theories and ideologies and the study of the politics of individual nation states, regions and international politics, as well as the study of themes such as identities, human rights and terrorism. In addition, we provide policy-related modules, including education policy and public management.

Politics can be studied in the following combinations at Jordanstown:

• Politics with Criminology – L2M9 J BSc/ PolCrm
• Economics with Politics - L1LF J BSc/EconP
• Law with Politics – M1LG J LLB/LawPol
• Sociology with Politics - L3LF J BSc/SocP

If you chose Politics as your major subject the entry requirements are as follows:
You must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language at grade C or above (or equivalent). The Faculty of Social Sciences will accept Essential Skills Level 2 Communication as equivalent to GCSE English Language.

A level
Offer in range 260-280 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades BC - BB.

Irish Leaving Certificate
Offer in range 260-280 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades BBCCC - BBBCC at Honours Level.

BTEC National Diploma = DMM.

Access = (60 - 64%) - (65 - 69%).

HND = (2D 1M 5P) - (2D 2M 4P).

Scottish Highers
Offer in range 260-280 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades AABB - AAAA.

International Baccalaureate = 24.

If you chose to study Politics as a minor subject, your major subject will dictate the entry requirements. Please see your major subject entry.

Three years full-time.

Attendance
Each module usually involves two hours of lectures plus a one hour seminar each week. In addition, students are required to undertake substantial directed independent learning.

Politics as a Major

If you chose to study Politics as a major subject you will study 4 Politics modules each year. Your 2 remaining modules will be in your chosen minor.

In the first year (level 4), you will take 3 compulsory modules called Introduction to the Study and Practice of Politics, Introduction to Politics and Government, and Foundations of Political Thought.
Your final Politics module in year 1 will be either International Politics or Government & Politics in the UK.

In the second year (level 5), themes introduced in the first year will be developed in greater detail. The politics of particular areas or countries (Britain, Ireland, Europe and the United States) will be studied, alongside modules on political theory. Core modules will focus on Politics in Western Europe, Political Thought and Research Methods.

Your final year (level 6), will allow you to explore Politics in greater depth through topics such as the Politics of Identity, European Integration, Interpretations of the Northern Ireland Conflict, Visions of the Modern State and Equality and Human Rights. You will also complete a dissertation on a topic relevant to the degree programme.

Politics as a Minor

Students taking Politics as their minor study 2 modules in the subject at each level. In addition, students study 4 modules at each level in their major subject.

We offer some optionality so that students may choose to focus on political theory or to study institutions or policies.
In the first year (level 4), you will take 1 compulsory module, Introduction to Politics and Government, in your first semester and in your second semester you will choose between Foundations of Political Thought,International Politics or Government & Politics in the UK.

In the second year (level 5), themes introduced in the first year will be developed in greater detail. Students may choose to study the politics of particular areas or countries (Britain, Ireland, Europe and the United States) or to develop their knowledge of political theory. (There may be prerequisites: for example, if you have not taken Foundations of Political Thought at level four, you will not be permitted to take Political Theory at level 5. )

Your final year (level 6), will allow you to explore Politics in greater depth through topics such as the Politics of Identity, European Integration, Interpretations of the Northern Ireland Conflict, Visions of the Modern State and Equality and Human Rights.

A background in politics is invaluable for those who aim to pursue a career in local or national government. There is a growing demand for staff in leadership positions in the voluntary or nongovernmental sector, and in political lobbying firms and think-tanks. As the study of politics allows students to develop an understanding of organisations and decision making, they will have the skills and expertise which are sought after in many managerial and administrative positions. Recent graduates have taken up careers in journalism, community development, research, teaching, the civil service and in a number of private sector companies. Others have taken the opportunity to study at postgraduate level.

• Programme Specification
• School webpage