About This Course
Do you want to learn more about government and society and the workings of political systems? Are you interested in the way people, institutions and ideas interact? Our course draws together existing teaching and research expertise on important issues surrounding the influence of power, governance, sovereignty, conflict, order, mediation, obligation, justice, accountability, legitimacy, security, and decision-making.
Our Politics (with Foundation Year) option is a four-year course with an integrated foundation year which leads to the same qualification as our three-year honours degree. It has been specifically designed for those wanting to undertake degree-level study but who may not meet the entry requirements or have traditional qualifications.
The Foundation Year (Year 0) offers you the chance to expand and strengthen your confidence, skills and knowledge – ensuring that you are well-prepared and qualified to progress into Year 1 of the undergraduate degree.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- Students who follow this programme will be introduced to interdisciplinary approaches to the discussions of theoretical, philosophical, institutional and issue-based concerns revolving around governance.
- Our History, Philosophy and Social sciences staff undertake research of national and international reputation and have written major textbooks and articles published in top academic journals. Their research is an integral part of teaching.
- We aim to provide a friendly, supportive and stimulating learning environment, supplemented by contributions from practitioners in the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors.
- Students from countries worldwide study Social Sciences degrees at Bangor - for undergraduate, masters and research training, creating a dynamic learning environment.
Course Content
This course seeks to help students understand the nature, meaning and impact of politics as a human activity. Students will learn to apply concepts, methods and theories used in the study of politics to analyse political ideas, practices and institutions in both historical and contemporary contexts
This course will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminar, tutorials and workshops. Assessment will involve a mixture of examinations, essays, written work, presentations and portfolios.
What will you study on this course?
In Year 0 you will take modules intended to familiarise you with key concepts and principles and helping you to develop academic skills and understanding that you will utilise in greater depth later in the degree: Essential skills for Arts & Humanities, Arts, Humanities and the Future; Introduction to Research and Inquiry, Foundation Project, Key texts in our discipline.
In Year 1 you will choose from a selection of modules that are intended to provide a solid grounding in the subject area. In addition to modules focussing on the Principles of Politics, Modern Politics in Action, Introduction to Modern History and Doing Social and Political Research you will also choose two further modules from a list of available options.
In Years 2 & 3 you will taking more specialist modules and investigating themes and topics in greater depth. In addition to further developing your skills, you will also be introduced to more specialist approaches, theories and concepts. You will take compulsory modules in Modern Ideas and Movements and Social and Political Research.
In addition you will select further modules from a list of available options.
In Year 3 you will also complete a dissertation – a research project on a topic of particular interest to you.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Politics (with Foundation Year) Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Course Costs
General University Costs
Home (UK) students
- The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,000 per year (2021/22 entry).
- More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.
International (including EU) students
Additional Costs
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:
- If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
- If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).
Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:
- Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
- Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
- Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.
Entry Requirements
For 2021 Entry:
Typical offer is based on a minimum 48 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.
- A Levels (including: AS-levels, General Studies)
- International Baccalaureate
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- BTEC Diplomas and Certificate are accepted and Cambridge Technical Diplomas / Certificates
- Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Certificates
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Diplomas
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted
- Scottish Highers
- Irish Leaving Certificate is accepted
We also welcome applications from mature applicants. Mature students and/or those with other qualifications are considered on individual merit
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.
For 2020 Entry:
Typical offer is based on a minimum 48 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.
- A Levels (including: AS-levels, General Studies)
- International Baccalaureate
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- BTEC Diplomas and Certificate are accepted and Cambridge Technical Diplomas / Certificates
- Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Certificates
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Diplomas
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted
- Scottish Highers
- Irish Leaving Certificate is accepted
We also welcome applications from mature applicants. Mature students and/or those with other qualifications are considered on individual merit
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.
General University Requirements
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
To study a degree, diploma or certificate course you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more help and advice about being a mature student at Bangor, please visit the Study at Bangor site.
Specific entry requirements can be seen on the individual course pages.
EU and International students' entry requirements
For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
More information
Home/EU students and International UCAS applicants
E-mail for General Admissions: admissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to:
Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF
Telephone: +44 (0)1248 383717
International students (non-UCAS applicants)
Email to International Admissions: internationaladmissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to
Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF
Telephone: +44 (0) 1248 382028
Careers
This course will prepare students for a range of employment options – especially in fields which require skills of communication, analyzing large quantities of information, and understanding issues of governance and society.
Those choosing to take advantage of the work placement opportunities (e.g. work placement module, or a placement year) will gain hands on experience and an insight into work opportunities within the broader field. opportunities may include e.g. local government, charities, schools, museums and archival repositories.
Possible future career options may include local and/or national government, teaching, management and administration. This course will also be an excellent foundation prior to further postgraduate study, such as a Masters degrees in politics.
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Skills and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions. Developing your personal skills and enhancing your employability while at university is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market.
The Bangor Employability Award (BEA) and Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)
The Bangor Employability Award enables students to build on their transferable skills through the recognition of activities they become involved in during their university life. Students can gain points towards the award through extra-curricular activities such as volunteering, attending workshops or actively participating in the Students’ Union’s clubs and societies.
The HEAR is a final graduation report that all undergraduates receive. The report itemises all academic achievements and additional extra and co-curricular achievements. Academic achievements appear on the report automatically and students are able to note their eligible activities by using the online platform ‘My Employability Hub’. This ensures that future employers are made aware of the additional skills the student has gained outside of the curriculum.
The Award is open to everyone and taking part in the scheme can make a major difference to your performance in the graduate job market.
Internships
Bangor University runs undergraduate and postgraduate internship schemes twice a year, which allow students to work in a professional environment while learning relevant skills and earning money.
Internships offer valuable experience in a professional workplace and there are a range of internships you can get involved in.
Student Volunteering
Not only is volunteering worthwhile – it also improves your employability and widens your experience.
The Students’ Union has a dedicated Student Volunteering Office (SVB) which currently contributes a total of 600 hours each week, promoting a close relationship between the university and the local community. Find out more on the Student Volunteering pages of the Bangor Student’s Union website.
TARGETconnect - Working while you Study
The Skills and Employability Service offers support to students searching for employment during and after their studies.
TARGETconnect advertises the following opportunities:
- Graduate jobs – Local, National and International
- Full-time, part time, permanent and temporary jobs
- Work experience / internships
- Voluntary opportunities
