Introduction

Focus on real-life political decision-making and policies, and discover how international politics shapes all of our lives, by studying our BA (Hons) Politics degree in Cambridge.

On this course you’ll study the practical and theoretical aspects of modern politics and international relations, and thereby gain insights into our past, present and future on both a local and global scale. You’ll examine relevant political debates from a historical, philosophical and sociological perspective. In doing so, we‘ll go beyond the ‘high politics’ of traditional theories and the workings of parliaments. Instead, you’ll be able to develop your own specialisms in areas such as global diplomacy, international relations, and international issues like climate change; protest movements like Black Lives Matter; the devolution of power away from central government; the politics of the new media; the politics of gender, and the place of race in modern society.

Our specialist modules such as Race, Racism and Cultural Identity, Wrestling with Trump: the WWE and Modern Political Culture, and Politics and Social Media will allow you to engage with contemporary issues, developing a deeper understanding of modern politics.

3 years with Politics

• In your first year, you’ll gain a solid grounding in the knowledge and skills you need to study politics at the degree level. You’ll learn about the interlocking institutions that constitute politics and discuss the nature of power, governance, national and transnational institutions, and wider groups that influence the political process.
• In your second year, you’ll continue to discover how politics impacts all aspects of modern life and develop your critical thinking skills. You’ll look at the role of politics in a global context by studying recent political developments and changes in various African and Asian countries, gaining an understanding of their relationships with, and portrayal in western countries, as well as the roles and politics of aid, NGOs, charities and think tanks.
  
• In your third year, you’ll continue to develop your political knowledge, skills, and specialisms. You’ll discover how social media facilitates political activism, protest, and campaigning, but can also be misused by bad actors for political ends.