Program Overview

Many questions in politics can increasingly be addressed only when taking into account their international dimension. Who decides on the conditions of trade among nations? What role does international cooperation play for preparing for pandemic disease? How does economic globalisation affect the domestic welfare state? What is its role in the rise of populism? Our BA Global Politics is designed to answer these and other questions that lie at the intersection of domestic politics and global issues.

The course offers students a sound understanding of both the processes underpinning domestic politics, and their interactions with foreign policies as well as their exposure to international forces. Students can study a wide range of topics including:

• Concepts in political science: state, laws, wars and political parties
• International relations
• Democratic systems and political power
• Political economy
• Politics of international institutions

Placement year

Alternatively, on a placement year you gain relevant work experience within an external business, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry. You will be responsible for finding your placement, but with support and guidance provided by both your department and our Employability and Careers Centre.

A Placement-Linked Project module is also available as an alternative to the dissertation module in your third year. You attend shorter placements (a minimum of 150 hours in total), and use your learning on placement to inform a research project; fantastic work experience for your CV.

If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.