Program Overview

Studying Politics in the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University will develop your understanding of political regimes and systems, political actors and governments, and processes of political decision-making. You will learn about key political concepts and how they are contested in contemporary politics: power, democracy, freedom, inequality, rights, citizenship, representation and legitimacy.

You will study modules that will introduce you to current political debates such as the future of the UK after Brexit, dilemmas of modern migration, the rise of populist nationalism, and the future of democracy. The exploration of different political forces and relationships will draw on examples from the practice of politics in different parts of the world, and you can therefore develop your knowledge of politics in the UK, Europe, North and Latin America, Russia and Asia.

Why study Politics at Aberystwyth?

• You will become a student in the world’s first department of international politics, founded in 1919 after the end of World War I to help the world understand the world.
• You will be taught and mentored by lecturers who are enthusiastic and committed to providing you with an outstanding and dynamic learning environment.
• You will have the opportunity to take part in our prestigious Parliamentary Placement scheme alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or an AM (Welsh Assembly, Cardiff).
• You will have the opportunity to participate in our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ - a three-day role-playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvre, developing negotiation and communication, critical thinking, team work, and problem-solving skills.  
• If you enjoy writing but want to develop your political journalist skills, then the oldest student–run international Politics journal in the UK ‘Interstate' which is based within the department will be a worthwhile and fulfilling extra curricular activity.