Venues

Central Campus

Content

Politics studies the theory and practice of how societies are governed.

Drawing on the expertise of leading academics and researchers in the field, you will explore the origins and present-day contexts of societal conflicts about power, participation, and resources.

You will not only study the processes of governance at the local, national, and international level, but also the morality of political action, and the limits of freedom and justice.

Year 1:
You will take Introduction to Politics and International Relations. You will also take a hands-on key skills course covering topics such as critical reading, essay writing, and understanding the media.

Politics students take an introductory political theory course and International Relations students take an international law course. Depending on degree, you will also take up to four optional courses of your choice.

Year 2:
In Year 2 you will study International Cooperation in Europe and Beyond, which examines how states cooperate in international organisations such as the European Union and the United Nations. You will also take Social and Political Theory and Social and Political Enquiry. You can also choose two outside courses.

Year 3:
You will take courses on global justice and citizenship; the approaches used in political science; and will also choose from a wide range of optional courses.

Year 4:
In fourth year you choose four courses from the wide range available, and complete an honours dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements

Standard entry:
4 Highers at AAAA (by end of S5 preferred) plus English at National 5.

Widening access entry:
4 Highers at ABBB (by end of S6) plus English at National 5. Highers at BBB must be achieved in one sitting by end S5.