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 & International Relations.

You will also take Fundamentals, a hands-on key skills course covering topics such as critical reading, essay writing and understanding the media.

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

Year 2:
You will study International Cooperation in Europe and Beyond, which examines how states cooperate in international organisations such as the European Union, the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations.

This year will also include courses in comparative politics and data analysis along with two further optional courses.

In Years 3 and 4 the Politics and International Relations programmes separate. Find study information for Years 3 and 4 on your chosen programme page.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements

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

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