Year 1: focus on key skills, concepts and knowledge necessary to develop an advanced understanding of the fields of politics and international relations. In their initial studies of comparative and international politics, students receive close guidance in developing writing and analytical capabilities via enhanced contact time with a diverse set of instructors, study-skills leaders and tutors.
Year 2: focus on improving writing and argumentative skills via small group discussions and peer and instructor-led formative feedback. Substantive topics include International Relations and Global Politics and Political Philosophy. First class in research design, a critical step in acquiring the skills needed to produce rather than merely consume knowledge.
Year 3: opportunities to study abroad in Europe or North America, or continue your studies in Glasgow. Students can choose from three main themes: 1) Elections, Parties and Public Opinion; 2) Public Policy; 3) International Relations and Security. Optional Classes topics such as Advanced Quantitative Methods, as well as British, European, Chinese and US politics. An advanced research seminar allows students to develop the research question that forms the basis of their honours dissertation in Year 4.
Year 4: complete an honours dissertation with flexibility over proposed topic. Placement opportunities with local employers available as well as numerous small-sized class options in International Development, International Security, Green Politics, Feminism, Political Parties, International Relations Theory, Religion and Politics, Regulatory Politics, Governance and Development, US Foreign Policy, Democratisation, Territorial Politics, and Data Science for Policymaking.
2025 entry requirements
Standard entry:
4 Highers at AAAA (first sitting) or 5 Highers at AAAAB (two sittings) including English plus Maths or Applications of Maths at National 5.
Widening access entry:
4 Highers at AABB (first sitting) or 5 Highers at AABBB (two sittings) including English plus Maths or Applications of Maths at National 5.
A Foundation Apprenticeship is accepted in place of a non-essential Higher.
October
Degree
BA Hons
Full time
L200
4 years
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Government and Public Policy
10