Politics

Challenge the ways of the world on our politics degree. Explore global issues, shape debates, and gain experience via placements, volunteering, and projects.

Politics shapes every aspect of our lives, from climate action and migration to human rights, global conflict, the crisis of capitalism, and the future of democracy. On this course, you’ll explore the ideas, power struggles, and political movements influencing societies around the world while developing the critical thinking and practical skills employers value.

You’ll question assumptions, challenge dominant narratives, and debate some of the most pressing and divisive issues facing society today. Through interactive learning, live projects, and industry exposure, you’ll examine topics including inequality, populism, global justice, environmental change, and the rise of political extremism.

You’ll choose from one of four pathways*:

BA (Hons) Politics (UCAS code L200)
BA (Hons) Politics with Global Development (UCAS code L208)
BA (Hons) Politics with International Relations (UCAS code L201)
BA (Hons) Politics with Human Rights (UCAS code L203)

As part of this course, you’ll:


• Explore politics from local, national, and international perspectives



• Examine political ideas, ideologies, institutions, and systems of governance



• Evaluate the nature and distribution of power, governance systems, processes, and institutions



• Analyse political events using evidence, critical judgement, and reasoned argument



• Consider how political movements and ideologies, from liberalism to Marxism, influence societies



• Develop practical research, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills



• Build professional experience through volunteering, live projects, and placement opportunities



*You can apply for any of the listed pathways using the UCAS codes provided.

Find out more
BA (Hons) Politics with Global Development
Explore the global changes shaping our future, including poverty, inequality, economic crises, and international development. You’ll examine how power and resources are distributed across the world and investigate development theories and real-world solutions to social and political challenges.

BA (Hons) Politics with International Relations
Discover how states, institutions, and global actors interact on the world stage. You’ll explore diplomacy, security, conflict, environmental politics, and active citizenship while gaining insight into how international decisions affect people’s lives across the globe.

BA (Hons) Politics with Human Rights
Examine debates surrounding justice, equality, and the universality of human rights. You’ll explore how human rights frameworks operate internationally and critically assess their effectiveness in addressing social and political issues.

Immersive learning
Bring politics to life through guest speakers, live debates, volunteering, and opportunities to study abroad. You’ll also have opportunities to attend events such as our annual Politics and International Relations festival, hearing from academics, campaigners, policymakers, and industry professionals.

Building your future potential
You’ll begin developing the professional skills and experience needed for a wide range of careers. You’ll have opportunities to take part in live employer-set projects, placement opportunities, and practical learning activities.

You’ll complete a volunteering placement linked to causes that matter to you. Previous students have supported refugees learning English, worked with food banks, and contributed to international teaching projects.

Politics in practice
Apply your knowledge to real political and social challenges through practical projects and simulations. You could design a campaign or proposal for a non-government organisation, pitch ideas through mock interviews and lobbying exercises, or develop solutions to issues linked to globalisation, development, and social justice.

Curiosity needs thinkers, makers, and dreamers. It needs you!

Leeds Beckett believes that when unlike minds come together, incredible things happen. That’s why they don’t just teach; they collaborate, challenge and inspire.

Their courses are meticulously designed, combining practical experience through work placements with a vibrant location at the heart of one of the UK’s largest student communities. Boasting a top 10 UK ranking for both course quality and student life (Unicompare 2026) and a prestigious five-star QS rating, LBU sets the standard for excellence.

The university prioritises student wellbeing and stands among just seven universities nationwide to earn the University Mental Health Charter Award - proof of their unwavering commitment to advancing mental health and wellbeing.

All of this is why 98% of Leeds Beckett students and graduates would recommend studying at the university to a friend (Unicompare, 2024 reviews).