Bachelor in Politics - Grado en Ciencias Políticas

Should states have the power to strip people of their citizenship? How do we address the climate crisis? How do algorithms impact democracy? Debate with us, pose your own topics for discussion, and apply knowledge and skills to real-world situations.

Experience a dynamic and interdisciplinary course tackling the major political challenges of our time with a focus on applying knowledge and skills to real-world situations
Explore a variety of topics which have been curated by academics passionate about their areas of research, including populism, globalisation, citizenship, diplomacy, race, gender, identity, and social and environmental activism – you can choose units tailored to your passions

Gain hands-on experience as political pundits, experts, fact-checkers, journalists, campaigners, and researchers through participation in public outreach projects throughout your studies
Engage with industry professionals and add valuable experience to your CV in a 4-week or 30-week placement.
Be part of a community studying politics through regular events, film screenings, discussions and debates organized and led by students’ BU Politics Society.

YEAR 1
British Politics in a Globalised World: At home and abroad, British politics is undergoing a rapid and unprecedented transformation. From dealing with the legacies of the British Empire to relations with the European Union to the cost-of-living crisis, you will study the major debates and questions animating British politics today.

Psychology of Politics: This unit takes a deep dive into the psychology of all things political. Why do we vote for certain parties? What attracts us to political leaders? Why might we join a protest? How do we respond to terrorist attacks? Why do people believe conspiracy theories or reject scientific evidence? We investigate contemporary political events using key theories and methods from political psychology.

Political Ideologies in Perspective: This unit explores key themes in political thought through the lens of ideology. You will discover the major conflicts and differences on questions of state power, civil rights, freedom and equality, justice, tolerance, and democracy among rival ideologies. These include liberalism, socialism, Marxism, fascism, anarchism, feminism, and other liberation ideologies, such as LGBTIQA+ rights.

The Foundations of International Relations: You will be introduced to a range of different perspectives on International Relations, such as liberal, realist, Marxist, feminist, and postcolonial approaches. The challenges and crises confronting global politics, including migration, state power, diplomacy, global inequality, international conflict and cooperation, will be investigated and you will develop an understanding of key policy issues facing nations or other actors in international affairs.

Infowars: Media Power & Political Communication: As they say, whoever controls the media, controls the mind! The media has become ever more critical in thinking about politics and in this unit you will examine the fundamental role it plays in the formation of political ideas and public opinion. You will have the chance to explore a variety of media platforms including: media organisations themselves; political leaders and political parties; activist groups; PR and professionals; celebrities, political pundits and public intellectuals, podcasters, and digital influencers.

Citizen Space & Civic Engagement: You will focus on how major political issues are encountered and understood ‘on the ground’ by ordinary citizens in their communities. Exploring the local dimensions of such challenges as deprivation and inequality, discrimination, environmental sustainability, migration, disenfranchisement, and disinformation, you will begin to develop a critical and practical awareness of civic engagement with the aim of preparing you to undertake outreach or advocacy work later on.

YEAR 2
Campaigning for Social Change: How do political organisations and movements sell their ideas to citizens? How do they gain a following and mobilise supporters? What are the keys to a successful campaign? This unit takes techniques and methods from psychology, communication studies, and marketing to investigate how campaigns are designed and executed. You will apply these insights to real-world campaigning scenarios, enabling you to develop both critical and practical skills.

Environmentalism & the Politics of Sustainability: This unit traces the diverse and uneven development of environmental consciousness in political life. It explores the contribution of different organisations in this field, from governmental and corporate bodies to civil society and activist groups. Building on core units in year one, you will explore the impact of political ideologies, the media, and a range of local and global contexts in shaping competing conceptions of the environment and sustainability.

Global Capitalism & its Discontents: Events since the global financial meltdown of 2008 have brought renewed spotlight on the workings of global capitalism and its various consequences for populations across the world. In this unit, you will explore the roots of different crises within the global economy from a variety of perspectives. You will also examine the impact of transnational, geopolitical, environmental factors in this process, as well as the implications for governments, businesses, and citizens in responding to a series of growing challenges under contemporary capitalism.

Politics Goes Pop: Culture, Protest, Movements: This unit takes you on a journey through the various ways in which politics has been expressed and mobilised in cultural forms. It looks at the uses of art, music, film, posters, books, popular culture, DIY media etc in creating political meaning and the role played by subcultures, countercultures, and social movements in opposing and challenging dominant political ideas through culture.

Research Methods in Politics: This unit introduces you to methods and methodologies that underpin the study and research of politics. You will take an active, hands-on approach to understanding the research process, from the initial conception of a research idea and development of research questions to the generation of findings and conclusions. A range of methods will be considered, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, content and discourse analysis.

Option units (choose one)
Global Current Affairs
Strikes, Riots & Blackouts - Britain in the 1970s
Cold War Culture
Post-War Britain, 1945-2000

FINAL YEAR
Global Governance & International Justice: This unit explores the interconnections between power and justice in international affairs. You will get the opportunity to critically analyse the role of supranational organisations, such as intergovernmental organisations, multinational corporations (MNCs), and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), nation states and regimes, and other key actors in the sphere of human rights through an investigation of different case studies.

Politics Works: Career Portfolio: This unit is an applied, employability-focused unit where you will put into practice the skills and experiences you have gained in your first two years of study (plus placement). Working in small teams, you will undertake a public or community outreach project in collaboration with a local political or civic organisation, addressing one or more key political challenges in the Bournemouth region. The project includes careers guidance and training, and culminates in a group showcase and presentation.

Academic Dissertation or Consultancy Dissertation: The dissertation offers you an opportunity to become an expert on the topic that is of particular personal interest and passion. You will develop a study that connects your learning with real-world insights enabling you to develop and demonstrate your critical, analytical and research skills.

Option units (choose two)
The Philosophy of Politics
Race, Media & Inequality
History & Political Struggle: International Perspectives through Film
Space, Place, & Environment

Among the positions you will be prepared for are:

Political Press Officer/Spokesperson
Campaign Strategist
Digital Communication Strategist
Political Project Manager
Journalist.