Politics

Politics is the study of power: how it is acquired, exercised, contested, and legitimised in societies around the world. The world is at a crossroads, with the climate crisis reshaping our planet, migration and conflict testing global solidarity, and democracy seeming more fragile than ever. Studying politics asks you to engage with these pressing questions rigorously, drawing on political theory, comparative analysis, and the study of institutions to understand both how political systems work and how they can fail.

At the University of Sussex, this three-year full-time programme allows you to consider some of the most urgent questions facing contemporary societies while also gaining real-world experience. You will study political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and British politics, developing your ability to evaluate arguments, interpret evidence, and write analytically about complex political situations. The programme includes a foundation year, making it accessible to students who wish to develop their academic foundations before the main degree, as well as a sandwich year with a year abroad and work placement options, giving you international exposure and professional experience that enrich your studies.

Entry typically requires around 136 UCAS tariff points.

Politics graduates work in government, the civil service, political parties, parliament, think tanks, journalism, international organisations, law, the charity sector, and a wide range of other fields where political understanding and analytical skill matter. The ability to argue clearly, assess evidence, and write persuasively that the degree develops is valued by employers in almost every sector. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in politics, international relations, public policy, or law.