Politics

Politics is the study of power: how it is obtained, exercised, contested and limited, and what its consequences are for individuals, communities and societies. From the workings of national governments and international institutions to the grassroots mobilisation of social movements, politics shapes the conditions in which human lives are lived. The discipline draws on history, philosophy, economics, sociology and psychology to make sense of how collective decisions are made, why some voices are heard and others are not, and how democratic and non-democratic systems function in practice.

At the University of York, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and a work placement, giving you a combination of academic depth and real-world experience that is relatively unusual in a politics degree. You will explore the principles of power and discover how it is won, how it is used to drive decisions that influence daily life, and how to think politically about some of today's most pressing issues, including poverty, debt, conflict and environmental change. York's approach to politics is rigorous and research-focused, and the programme draws on the university's strengths in political theory, international relations, comparative politics and public policy.

The year abroad and the placement give you perspectives that go beyond the classroom, whether that means studying in a different political system or working in a policy, advocacy or research environment.

Politics graduates are found across a wide range of careers, including the civil service, government and political institutions, policy research and think tanks, journalism, law, international organisations, NGOs, public affairs and management consultancy. The analytical writing, critical thinking and research skills developed in a politics degree are genuinely transferable across sectors. Further study in politics, international relations, public policy, law or a related social science is a natural next step for those who want to pursue specialist or academic careers.