UCAS code L210
Studying Politics develops an in-depth and critical understanding of government and society at local, national and international levels. You will learn to ask questions of power, justice, order, conflict, legitimacy, accountability, obligation, sovereignty, governance and decision-making
This flexible and broad programme explores the different approaches to political science in a range of national and international settings. It draws on the expertise of world leading scholars in the field and their cutting edge research to create an engaging, research led course.
You will explore political ideas, systems and processes and you will learn how to collect data, develop knowledge, construct arguments and communicate your findings in different ways.
In your first year you will be introduced to the building blocks of political studies, meaning that no prior specialist knowledge is required. Then in your second and third year you will have the freedom to explore the areas of political study that interest you the most. With a wide range of modules to choose from you can focus your degree in one or two areas or cover a whole variety of topics from British Politics, gender analysis, International Relations, political theory, comparative politics and much more.
There are also options to get involved in a number of different placement schemes including the opportunity for year three students studying Politics at Single Honours to apply to take part in the Parliamentary Placement Scheme.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in each semester.
Along with the optional modules listed above, students can also take language modules, either Open Languages or 30-credit language modules, subject to availability.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Students take 45 credits of required modules in the first semester and 15 credits of optional modules.
Students take 15 credits of required modules in the second semester and 45 credits of optional modules. Up to 30 credits of external modules can be taken across year two.
POLI280 Research Methods runs across both semesters. Students who take the qualitative stream of POLI280 cannot take POLI266; students who take the quantitative stream of POLI280 cannot take POLI264, and therefore cannot register directly for these modules.
Registration onto HLAC220 is for students planning to undertake a Work Placement Year between second and final year, or for those who are interested in developing their transferrable skills in preparation for a short placement or other work experience.
POLI200 is subject to an appropriate placement being sourced. Students cannot register directly for this module.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODS SEQUENCE (POLI280) | 30 |
| INTERROGATING CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL CHALLENGES (POLI273) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Up to 30 credits of external modules can be taken across year three.
POLI342 and POLI343 are subject to a suitable placement being sourced. Students cannot register directly onto these modules.
There is an application process for POLI342 and POLI343. Students accepted onto POLI342 module take POLI401 (Dissertation). Students cannot take both POLI342 and POLI343.
POLI401 is a year-long module and represents 15 credits in each semester. Students are required to achieve a minimum 55% GPA in their second year modules. Students who do not achieve this threshold will take POLI381 and POLI382 to meet the 30 credits of capstone project work.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
If studying Politics at 50%, in year one you will take ‘Foundations in Politics’ and ‘Foundations in International Politics’. You will also choose to study either ‘British Politics I’ or ‘Studying Politics Successfully: skills and methods’, and either ‘British Politics II’ or ‘Comparative Politics’. In years two and three there are a wide choice of optional modules, including the option of a dissertation in year three, giving you the chance to complete a sustained, original piece of work on a topic of your choice.
Research-connected teaching is initiated in the first year with introductions to quantitative, qualitative, theoretical and critical methodologies, which are then embedded in second- and third-year modules so that students can evaluate and apply the methodologies to construct their own analyses.
Though our lectures are interactive, our seminars, workshops, computer lab sessions, dissertations and placements form the core of our active learning approach. Students also develop skills in research, digital fluency, public communication and civic engagement through research-informed and inclusive teaching.
We use a rich variety of assessment methods to develop students’ various skills. Essays, exams and presentations enable students to practise core academic writing and speaking skills, while innovative assessments such as blog posts, briefing papers, reflective logs, group projects, podcasts and speeches expand our authentic assessment strategy, enabling students to deploy transferable skills in a variety of formats. Digital fluency is developed through information retrieval, online learning tools, written and verbal communication, and research activities that support employability and independent learning.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
The Department of Politics is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures and is based in 8-14 Abercromby Square. Students will be taught in a variety of buildings across campus.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A Politics degree can open doors to a range of careers, including political work, social and political research, journalism, PR and marketing.
Previous employers include:
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Emma is a Production Management Assistant on the One Show.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £10,050
Year in industry fee - £2,010
Year abroad fee - £1,508 (applies to year in China)
Full-time place, per year - £27,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £13,500 (applies to year in China)
The UK fees shown are for the academic year 2027/28. The international fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27 and will be subject for change for the academic year 2027/28. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
4 scholarships are available each year to support undergraduate applicants from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds who permanently reside in the Liverpool City Region. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of £5,000 per year for 3 years. Applications open in August 2026.
This scholarship will support undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film with their year abroad.
This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
ABB Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB from A levels, with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. |
| T levels |
T levels considered in a relevant subject. Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism. |
| GCSE |
4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | Applications encouraged. BTEC applications are encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits. |
| International Baccalaureate | 32 points overall with no score less than 4 or pass the IB Diploma plus 6,5,5 in 3 HL subjects. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher | ABB in Advanced Highers, combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus AB at A level. |
| Access | Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 33 at Distinction and 12 at Merit. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
| Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall. |
| Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall. |
| Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 176 overall, with no paper below 162 |
| International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature | Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level |
| International Baccalaureate English B | Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 31 July 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions