BA Joint Honours English and Politics (UCAS Code: QL32)
For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838
For course information
Dr Margaret O’Callaghan
Undergraduate Convenor (Politics)
School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy
T: +44 (0)28 9097 5028
E: pisp@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/pisp
BA Joint and LLB Requirements
For BA Joint Honours the requirements are stated separately under each programme. For entrance requirements for Law with Politics please refer to Law entry.
For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information on other acceptable English Language qualifications is available here
If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses. For a full list click here
Back to topThe academic study of politics is concerned with the sources of conflict and co-operation, how people express their differences through ideology and organisation, and how, if at all, their disagreements are resolved and problems solved (or not). We look at conflict, co-operation and its origins, dynamics and trajectories, at theories of society, at the value and ethical basis of political ideas and action and at politics in historical contexts. Politics in deeply divided societies, the politics and theory of international relations, political ideologies, the politics of self and other in a media culture, gender and its power, political institutions, parties and elections, the politics of sustainable development, energy, international political economy and finance, and climate change, the European Union - these are just some of the areas that we cover.
With over 30 staff at the cutting edge of research and publication, the School is the largest in Ireland and one of the largest in the UK with specialisms in Irish and British politics, political theory, sustainable development, the politics of film and literature, gender, the Middle East, European Union politics, ethnic conflict and international relations.
Back to topStudents who intend to study Politics at Levels 2 and 3 must choose between two and six of the introductory modules available in the first year.
Level 1 modules
Britain and Ireland in Comparative Perspective
Contemporary Europe
Foundations of the Modern State
Perspectives on Politics
Politics in a Media Culture
World Politics
Thereafter, Politics may be studied at Levels 2 and 3 as a Single Honours subject (12 modules) on its own, or as a Major (eight modules), Joint (six modules), or Minor (four modules) component along with another subject. The Politics element of LLB Law with Politics comprises four modules, two at each of Levels 2 and 3. At each Level there is a mix of compulsory and optional modules, depending on the mode of study.
Students select the appropriate number of modules from the following indicative list:
Level 2 modules
American Politics
International Relations
Irish Politics
Modern Political Thought
Politics and Policy of the European Union
Skills and Methods in the Study of Politics
The Politics of Deeply Divided Societies
Level 3 modules
Contemporary Theories of Justice
Ethnicity, Multiculturalism and the Nation State
EU Enlargement and Wider Europe
Irish Political Thought
Islamic Politics
Negotiations and Conflict Resolution
Political Identity in Ireland: 1900-2000
Politics and Power of the Global Economy
Politics of Southern Africa
Scotland and Northern Ireland
The Ethics and Politics of Foreign Policy
The Politics of Irish Literature
The Politics of Sustainable Development
The Religious and Secular in Modern Political Thought
Theory and Practice of International Security
War and Visual Culture
Women and Politics
Internship
Project
Dissertation
Click here for more information on modules
Back to topAt Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.
On the English and Politics degree programme we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
Assessment (general): The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.
Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.
Back to topStudying for an English and Politics degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Transferable skills such as team-working, analytical understanding, debating and presentation skills, and, increasingly, information technology and communication skills are embedded in the curriculum. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline.
The following is a list of the major career sectors that have attracted our graduates in recent years:
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Employer Links
Consultations
We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, BBC Northern Ireland who provide sponsorship for the English course in Broadcast Literacy (currently offered at postgraduate level but soon to be offered at undergraduate level also).
We also have an active and engaged Employers Forum, which is a panel composed of individuals of high ranking organisations in fields directly relevant to our degree programmes, including Northern Bank, Price Waterhouse, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, a range of government departments based at Stormont, and the BBC. The members of this panel advise staff in incorporating employability skills in the development of our degree programmes and in helping prepare our students for the world of work. They also contribute to advisory sessions for students on careers and employability.
As part of their programme of study, students can apply to undertake a Politics Internship scheme in Level 3. All interns are placed with an employer for three days each week during the course of one semester. The employers comprise all government departments at Stormont (with the exception of Justice), the North-South Ministerial Council, consultancy groups, the BBC and the voluntary sector. Students are expected to complete a learning journal of their time on placement and to produce a 12,000 word project that relates directly to the placement.
Graduate Careers and Achievements
Many of our former graduates have risen to the top of their fields and include many famous figures; for example:
You should also take a look at the Prospects website for further information concerning the types of jobs that attract English and Politics graduates.
Further study is also an option open to our graduates. Students can choose from a wide range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics.
Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plus initiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. See Queen’s University Belfast full Employability Statement for further information.
Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.
Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.
Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.
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Study Abroad: our undergraduates have first-class opportunities to study in other European universities through our Erasmus programme and we have opportunities for US study.
Support: we have uniquely supportive pastoral care through our personal tutor system, equalled only by the academic guidance available from your Adviser of Studies. Our vibrant undergraduate Politics Society (Polysoc) provides a welcome and stimulating environment for new students.
Research-led Teaching: cutting-edge research drives our externally commended teaching, most recently evidenced in the latest student satisfaction survey. The School's research clusters put on regular seminars by outside speakers, workshops and conferences, which add to the learning experience.
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