Degrees Offered

• BA Single Honours Politics (UCAS Code: L200)
• BA Joint Honours English and Politics (UCAS Code: QL32)
• BA Joint Honours French and Politics (UCAS Code: RL12)
• BA Joint Honours History and Politics (UCAS Code VL12)
• BA Joint Honours International Studies and Politics (UCAS Code: L290)
• BA Joint Honours Irish and Politics (UCAS Code: QL52)
• BA Joint Honours Philosophy and Politics (UCAS Code: VLM2)
• BA Joint Honours Politics and Spanish (UCAS Code: LR24)
• LLB Honours Law with Politics (UCAS Code: M1L2)

Contact Information

For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838

For course information
Dr John Barry 
Undergraduate Convenor (Politics) 
School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy 
T: +44 (0)28 9097 2546 
E: pisp@qub.ac.uk 
W: www.qub.ac.uk/pisp

Entrance Requirements

BA Single Honours
Politics 3 yrs (L200)

BA Joint Honours
English and Politics 3 yrs (QL32)
French and Politics 4 yrs (RL12)
History and Politics 3 yrs (VL12)
International Studies and Politics 3 yrs (L290)
Irish and Politics 3 yrs (QL52)
Philosophy and Politics 3 yrs (VLM2)
Politics and Spanish 4 yrs (LR24)

LLB Honours
Law with Politics 3 yrs (M1L2)


Entrance Requirements
A-level: ABB for Single Honours and Joint Honours with English, History and International Studies. BBB for other options.

Irish Leaving Certificate: B2B2B2B2B2B2/AB2B2B2B2 for Single Honours and Joint Honours with English, History and International Studies. B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 for other options. 

All applicants: there are no specific subject requirements to study Politics, however, if you plan to study Politics as a Joint Honours degree or with Law you should refer to the subject requirements for the other course. 

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 acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

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

The Subject

The academic study of politics is concerned with the sources of conflict, co-operation, power and decision-making, how people express their differences through ideology and organisation, and how, if at all, their disagreements and problems are resolved. 

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 different national and 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 inequality, political institutions, parties and elections, the politics of sustainable development, energy, climate change, international political economy and finance and 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 and Ireland 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.

Course Content

Students 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 the Law with Politics LLB 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

'The opportunities I have had in the School have had a huge impact on my career options and my future. I feel confident that I have really made the best of my time within the School and am very grateful to have been able to participate in all the initiatives.'

Hannah Semple
Lancaster, England

Learning and Teaching

At 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:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading.  Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
• E-Learning technologies:   Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online.  A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example:  interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.
• Seminars/tutorials:  Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students).  These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers.  You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Supervised projects:  In final year, you may choose a year-long double-weighted Dissertation module in English and/or Politics which requires you to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic that you have chosen.  You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you on at least 2 occasions during the write up stage.
• Personal Tutor:  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.  Further details are shown in the section on the Student Guidance Centre.
• Study Abroad Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to spend some time studying in one of our linked universities in Europe or further afield.  For example, this can take the form of a semester’s study at a university in Denmark, France, Germany, Holland or Sweden (for which credits are transferred back to your degree here in Queen’s under the Erasmus scheme) or study at a university in America, Canada or Australia.

Assessment and Feedback

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:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted. 
• Face to face comment.  This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.  In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time. 
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Careers

Studying 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:

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:

• Seamus Heaney, Nobel prize-winning poet;
• Paul Muldoon, academic and poet;
• Stephen Rea, actor;
• Helen Madden, writer and actor;
• Annie Kelly, journalist and writer;
• Annie Mac, radio presenter;
• Mark Carruthers, BBC journalist;
• Stephen Farry, Minister for Education and Learning.

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.

Special Features

Study Abroad: students have study opportunities in other European universities through our Erasmus programme, and also in the USA and Canada. 

Research-led Teaching: cutting-edge research drives our externally commended teaching, most recently evidenced in the latest student satisfaction survey. 

Support: our uniquely supportive pastoral care/personal tutor system is equalled only by the academic guidance available. Our vibrant undergrad Politics Society (Polysoc) provides a welcome and stimulating environment for new students. 

Diversity of Students: we have students from around the UK, Ireland, Europe and the wider world, ensuring a rich mix of students with different experiences and backgrounds.

Last updated: 12.09.13