Politics, International Studies and German BA

University of Warwick · honours · 4 years · optional placement year · year abroad · UCAS 8804course page ↗

AAB at A level, German; graduates earn a median £31,500 three years on.

Typical A level offer
AAB

German · 87% of entrants came with A levels · 98% stay on after year 1 · Warwick course page, Discover Uni

Year 13 · applying

What do you need to get in?

AABtypical A level offer; aab to include german. aab to include grade b at a-level or grade 7/a at gcse in a modern or classical language.

Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. A contextual offer can be lower for applicants from under-represented backgrounds; none is published for this course.

Warwick course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile

  1. 1German
  2. 2B at A-Level or grade 7/A at GCSE in a modern or classical language
Who actually got in: 87% with A levels, 13% with the IB. 14% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 450 entrants.

UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.

Other qualifications4
QualificationTypical offerRequired subjects
IB34 points34 to include 5 in Higher Level German. 34 to include 5 at Higher Level or grade 7/A at GCSE in a modern or classical language.5 in Higher Level German
BTEC—Will be considered as long as essential entry requirements are met.—
Advanced HighersABAB in two Advanced Highers including German where a minimum of AAB has been achieved in three additional Highers subjects AA in two Advanced Highers including German where ABB/BBB has been achieved inGerman where ABB/BBB has been achieved in three additional Highers subjects; a modern or classical language where ABB/BBB has been achieved in three additional Highers subjects
Access45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Di—
Years 1–4

What do you study?

3compulsory modules in year 1, 2 optional

Compulsory modules this year: social & cultural skills 52% · language & communication 28% · arts & humanities 13% · transversal skills 8%.

Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.

Warwick course page · optional modules vary by year

Year 1 · 3 core, 2 optional · 90 credits ≈ 900 hours
  • Provincial - Pariah - Powerhouse: Reading German-language Culture in a Global Perspective
    What you learn (8)
    • identify distinctive features of other cultures
    • use the target language to understand cultural material
    • describe features of a foreign culture and society
    • explain how historical turning points shaped German identity and global culture
    • describe conventions of different literary and media genres studied
    • discuss topics using sources from various media in formal and informal contexts
    • evaluate primary texts and secondary literature critically
    • apply knowledge from lectures and seminars to conduct independent research
    GE112 30 cr
  • Introduction to Politics
    What you learn (8)
    • identify major theoretical perspectives in political science
    • critically discuss key debates within political science
    • describe foundational concepts of political theory, processes and institutions
    • explain patterns of political change over time
    • construct a well-structured academic essay
    • analyse and critique arguments in written work
    • apply independent study techniques to manage learning
    • communicate ideas effectively in academic contexts
    PO107 30 cr
  • World Politics
    What you learn (5)
    • outline the history of world politics since 1945
    • explain core concepts used to study world politics
    • identify contemporary scholarly literature on world politics issues
    • analyse ideas about world politics critically in written form
    • analyse ideas about world politics critically in oral discussion
    PO131 30 cr
2 optional modules
  • Modern German Language I
    What you learn (8)
    • apply core rules of German grammar accurately
    • use grammar reference resources to verify syntax
    • explain difficulties of translating German into English
    • apply a range of translation strategies to German texts
    • proofread written work for grammatical and lexical accuracy
    • identify likely syntactic and lexical pitfalls when reading German
    • communicate orally in German on familiar topics
    • write in German on familiar topics
    GE101 30 cr
  • Modern German Language 1 (Accelerated Beginners)
    What you learn (13)
    • produce written texts in german
    • interpret written german texts
    • compare features across languages through translation
    • identify specific grammar and syntax problems in german
    • discuss solutions to grammar and syntax issues
    • distinguish language variations and registers in german
    • identify intercultural differences between german and english-speaking contexts
    • discuss intercultural issues in german-speaking contexts
    • apply basic german grammar structures accurately
    • adapt grammar use to different contexts
    • use appropriate register in different communicative situations
    • understand spoken german across varied topics
    • communicate orally in german on diverse topics
    GE103 30 cr
Year 2 · 4 core, 18 optional · 90 credits ≈ 900 hours
  • Modern German Language II
    What you learn (11)
    • apply advanced grammar rules accurately in German
    • produce advanced written texts in German
    • interpret a variety of German document types
    • analyse translation challenges involving syntax, register and idiom
    • translate texts between German and English
    • communicate fluently and idiomatically in spoken German
    • interpret spoken German accurately
    • describe aspects of contemporary German society and culture
    • explain intercultural issues linked to German culture
    • proof-read German texts systematically for accuracy
    • apply independent strategies to continue learning German
    GE201 30 cr
  • Modern German Language 2 (Post Beginners)
    What you learn (15)
    • write short texts in German accurately
    • read and interpret German texts
    • translate texts between German and English
    • identify specific problems of German grammar and syntax
    • discuss solutions to grammar and syntax problems in German
    • distinguish different varieties and registers of German
    • apply basic German grammatical structures accurately
    • use grammatical structures appropriately in different contexts
    • use appropriate registers in German communication
    • comprehend spoken German on a wide range of topics
    • communicate orally in German on a wide range of topics
    • identify intercultural differences between German and English-speaking contexts
    • discuss intercultural issues relevant to German-speaking countries
    • demonstrate sufficient German proficiency for academic study abroad
    • demonstrate sufficient German proficiency for workplace placement
    GE203 30 cr
  • Topics in Political Theory
    What you learn (7)
    • analyse complex arguments from contemporary political theory texts
    • interpret diverse scholarly perspectives within political theory literature
    • formulate a reasoned personal judgement on a political theory issue
    • compare opposing arguments and perspectives on a political issue
    • construct an original argument about core political values
    • defend a political argument against sceptical objections
    • apply insights from other disciplines to support a political argument
    PO2E2 15 cr
  • Foundations of Political Theory
    What you learn (5)
    • explain how political theory addresses freedom, equality and human nature
    • interpret key texts by major political thinkers
    • critically evaluate arguments of major political thinkers
    • analyse complex ideas in political theory
    • construct and defend a written argument on political theory
    PO2E3 15 cr
18 optional modules
  • GE211 15 cr
  • GE212 15 cr
  • The Strange World of Franz Kafka's Short Stories
    What you learn (3)
    • evaluate formal and stylistic features of Kafka's short prose
    • situate Kafka's stories within their social and historical context
    • evaluate Kafka's influence on modern German literature using scholarly sources
    GE214 15 cr
  • Film in the Weimar Republic and under National Socialism
    What you learn (3)
    • evaluate the evolution of cinematic form across the Weimar and Nazi eras
    • relate selected films to their historical and political background
    • explain how film served as an instrument of cultural policy under different regimes
    GE217 15 cr
  • Violent Women in the German Cultural Imagination
    What you learn (7)
    • describe recurring motifs in depictions of violent women in German culture
    • exemplify links between debates on female violence and broader socio-political events
    • evaluate the cultural significance of debates surrounding female violence
    • demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences when interpreting foreign texts
    • describe key features of a foreign culture and society
    • analyse primary and secondary texts written in the target language
    • apply disciplinary research methods relevant to cultural studies
    GE220 15 cr
  • Politics of International Development
    What you learn (6)
    • explain major theoretical debates in development politics
    • identify distinct development trajectories across world regions
    • evaluate development policies and their underlying assumptions
    • review academic literature on international development
    • conduct research investigations on development topics
    • present coherent arguments through academic writing
    PO203 15 cr
  • Politics in the United Kingdom
    What you learn (9)
    • describe the institutions and structures of the UK constitution
    • identify key academic research on UK politics
    • compare competing scholarly interpretations of UK politics
    • analyse UK politics using a comparative approach
    • explain the historical origins of current debates in British politics
    • construct arguments about British politics using empirical evidence
    • relate case studies to theoretical frameworks in political science
    • explain major UK public policy challenges such as immigration and climate change
    • analyse specific aspects of contemporary UK politics
    PO206 30 cr
  • Politics of the USA
    What you learn (6)
    • describe the foundational structures of the US political system
    • explain the structure of major federal government institutions in the US
    • explain the functions and powers of major federal government institutions
    • identify key policy debates in contemporary US politics
    • summarise a broad range of academic literature on US government and politics
    • evaluate complex ideas relating to contemporary US politics
    PO207 30 cr
  • Theories of International Relations
    What you learn (5)
    • identify core assumptions underlying different international relations theories
    • differentiate between competing international relations theories based on their premises
    • examine the internal logic and aims of international relations theories
    • identify contradictions within contemporary international relations theories
    • apply international relations theories to analyse real-world political issues
    PO219 30 cr
  • PO222 30 cr
  • States and Markets: An Introduction to International Political Economy
    What you learn (6)
    • explain key concepts in international political economy
    • evaluate competing theoretical perspectives explaining political economy developments
    • describe relationships between states and markets using political economy theories
    • apply political economy theories to analyse specific themes and cases
    • produce clearly structured written arguments on political economy topics
    • locate and assess relevant sources for political economy research
    PO230 30 cr
  • International Security
    What you learn (6)
    • explain key issues and dynamics in the use of military force
    • discuss theoretical debates on security within international relations
    • relate security theories to real-world security practices
    • identify major security threats facing states and societies
    • explain the concepts of war, security and peace
    • produce clear written analysis of security topics
    PO231 30 cr
  • Core Issues in Comparative Politics
    What you learn (18)
    • explain core concepts and theories in comparative politics
    • describe methodologies used in comparative political analysis
    • describe the structure of national political systems
    • evaluate differences between national political systems
    • apply political theory to practical case studies
    • collect and organise data from secondary and primary sources
    • analyse political problems and propose solutions
    • advocate for solutions to identified political issues
    • critique research material for validity and relevance
    • design an original research project in comparative politics
    • present own research findings in comparative politics
    • present analytical arguments in written form
    • present analytical arguments orally
    • communicate research findings through an academic conference format
    • produce a short film exploring the concept of democracy
    • compose a research essay on a comparative politics topic
    • develop a final independent research project in comparative politics
    • present the outcomes of a final research project
    PO233 30 cr
  • PO238 15 cr
  • PO240 15 cr
  • Gender Matters in Politics and International Studies
    What you learn (4)
    • evaluate competing feminist theoretical perspectives using critical analysis
    • produce written analysis on gender and politics topics
    • deliver oral presentations on gender-related political topics
    • conduct independent research on gender and politics issues
    PO241 15 cr
  • The Political Economy of Southeast Asia
    What you learn (6)
    • describe the historical evolution of Southeast Asia's political economy
    • analyse how state-society relations are structured across Southeast Asian countries
    • explain the economic effects of different state-society configurations
    • identify cross-border flows of money, goods and people in the region
    • explain how regional economic flows are regulated and governed
    • evaluate historical and current regional economic cooperation initiatives
    PO254 15 cr
  • Public Policy for 21st Century Challenges
    What you learn (10)
    • explain how interest groups shape public policy outcomes
    • explain how institutional structures constrain policymaking
    • explain how ideas shape the direction of public policy
    • evaluate competing interpretations of the policymaking process
    • identify key actors and institutions involved in policymaking
    • compare policymaking approaches across different countries
    • evaluate major political challenges facing policymakers
    • outline key debates relating to selected contemporary policy challenges
    • critique policy responses to contemporary challenges
    • propose solutions to address contemporary policy challenges
    PO2D0 30 cr
Year 4 · 2 core, 23 optional · 45 credits ≈ 450 hours
  • Exploring Zeitgeist: Politics, Culture and Society in Germany Today
    What you learn (7)
    • evaluate current German political and social events
    • apply cultural theory frameworks to analyse discourse
    • demonstrate intercultural competence in German contexts
    • communicate in German with improved fluency and accuracy
    • use German language skills to interact in international settings
    • apply intercultural skills when engaging with diverse communities
    • conduct independent research on cultural and political topics
    GE339 15 cr
  • Modern German Language III
    What you learn (10)
    • apply complex grammar structures in german writing
    • translate advanced texts between german and english
    • produce advanced written german texts across contexts
    • interpret spoken german across a wide range of topics
    • communicate orally in german using varied registers and styles
    • discuss socio-cultural issues within german-speaking contexts
    • analyse intercultural concepts relevant to german society
    • proofread german texts systematically for accuracy
    • manage independent language learning strategies
    • conduct independent research on language topics
    GE401 30 cr
23 optional modules
  • The Self & the Others: Identity Gender & Ethnicity in German Culture around 1800
    What you learn (3)
    • situate texts within their historical and cultural context
    • analyse texts depicting relationships between gender, ethnic and cultural groups
    • apply historical and contemporary critical theories to analyse identity representations
    GE332 15 cr
  • GE333 15 cr
  • Gender Trouble in Contemporary German Culture
    What you learn (8)
    • critique contemporary debates about gender in germany
    • assess how different media and genres shape political debates
    • apply intercultural understanding when analysing cultural differences
    • explain aspects of german literature, history and politics
    • describe social and economic structures of german-speaking countries
    • apply disciplinary methodologies appropriate to cultural and literary studies
    • conduct independent research using appropriate academic sources
    • evaluate the accuracy and bias of research sources
    GE338 15 cr
  • Gender and Development
    What you learn (6)
    • explain core theoretical debates in gender and development studies
    • evaluate competing theories of gender and development
    • justify a preferred theoretical model with persuasive argument
    • carry out independent research on gender and development issues
    • apply statistical and qualitative development indicators to analyse gender issues
    • structure written academic work clearly and coherently
    PO353 30 cr
  • EU Policy Making
    What you learn (4)
    • describe how eu policy processes operate
    • evaluate the defining features of eu policy processes
    • assess the contributions of key actors shaping eu policy-making
    • explain the dynamics of different eu policy sectors
    PO358 30 cr
  • Dissertation
    What you learn (8)
    • structure a research project in a logical sequence
    • formulate a research question suited to word limit and resources
    • construct a sustained argument answering a research question
    • select relevant evidence from diverse sources to support an argument
    • apply correct citation conventions to acknowledge sources
    • manage independent study to meet a fixed deadline
    • gather research material from multiple sources
    • evaluate the quality and relevance of collected research material
    PO366 30 cr
  • Politics of Globalization
    What you learn (10)
    • explain differing scholarly definitions of globalisation
    • evaluate approaches used to measure and date globalisation
    • critique the roles and functions of major global governance institutions
    • assess how global economic restructuring affects gender relations socially and culturally
    • analyse how supranational economic shifts affect social actors
    • present analysis of globalisation issues through spoken argument
    • present analysis of globalisation issues through written argument
    • discuss theoretical debates on globalisation's effects on nation-states
    • evaluate the influence of financialisation on daily life
    • analyse how shifts in production and consumption patterns shape global dynamics
    PO374 30 cr
  • United States Foreign Policy
    What you learn (6)
    • explain theoretical debates underpinning us foreign policy analysis
    • assess consequences of us foreign and defense policy decisions
    • relate us international role to broader international relations debates
    • identify classic and contemporary scholarship on us foreign policy
    • critique complex ideas on current us foreign policy in writing
    • critique complex ideas on current us foreign policy orally
    PO379 30 cr
  • Critical Security Studies
    What you learn (5)
    • explain key theoretical debates within critical security studies
    • differentiate critical security studies from traditional security studies
    • position critical security studies within wider international relations debates
    • identify contemporary issues framed as security threats
    • describe current dynamics shaping the politicisation of security
    PO381 30 cr
  • Vigilant State: Understanding Secret Intelligence
    What you learn (5)
    • explain the historical development of intelligence practice
    • evaluate the features of intelligence accountability frameworks
    • assess strengths and weaknesses of theories explaining the intelligence cycle
    • analyse current issues in national and regional intelligence approaches
    • present intelligence analysis in written form
    PO382 30 cr
  • The Politics of Religion
    What you learn (4)
    • analyse theoretical debates on the relationship between politics and religion
    • evaluate how religion has influenced contemporary political institutions
    • explain the ongoing processes by which religion shapes current politics
    • apply conceptual frameworks to analyse current religion-politics issues
    PO383 30 cr
  • The Political Economy of Money
    What you learn (4)
    • explain theoretical debates on the role of money in political economy
    • evaluate competing approaches to the role of money in political economy
    • apply theories of money to diverse issues in political economy
    • construct a well-substantiated argument on political economy topics
    PO391 30 cr
  • PO396 15 cr
  • PO398 15 cr
  • Violence, Rights, Justice and Peace in the Middle East
    What you learn (9)
    • describe key historical events shaping the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
    • identify the main actors involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
    • apply international relations theories to analyse the causes of the conflict
    • evaluate scholarly debates on human rights violations within the conflict
    • assess prospects for peacemaking and a just resolution to the conflict
    • explain competing conceptions of peace and justice in the conflict
    • discuss differing views on the legitimacy of violence in the conflict
    • construct independent arguments on the conflict using IR theories
    • defend a personal position within key scholarly debates on the conflict
    PO399 15 cr
  • PO3A0 15 cr
  • PO3A2 30 cr
  • The Global Energy Challenge: Environment, Development & Security
    What you learn (7)
    • describe the role of energy in modern society
    • explain how energy use relates to energy policy and politics
    • identify key political perspectives on energy
    • analyse policy choices linked to different political perspectives on energy
    • apply political perspectives to examine institutions involved in energy policymaking
    • analyse the roles of key actors in shaping energy policy
    • evaluate energy policies in relation to changing energy systems
    PO3A4 15 cr
  • The Politics of Climate Change
    What you learn (4)
    • explain political debates surrounding greenhouse gas emission reduction
    • analyse the roles of key institutions in climate change mitigation
    • evaluate differing political approaches to climate change across sectors
    • identify connections between global, national and local climate policies
    PO3A5 15 cr
  • Gender, Race and Militarism
    What you learn (10)
    • explain how gender, race and militarism interconnect
    • explain feminist theoretical approaches to war and militarism
    • evaluate competing interpretations of gender, race and militarism relationships
    • develop an original conceptual framework linking gender, race and militarism
    • discuss the relevance of feminist approaches to global politics
    • construct coherent written arguments on political topics
    • collect and organise evidence from primary and secondary sources
    • apply gathered data to support analytical arguments
    • critically assess concepts and information for validity
    • use digital tools to retrieve and present information
    PO3A7 30 cr
  • Race and International Politics
    What you learn (6)
    • compare how race shapes governance across different policy areas
    • critically assess how race drives political contestation in policy debates
    • evaluate scholarly literature addressing race within international politics
    • explain the historical origins of race as a political concept
    • describe how imperial structures shaped the development of race as a concept
    • analyse the ongoing influence of race on contemporary world politics
    PO3A8 15 cr
  • PO3B3 15 cr
  • QS308 15 cr

“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.

After graduating

Where does it lead?

£31,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£26k
Median£32k
Upper quarter£41k

Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 175 graduates.

Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 23

Half of graduates earned between £25,500 and £40,500. Five years on, the median is £41,500. 89% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 76% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.

All outcome figures7
MeasureValueBased on
Continue after year 12% left98%385
In work or study, 15 months on10% studying89%165
Professional or managerial job76%115
Pay 15 months on, median£33,00075
Pay 3 years on, median£31,500175
Pay 5 years on, median£41,500180
Money

What does it cost?

£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry

Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.

Warwick fees page · source

About £40,200 in fees over 4 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold.

National Student Survey 2025-26

What do students say?

89%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)

NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 79% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.

National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 460 students answered

Highest: 98% agreed on question 20; lowest: 74% on question 25.

All questions26
QuestionAgree
Question 197%
Question 293%
Question 396%
Question 491%
Question 592%
Question 689%
Question 793%
Question 879%
Question 987%
Question 1082%
Question 1186%
Question 1286%
Question 1384%
Question 1476%
Question 1595%
Question 1693%
Question 1789%
Question 1891%
Question 1993%
Question 2098%
Question 2196%
Question 2295%
Question 2395%
Question 2487%
Question 2574%
Question 2689%

Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.

Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Warwick’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Warwick is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.