Politics BA

University of York · honours · 3 years · optional placement year · optional year abroad · UCAS 7258course page ↗

AAB at A level; graduates earn a median £27,500 three years on.

Typical A level offer
AAB

95% of entrants came with A levels · 95% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni

Year 13 · applying

What do you need to get in?

AABtypical A level offer

Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.

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

Who actually got in: 95% with A levels, 5% with other higher education. Based on 30 entrants.
Other qualifications5
QualificationTypical offerRequired subjects
Access36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher—
BTECDDDDDD We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma—
IB35 points35 points overall—
T LevelDistinction overall including grade A in the Core T Level subjects in AccountingDistinction overall including grade A in the Core T Level subjects in Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Digital BusA in the Core T Level subjects in Accounting
Scottish HighersAABBB—
Years 1–3

What do you study?

6compulsory modules in year 1

Compulsory modules this year: social & cultural skills 58% · transversal skills 17% · language & communication 15% · law & public administration 10%.

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.

York course page · optional modules vary by year

Year 1 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
  • Introduction to Political Theory: States, Liberty and Revolution
    What you learn (9)
    • identify key concepts in political theory
    • describe major historical and contemporary debates in political theory
    • construct arguments using conceptual analysis
    • formulate normative judgements on political questions
    • present reasoned arguments on political theory topics
    • write clearly about political theories and concepts
    • translate theoretical ideas into accessible written language
    • evaluate arguments critically and reflectively
    • recognise cultural differences in political perspectives
    POL00011C 20 cr
  • Global Challenges: From Theory to Practice OR The Politics of Identity
    What you learn (5)
    • identify core concepts and debates on global challenges
    • apply political theories and concepts to case studies
    • propose solutions to political problems using theoretical perspectives
    • communicate political arguments to non-expert audiences
    • evaluate differing visions of the public good critically
    POL00012C 20 cr
  • Introduction to Comparative Politics
    What you learn (8)
    • identify core theoretical approaches used in comparative politics
    • describe key issues associated with comparative political analysis
    • analyse how concepts of state and institutions explain political problems
    • evaluate how collective action problems shape political outcomes
    • compare how institutions emerge differently across countries
    • evaluate the consequences of institutional differences for governance and stability
    • construct evidence-based arguments on comparative politics topics
    • present comparative politics arguments orally using academic conventions
    POL00013C 20 cr
  • Political Analysis
    What you learn (2)
    • identify core concepts and debates in political analysis history and development
    • gather and interpret political data using analytic approaches to justify conclusions
    POL00014C 20 cr
  • Introduction to Global Politics
    What you learn (13)
    • identify key issues shaping contemporary world politics
    • describe explanations and policy responses to global political issues
    • identify major theoretical debates in international relations
    • explain how different theories frame responses to global issues
    • analyse how power and hierarchy shape global political order
    • evaluate the role of inequality in shaping world politics
    • explain how framing of issues shapes research questions asked
    • explain how theoretical choices influence data collection and conclusions
    • reflect on the complexity of global political phenomena
    • contextualise one's own position within global political processes
    • discuss the basis for conceptions of the global public good
    • construct a well-organised argument using relevant sources
    • communicate political concepts and facts clearly and concisely
    POL00015C 20 cr
  • York Policy Lab OR Global Political Economy
    What you learn (12)
    • identify categories of public policy and the actors involved in shaping them
    • describe influences that affect the development of public policies
    • frame a real-world issue as a defined policy problem
    • evaluate alternative policy options using analytical criteria
    • justify the selection of a preferred policy option
    • describe difficulties encountered when carrying out policy analysis research
    • locate and apply relevant empirical data to a policy question
    • identify tools used in applied policy analysis
    • analyse how policy analysis tools have been applied to evaluate policies
    • write a policy brief presenting recommendations for a professional audience
    • deliver an oral presentation of policy recommendations to policy-makers
    • reflect on personal development achieved through collaborative teamwork
    POL00016C 20 cr
Year 2 · 2 core, 16 optional · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
  • Research Design (Semester Two)
    What you learn (8)
    • explain debates on applying social science methods to political research
    • evaluate benefits and limitations of research methods in political studies
    • apply qualitative and quantitative research tools to a research problem
    • evaluate strengths and weaknesses of research techniques using critical reasoning
    • formulate research questions independently
    • design a research study by selecting appropriate methods and data
    • design a feasible research project within set constraints
    • set clear goals and objectives for a research project independently
    POL00060I 20 cr
  • Theories of the State (Semester One)
    What you learn (7)
    • explain key debates and concepts in theories of the state
    • identify normative and ideological assumptions within theories of statehood
    • analyse the epistemological basis of differing perspectives on state power
    • formulate research questions in political theory using varied analytical approaches
    • construct a coherent argument addressing theoretical debates
    • present a reasoned argument clearly to an audience
    • describe how global and cultural contexts shape theories of the state
    POL00083I 20 cr
16 optional modules
  • Human Rights and Wrongs
    What you learn (5)
    • describe political factors shaping human rights struggles in different settings
    • identify strategies used by human rights advocates in varied contexts
    • compare advocacy strategies across differing political opportunities
    • evaluate case studies of struggles for freedom, dignity and justice
    • apply an intersectional lens informed by histories of oppression to case analysis
    POL00061I 20 cr · Semester One: 20 credit option modules
  • British Politics
    What you learn (6)
    • explain key concepts used in the study of UK politics
    • describe major theories relevant to UK political analysis
    • apply political concepts and theories to historical developments in UK politics
    • apply political concepts and theories to current developments in UK politics
    • construct a coherent written argument on a UK politics topic
    • present a clear oral argument on a UK politics topic
    POL00062I 20 cr · Semester Two: 20 credit option modules
  • Democracy, Autocracy and the State
    What you learn (4)
    • explain theoretical approaches to the state and democratisation
    • evaluate competing theories of regime type and political competition
    • analyse how institutions affect governance and policy outcomes
    • propose policy solutions on democratisation and authoritarian governance
    POL00063I 20 cr · Semester One: 20 credit option modules
  • Politics of Development
    What you learn (8)
    • differentiate between competing theories of development
    • critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of development theories
    • describe current debates and issues within development studies
    • explain the theoretical basis underlying proposed development solutions
    • analyse the political consequences of development policy choices
    • explain the role of domestic institutions in shaping development outcomes
    • explain the role of international institutions in shaping development outcomes
    • apply empirical evidence to assess institutional influence on development
    POL00064I 20 cr · Semester Two: 20 credit option modules
  • Empire, War and Law
    What you learn (8)
    • describe the historical development of international political thought
    • apply political theories and concepts to analyse contemporary issues
    • use critical reasoning to evaluate political problems
    • conduct independent research using primary and secondary sources
    • select appropriate methods to gather and interpret sources
    • justify conclusions drawn from theoretical and source analysis
    • present political arguments following academic writing conventions
    • communicate complex ideas through appropriate academic media
    POL00065I 20 cr · Semester Two: 20 credit option modules
  • The Politics of Gender
    What you learn (10)
    • explain major theoretical approaches to gender studies
    • analyse domestic and international political issues through a gender perspective
    • evaluate the political significance of gender in policy debates
    • design independent research into gender and politics topics
    • apply suitable research methods to gender-related political questions
    • identify solutions to gendered problems in domestic and international politics
    • work independently to address gender-related political challenges
    • communicate gender studies concepts clearly in a political context
    • describe diverse perspectives within gender studies and politics
    • assess the broader social implications of differing gender perspectives
    POL00066I 20 cr · Semester Two: 20 credit option modules
  • Things Fall Apart: Political Thought in Times of Crisis
    What you learn (7)
    • describe key historical debates about what constitutes politics
    • evaluate competing theoretical arguments on political legitimacy
    • identify strengths and weaknesses in theories of legitimate political order
    • construct written arguments using module concepts and theories
    • plan independent study goals to address research problems
    • analyse primary and secondary sources to inform argument
    • reflect critically on the ethical implications of different political theories
    POL00067I 20 cr · Semester Two: 20 credit option modules
  • Justice, Equality, and Difference
    What you learn (10)
    • analyse competing theoretical positions on justice
    • critique key arguments within justice theory
    • construct a reasoned argument in political theory
    • counter opposing arguments in political theory debates
    • apply theoretical frameworks to real-world political debates
    • examine political issues from multiple perspectives
    • evaluate the broader social consequences of political issues
    • select suitable theories and concepts for independent research
    • justify research conclusions with supporting reasoning
    • present arguments and ideas according to academic writing conventions
    POL00068I 20 cr · Semester One: 20 credit option modules
  • Can Democracy Work?
    What you learn (6)
    • explain key debates in current democratic theory
    • construct a written argument using module concepts
    • plan personal goals for independent research tasks
    • gather and analyse relevant academic literature to solve problems
    • demonstrate tolerance and inclusivity when working independently
    • identify ethical and political implications of differing theoretical positions
    POL00069I 20 cr · Semester One: 20 credit option modules
  • Capitalism: Beyond States and Markets
    What you learn (7)
    • describe the historical development of political economy
    • explain contemporary international dynamics of political economy
    • apply political and international relations theories to specific cases independently
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theoretical frameworks using critical reasoning
    • test theoretical claims against empirical evidence where relevant
    • analyse empirical data relevant to political economy problems
    • present complex arguments clearly through suitable communication formats
    POL00072I 20 cr · Semester One: 20 credit option modules
  • War and Peace
    What you learn (7)
    • describe the historical origins and development of conflict and peace processes
    • explain current national and international dynamics of conflict and peace
    • apply relevant theories and concepts to analyse issues of war and peace
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theoretical approaches using critical reasoning
    • test theoretical claims against empirical evidence where appropriate
    • analyse empirical data relating to conflict and peace issues
    • present complex arguments clearly through appropriate communication media
    POL00073I 20 cr · Semester Two: 20 credit option modules
  • The US and Global Politics after the Cold War
    What you learn (10)
    • explain the importance of US power in global politics post-Cold War
    • identify differing grand strategy perspectives in US foreign policy debates
    • explain rival interpretations of US power within grand strategy debates
    • apply these concepts to analyse US foreign policy since the Cold War
    • identify forms of resistance to US global power
    • explain broader critiques challenging US power
    • identify key trends in US foreign policy since the Cold War
    • evaluate debates on the future of US power and global order
    • present findings clearly both individually and collaboratively
    • communicate evaluative arguments through structured academic writing
    POL00074I 20 cr · Semester Two: 20 credit option modules
  • Global Political Economy
    What you learn (7)
    • explain key concepts and debates in global political economy
    • apply theoretical concepts such as power and institutions to real-world cases
    • use empirical evidence to support analysis of political economy issues
    • collect and interpret information relevant to a political economy question
    • plan personal goals to complete assigned academic tasks
    • construct a coherent argument supported by detailed evidence in written form
    • present ideas clearly through different communication formats
    POL00075I 20 cr · Semester Two: 20 credit option modules
  • Critical Global Security Studies
    What you learn (4)
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of security theories
    • describe key problems and debates in contemporary security
    • apply security theories and concepts to analyse specific security problems
    • assess the comparative merits of different security approaches
    POL00077I 20 cr · Semester One: 20 credit option modules
  • The Rising Powers
    What you learn (9)
    • select and justify appropriate theories and concepts for a research question
    • gather and interpret data relevant to a research topic
    • formulate justified conclusions from research findings
    • lead a team towards achieving a shared objective
    • collaborate with peers on group projects and problem-based tasks
    • deliver a group presentation summarising joint findings
    • explain key concepts of international relations theory
    • debate global issues using international relations perspectives
    • apply international relations frameworks to real-world problems
    POL00078I 20 cr · Semester One: 20 credit option modules
  • European Union Politics
    What you learn (10)
    • explain political and legal processes driving European integration
    • describe distinctive features of the EU institutional order
    • analyse major policy areas of the European Union
    • evaluate how recent crises challenge the EU political system
    • identify problems arising in EU policy-making processes
    • propose solutions to policy issues using theoretical frameworks
    • analyse official EU sources to support policy recommendations
    • present arguments on the value of EU policy-making theories
    • explain how official EU sources can test policy theories
    • evaluate competing visions of European integration against shared values
    POL00079I 20 cr · Semester One: 20 credit option modules
Year 3 · 1 core, 30 optional · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
  • Politics Dissertation
    What you learn (8)
    • explain the historical development and current dynamics of a specialist political topic
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of theories using empirical evidence where relevant
    • explain how chosen theories and concepts underpin an independent research project
    • select and apply suitable methods for collecting and interpreting data
    • justify conclusions drawn from independent research
    • analyse empirical data to address a political problem
    • communicate advanced political arguments and ideas effectively
    • reflect critically on intercultural perspectives and differing visions of the public good
    POL00016H 40 cr
30 optional modules
  • From War to Peace? Statebuilding and Political Transition in Southeast Asia
    What you learn (6)
    • compare theoretical approaches to transitions from war to peace
    • apply statebuilding and peacebuilding theories to regional case studies
    • describe key periods of conflict and peace in modern Southeast Asia
    • explain significant political transitions in the region's recent history
    • construct reasoned arguments about complex political issues
    • communicate complex political analysis clearly in writing and speech
    POL00008H 20 cr
  • Global Governance: Purpose, Power and Performance
    What you learn (5)
    • explain key debates surrounding the character of global economic governance
    • summarise academic literature on specific global economic governance institutions
    • critique established theoretical concepts in global economic governance scholarship
    • formulate independent arguments in response to claims in the literature
    • construct written arguments using sophisticated political science concepts
    POL00009H 20 cr
  • Green Politics
    What you learn (7)
    • explain ethical perspectives on how humans should relate to nature
    • distinguish green political thought from other political ideologies
    • describe the distinctive features of ecological political ideas
    • apply an ecological framework to analyse debates on political change versus continuity
    • evaluate strategies used by green parties to promote sustainability
    • assess how mainstream political parties address environmental sustainability
    • evaluate the role of environmental movements in collective action for sustainability
    POL00010H 20 cr
  • Karl Marx
    What you learn (3)
    • explain a major intellectual tradition in modern political thought
    • apply conceptual analysis to problems in political practice
    • explain connections between philosophy, economics, sociology, history and politics
    POL00014H 20 cr
  • The Labour Party and Socialism
    What you learn (10)
    • describe the historical origins and development of the Labour Party
    • explain contemporary dynamics shaping the labour movement
    • apply political theories and concepts to explain challenges facing the Labour Party
    • design independent research on the labour movement using relevant theories
    • select and use appropriate methods to collect and interpret data
    • justify research conclusions with supporting evidence
    • evaluate Labour Party policies using theoretical and empirical perspectives
    • formulate policy recommendations based on analysis
    • communicate reasoned conclusions on the Labour Party's development using theory and data
    • reflect critically on differing visions of socialism in Labour Party research
    POL00021H 20 cr
  • Politics of the Middle East: Regimes and societies in transition
    What you learn (9)
    • identify main forms of political transition in the Middle East
    • identify recurring trends in Middle Eastern politics
    • explain the causes of recurring political trends in the region
    • explain economic factors driving political change in the Middle East
    • explain historical factors driving political change in the Middle East
    • explain social factors driving political change in the Middle East
    • explain the significance of recent political changes in the region
    • situate recent political events within the longer history of the region
    • explain how trans-national links shape regional politics
    POL00022H 20 cr
  • POL00024H
  • Governmentality: Michel Foucault and the Analytics of Power
    What you learn (3)
    • evaluate different theoretical approaches to governmentality
    • explain key concepts in Foucault's analysis of power
    • compare perspectives of theorists associated with governmentality studies
    POL00026H 20 cr
  • "We, the People": Ideas of Democratic Representation
    What you learn (7)
    • describe the historical development of political representation
    • explain the role and aims of political representation in diverse political contexts
    • evaluate the potential and limits of political representation
    • analyse the challenges of representing different groups within and beyond the state
    • describe recent theoretical developments in political representation
    • evaluate the evolving role of representation within democratic politics
    • assess normative and practical challenges arising from changes in representation
    POL00030H 20 cr
  • Terrorism and Counter-terrorism
    What you learn (12)
    • describe key theoretical developments in terrorism studies literature
    • summarise key empirical findings in terrorism and counter-terrorism research
    • critique fundamental concepts used in terrorism studies
    • generate original interpretations of concepts in counter-terrorism studies
    • critique established explanations within terrorism and counter-terrorism literature
    • propose original hypotheses on terrorism and counter-terrorism issues
    • analyse counter-terrorism policy using theoretical and empirical evidence
    • formulate policy recommendations for counter-terrorism practice
    • reflect on prior knowledge to assess perspectives on terrorism
    • evaluate differing perspectives on counter-terrorism using guiding principles
    • evaluate complex arguments on contentious terrorism-related issues
    • communicate evaluative analysis using varied formats
    POL00040H 20 cr
  • Global Politics of Nuclear Weapons
    What you learn (9)
    • describe key empirical cases of nuclear proliferation and disarmament
    • explain core concepts underpinning nuclear deterrence and non-proliferation
    • identify competing theoretical frameworks linking nuclear issues to policy
    • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of rival explanatory frameworks
    • synthesise diverse concepts to assess contemporary nuclear challenges
    • critique ethical debates surrounding nuclear deterrence and security
    • present structured, evidence-based arguments on nuclear policy issues
    • conduct independent research using primary and secondary nuclear policy sources
    • produce an analytical essay demonstrating depth of scholarly comprehension
    POL00043H 20 cr
  • The European Far Right
    What you learn (16)
    • explain core theoretical frameworks used to analyse far right politics
    • evaluate the ideological positions of far right parties
    • assess the policy platforms adopted by far right parties
    • evaluate electoral campaigning strategies used by far right parties
    • compare models explaining far right voting across European countries
    • contrast far right dynamics between Eastern and Western Europe
    • assess the impact of far right politics on contemporary democracy
    • apply theoretical concepts independently to diverse European case studies
    • construct balanced academic arguments on far right politics
    • judge what evidence is required to support an argument
    • conduct independent research on far right politics
    • evaluate the suitability of different research methods for studying far right politics
    • write essays critically engaging with academic literature and evidence
    • collaborate effectively within a team on shared tasks
    • manage individual study tasks independently
    • participate in class discussions to strengthen communication skills
    POL00044H 20 cr
  • Africa and International Politics
    What you learn (8)
    • describe key dynamics shaping Africa's role in international politics
    • analyse case studies illustrating African international relations themes
    • identify strengths and weaknesses of theoretical approaches to African politics
    • evaluate the explanatory power of competing political theories
    • propose solutions to contemporary issues facing African states independently
    • apply theoretical and empirical knowledge creatively to political problems
    • communicate advanced political concepts clearly in written form
    • present advanced political ideas effectively in oral form
    POL00048H 20 cr
  • POL00051H
  • Morality and Modern Warfare
    What you learn (10)
    • explain the historical origins and development of international politics
    • analyse the ethical and legal dimensions of contemporary global affairs
    • apply political and international relations theories to specific cases
    • formulate independent research questions in politics
    • select and use appropriate methods to collect and interpret data
    • justify research conclusions based on gathered evidence
    • devise solutions to political problems using theoretical and practical perspectives
    • analyse empirical data to inform political arguments
    • present complex political arguments clearly through suitable formats
    • apply political and international relations perspectives to real-world challenges
    POL00052H 20 cr
  • Politics of Technology: From the Luddites to the Unabomber
    What you learn (9)
    • describe theories relating to the politics of technology
    • identify key case studies illustrating technology-politics debates
    • apply empirical analysis to case studies to support evaluation
    • set personal goals to structure independent research work
    • devise solutions to problems using theoretical and practical perspectives
    • analyse relevant academic literature to inform solutions
    • produce written work that conveys complex political ideas clearly
    • conduct independent study respecting tolerance and inclusivity
    • recognise ethical and political implications of differing theoretical positions
    POL00054H 20 cr
  • India and its Neighbourhood
    What you learn (10)
    • describe major political events shaping South Asian politics
    • interpret the significance of key political events in the region
    • analyse how theoretical approaches explain South Asian political phenomena
    • evaluate the application of key political concepts to regional cases
    • justify the use of specific concepts such as clientelism and neoliberalism
    • summarise current scholarly debates on South Asian politics
    • construct a reasoned argument in spoken discussion
    • produce a coherent written argument supported by evidence
    • interpret scholarly texts to identify central arguments
    • critically appraise theoretical concepts used in political analysis
    POL00055H 20 cr
  • Gender, Violence and Resistance
    What you learn (5)
    • evaluate feminist theories linking gender to violence in war and peace
    • describe the varied roles of women and men in violence and resistance
    • analyse local and national structures of violence using a gender perspective
    • analyse transnational and global events of violence using a gender perspective
    • devise feminist-informed strategies to resist gendered violence at multiple levels
    POL00056H 20 cr
  • The Global Food System
    What you learn (5)
    • analyse key aspects of the global food system independently and critically
    • explain the relationship between theory and practice in the food system
    • interpret complex concepts and theories relating to the food system
    • exercise critical judgement when assessing food system issues
    • deliver effective oral and written presentations using academic sources
    POL00057H 20 cr
  • Global Sustainability and Energy Policy
    What you learn (11)
    • describe energy policy developments across european countries
    • explain causes and consequences of changes in european energy policy
    • compare competing frameworks linking energy, economic and environmental policy
    • critique frameworks explaining relationships between energy and social policy
    • evaluate alternative explanations for energy policy change and integration
    • generate original analytical perspectives on course themes
    • research and synthesise data from diverse sources
    • present arguments and concepts clearly in spoken form
    • write concepts and arguments clearly and fluently
    • manage own workload independently with initiative
    • construct a reasoned argument supported by critical judgement
    POL00059H 20 cr
  • The Politics of (Post-)Colonialism
    What you learn (7)
    • explain how colonial history shapes today's global political structures
    • apply advanced theoretical frameworks to analyse colonial politics
    • critically evaluate theories explaining postcolonial continuities
    • construct arguments grounded in postcolonial political theory
    • reflect critically on how knowledge about colonialism is produced
    • describe alternative epistemologies originating from the Global South
    • identify links between colonial power structures and knowledge creation
    POL00060H 20 cr
  • Britain in a Changing Global Economic Order
    What you learn (6)
    • evaluate Britain's relationship with the contemporary global economy
    • assess strengths and weaknesses of political economy theories
    • apply conceptual frameworks to empirical economic debates
    • critique academic debates on Britain's global economic role
    • present critical arguments on global economic theories in writing
    • articulate critical arguments on global economic theories orally
    POL00062H 20 cr
  • Development Paradigms
    What you learn (1)
    • describe key political processes and problems in development
    POL00064H 20 cr
  • Politics of Peace after Civil War
    What you learn (8)
    • describe key challenges faced by post-civil-war states
    • evaluate competing explanations for varied post-war outcomes
    • apply quantitative and qualitative evidence to assess arguments
    • compare post-war experiences across different country types
    • identify dynamics explaining similarities and differences across cases
    • evaluate peacebuilding policies and approaches
    • assess consequences of peacebuilding applications across contexts
    • collaborate with peers to analyse peacebuilding cases
    POL00068H 20 cr
  • Political Psychology and Public Opinion
    What you learn (7)
    • explain how personality traits relate to political behaviour
    • describe psychological foundations underlying political ideologies
    • explain how citizens form judgements on complex issues with limited information
    • apply political psychology theories to analyse political participation
    • apply political psychology theories to explain voting choices
    • apply political psychology theories to evaluate political communication
    • evaluate strengths and weaknesses of focus groups and surveys in public opinion research
    POL00069H 20 cr
  • International Crisis Diplomacy
    What you learn (8)
    • explain how information shapes the outcomes of international crises
    • apply theoretical debates to analyse current international crises
    • identify strengths and weaknesses of rival crisis diplomacy approaches
    • evaluate key debates on coercive diplomacy
    • apply leader behaviour theories to real-world crisis situations
    • evaluate diplomatic efforts made during crises
    • formulate solutions to resolve international crises
    • discuss factors determining the effectiveness of force and sanctions
    POL00070H 20 cr
  • Democracy and Emergency
    What you learn (10)
    • describe key assumptions of major theoretical traditions on emergency powers
    • compare debates between competing traditions of emergency powers theory
    • apply theoretical frameworks to analyse concepts of emergency and exception
    • analyse crisis situations using relevant conceptual tools independently
    • formulate solutions to emergency politics problems using theoretical perspectives
    • interpret empirical data to address emergency-related political issues
    • present theoretical and empirical arguments about emergency politics clearly
    • reflect critically on personal perspectives regarding emergency politics
    • evaluate differing visions of the public good across cultures
    • apply emergency politics theory to analyse real-world challenges
    POL00072H 20 cr
  • Constitutional and Territorial Ideologies in Britain and Ireland
    What you learn (4)
    • describe the constitutional ideologies shaping British and Irish politics historically
    • explain how constitutional ideologies inform contemporary political debates
    • evaluate the arguments underpinning different constitutional positions
    • construct a written argument using module concepts in assessed work
    POL00074H 20 cr
  • Dissertation (Applied Quantitative Analysis)
    What you learn (12)
    • summarise the current state of research in a chosen field of study
    • assess how applied quantitative analysis contributes to existing scholarship
    • apply quantitative methods to investigate a specialist research topic
    • evaluate strengths and weaknesses of alternative model and design specifications
    • select appropriate quantitative research tools for a given project
    • design a research project using a quantitative methodology
    • justify conclusions drawn from quantitative research findings
    • design an original quantitative research project independently
    • apply causal inference or predictive techniques to advance topic understanding
    • construct an original argument supported by diverse sources
    • critically reflect on alternative interpretations of quantitative results
    • assess the relevance of research findings to real-world challenges
    POL00079H 40 cr
  • Applied Quantitative Analysis
    What you learn (10)
    • evaluate strengths and limitations of quantitative approaches in political research
    • explain the assumptions underpinning causal inference
    • explain the assumptions underpinning statistical inference
    • compare strengths and weaknesses of different statistical tools
    • produce univariate statistics using numerical and graphical methods
    • produce multivariate statistics using numerical and graphical methods
    • interpret numerical and graphical statistical outputs
    • select appropriate quantitative research tools for a research question
    • apply chosen quantitative tools to conduct independent research
    • justify research conclusions based on quantitative findings
    POL00080H 20 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?

£27,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£23k
Median£28k
Upper quarter£35k

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 180 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 14, 13, 23

Half of graduates earned between £22,500 and £35,000. Five years on, the median is £37,000. 95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 60% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.

All outcome figures7
MeasureValueBased on
Continue after year 10% left95%30
In work or study, 15 months on5% studying95%25
Professional or managerial job60%20
Pay 15 months on, median£28,00065
Pay 3 years on, median£27,500180
Pay 5 years on, median£37,000200
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.

York fees page · source

About £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £27,800 a year (2027/28).

National Student Survey 2025-26

What do students say?

65%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)

NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 77% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.

National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 25 students answered

Highest: 96% agreed on question 1; lowest: 50% on question 25.

All questions26
QuestionAgree
Question 196%
Question 296%
Question 388%
Question 479%
Question 592%
Question 679%
Question 783%
Question 867%
Question 979%
Question 1050%
Question 1188%
Question 1267%
Question 1379%
Question 1467%
Question 1588%
Question 1683%
Question 1792%
Question 1888%
Question 1991%
Question 2088%
Question 2177%
Question 2279%
Question 2396%
Question 2471%
Question 2550%
Question 2665%

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 York’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 York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.