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Study level:
Undergraduate

Course options

Study mode:
Full-time
Qualification:
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Duration:
3 Years
Start date:
28/09/2026
Campus:
Main Site
2025-20262026-2027
Apply

Course summary

Learn about key theories, concepts and methods and use these to conduct your own analysis of how we are governed, and the different political systems, practices and institutions around the world. Use your theoretical knowledge to address topical debates, and undertake your own research.

Take a critical look at what is happening in UK and global politics - develop your own views to explain what can be done to address some of the big issues affecting society today.

We are more engaged with politics now than ever before. We see this all the time in our everyday lives, from protests and elections, to human rights activism and debates on social media.

As a BA Politics student, you will explore some of the key issues of today and use theories and case studies to develop and demonstrate your views.

You’ll cover topics that are regularly debated, such as climate change, gender and migration, and learn from academics whose research has helped shape policy on a range of topics like tax justice, digital campaigning and access to education.

With a large variety of optional modules to choose from, you can tailor your degree to your particular areas of interest and research the topics that you think are really important.

You will also have core modules each year that are designed to give you a solid foundation in the theories, methods and analytical skills that you’ll apply to your studies.

Why study this course?

  • Get more out of your degree - you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad, undertake a placement year or take part in a whole host of other global and work experiences.

  • Prepare for an exciting career - get bespoke support from our faculty employability team to find work experience, attend careers events and CV writing workshops to get you ready for your future career.

  • Top 20 in the UK for politics - according to The Guardian University Guide 2024.

  • Pioneers of parliamentary studies - understand the inner-workings of UK parliament in a module that is accredited and co-taught by the House of Commons.

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
L210
Institution code:
S18
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Sheffield has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L210
Institution code:
S18
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

in a relevant subject

Access to HE Diploma - D: 36 credits M: 9 credits P: 0 credits

Award of Access to HE Diploma in either Law, Business Management, Humanities or Social Sciences, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit

Scottish Higher - AAAAB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

+ A at A Level

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 33 - 34 points

34; 33, with B in the Extended Essay

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2, H3

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Maths grade 4/C

To find out if you're eligible for additional consideration or an alternative offer, visit: ww.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/access-sheffield

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

English language requirements for undergraduates https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/english-language

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The entry grades data only represents a proportion of our cohort. We accept a broad range of qualifications on our degrees and we're committed to ensuring all students with the potential to succeed at Sheffield are informed and feel encouraged to apply. If you meet one or more of our Access Sheffield criteria, we may be able to give your application additional consideration when we receive it and when exam results are released.

Learn more on the University of Sheffield website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Sheffield, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
AAB Most common
  1. A*A*A
  2. Highest grades
  3. ABB
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

99% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2025-26 information as a guide.

Related courses

At University of Sheffield

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