Overview
Politics is more than just politicians; it’s also about power and the issues that define our every day lives. It shapes our society and our everyday lives, and asks fundamental questions about society, governance, freedom, and equality.
Our Politics degree engages with some of the world’s most pressing global issues and political challenges. You’ll address the big questions: what is the nature of freedom in our contemporary societies? When are wars just? What should we do about climate change? How is the policy that affects our daily lives made, by who - and how do we challenge it?
At Stirling, our BA Politics degree aims to equip you to navigate the political world of the 21st Century, giving you the understanding of the issues, debates, and dilemmas that mark our era – at a time where that could hardly be more important.
Gain career skills
Study politics at Stirling and you’ll gain the practical skills needed by employers.
- Strengthen communication and reasoning skills through debates, simulations and group work.
- Work on policy oriented‑ tasks that mirror real political processes.
- Develop key skills in critical analysis.
- Evaluate global issues using international relations tools.
- Develop research skills and methods.
Guest lectures by political experts
Students can gain real insights through our guest lectures. Former guests on our political course have included:
- Esther Roberton – Former Convenor of the Scottish Constitutional Convention. She spoke about her experience in shaping Scottish devolution.
- Natan Doron – Head of Policy for the Mayor of London. He delivered a session on the role of local and devolved government in shaping policy in the UK.
- General Sir Patrick Sanders – Former Head of the British Army. He drew on his strategic and military leadership experience to discuss global politics and security.
- Dr Dhanasree Jayaram and Dr Niels Søndergaard who explored race and racism in global politics.
These sessions help you connect academic study with how power operates in practice.
An international politics degree: study politics abroad
We have a study abroad partnership with the University of Gothenburg which has one of Europe’s top political science departments. Our students can spend a semester in Sweden in the third year and experience politics in a different country.
Top reasons to study with us
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
Highers
AABB
A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
Advanced Highers
ABB
A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32
Essential subjects
To include either Politics, Government and Politics, or Modern Studies.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Year 2 entry
Entry into Year 2 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation pages.
Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the routes available.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking.
- TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
This is a highly flexible degree. You can tailor learning to your interests through a wide range of module choices. You can also combine Politics with other subjects such as Journalism Studies or Social Policy, so you can shape a degree that reflects your career goals.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
Throughout this course, you’ll be taught through a combination of lectures and tutorials. You’ll begin with a series of core modules that give you a broad grounding in politics – before specialising in Semesters 5-8, and choosing from a wide range of modules. As you study, you’ll achieve a firm grasp of how different political systems work, and how to interpret political issues and events.
Assessment
Assessment is divided between exams, essays and presentations. You’ll also undertake class tests, take-home exams and research data exercises.
Study abroad
As a University of Stirling student, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities.
Contact
Dr Sean Kippin - Programme Director and Adviser of Studies
Fees and funding
| Scottish students | ||
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This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change. Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf. |
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| Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland | ||
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This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information. | ||
| International students (including EU) | ||
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Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000–£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students. |
Fee information
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods—including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
A politics degree can lead to a range of careers, including:
- political work
- research
- journalism
- PR and marketing
- government and public sector
- international relations
- business
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