Politics BA
University of Stirling, United Kingdom
BA (Hons) Politics
University of Stirling
Politics
BA (Hons) Politics at the University of Stirling
The BA (Hons) Politics at the University of Stirling engages with some of the most pressing global issues and political challenges of our time. You will explore fundamental questions about the nature of freedom, the justice of wars, climate change policy, and how the decisions that shape our daily lives are made and contested.
This degree is designed to equip you with the understanding of the issues, debates, and dilemmas that define the 21st century political landscape. You will develop practical skills valued by employers, including communication, critical analysis, and reasoning, through debates, simulations, group work, and policy-oriented tasks that mirror real political processes.
Stirling's Politics department is ranked 3rd in Scotland and in the top 10 in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide 2025. The program is highly regarded for its strong, research-led approach to teaching, and you can tailor your degree by combining Politics with complementary subjects such as Journalism Studies, Social Policy, or Business Studies.
- Ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 10 in the UK for Politics (Guardian University Guide 2025)
- Flexible degree structure allowing you to combine Politics with subjects like Journalism, Social Policy, or Business Studies
- Study abroad opportunities through partnerships with international universities, including the University of Gothenburg in Sweden
- Notable alumni include Former Secretary of State for Defence Dr John Reid and several current Members of Parliament
Curriculum and Modules
The BA (Hons) Politics program begins with a series of core modules that provide a broad grounding in political theory, systems, and contemporary issues. From Semesters 5 to 8, you specialise by choosing from a wide range of advanced modules, and you will complete a final-year dissertation that contributes to your Honours classification.
Politics of the British Isles
20 creditsAn introductory exploration of the political systems, institutions, and key debates across the United Kingdom and Ireland, providing a foundation for understanding domestic politics.
Introduction to International Relations
20 creditsExamines the major theories, actors, and issues in international politics, including conflict, cooperation, and the role of international organisations such as the UN and EU.
Great Political Thinkers
20 creditsA study of the foundational ideas and thinkers that have shaped Western political thought, from classical philosophy through to modern democratic theory.
Political Research Methods
20 creditsDevelops the skills necessary to conduct rigorous political research, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, survey design, and data interpretation.
Global Environmental Politics
20 creditsExplores the political dimensions of environmental challenges, including climate change policy, sustainability, and the role of states and non-state actors in global environmental governance.
Honours Dissertation
40 creditsAn independent research project on a political topic of your choice, supervised by an academic specialist, forming a major component of your final Honours classification.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Entry to the BA (Hons) Politics at the University of Stirling requires a strong academic background in relevant subjects. International students should contact Uni4Edu for guidance on equivalent qualifications and to begin their application process.
Academic Requirements
- SQA HighersMust include either Politics, Government and Politics, or Modern Studies
- A-LevelsRelevant A-Level qualifications required; contact Uni4Edu for specific grade requirements
- International BaccalaureateContact Uni4Edu for current IB requirements
- Access CoursesAccess to Higher Education diploma with 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above
- International QualificationsEquivalent qualifications accepted; contact Uni4Edu for country-specific requirements
English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill
- PTE Academic60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
- TOEFL iBT80 overall with minimum 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking (for exams taken before 21 January 2026)
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Stirling offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support international students pursuing undergraduate studies. Eligible students may automatically receive financial support as part of the admissions process.
International Undergraduate Scholarship
GBP 2,500 per year (GBP 10,000 over four years)A tuition fee reduction automatically applied to eligible full-time international undergraduate students. This scholarship is available to students classified as international for fee purposes and cannot be combined with other University of Stirling scholarships except the Sports Scholarship.
International Sports Scholarship Programme
Up to GBP 5,000 per yearFinancial assistance for talented international athletes, covering expenses such as competition fees, equipment, and training costs, along with access to top-tier sports facilities and support services at Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.
Stirling Success Scholarship
GBP 5,000Available to eligible students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Contact Uni4Edu for full eligibility criteria and application details.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
A Politics degree from the University of Stirling opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities across the public, private, and third sectors. Graduates develop the intellectual, communication, and analytical skills that employers actively seek, with strong understanding of both domestic and international political landscapes.
Potential Career Roles
Potential Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Stirling is consistently recognised in national and international rankings for its strong teaching, research impact, and student experience. The Politics department is particularly well regarded, ranking among the top programs in Scotland and the UK.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Politics | Guardian University Guide | 3rd in Scotland, Top 10 in UK |
| Politics | Guardian University Guide | #9 in UK |
| Social Sciences | THE World University Rankings | 301-400 |
| Research Impact | THE REF 2021 | 4th in Scotland, 43rd in UK |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
International Relations MSc
University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
27720 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Politics and Government (BA)
North Park University, Chicago, United States
Earliest Intake
September 2026
Gross Tuition
36070 $
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Politics BA (Hons)
Prifysgol Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
18000 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy - MA
London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
April 2025
Gross Tuition
20000 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year\t
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
October 2025
Gross Tuition
19300 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
