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Pending recheck: this course was listed last year but is not yet confirmed for 2027 entry. Check the university's course page before applying.

Birkbeck, University of London

Politics

London, England, United Kingdom · UCAS LL20

  • Level

    Bachelor

  • Duration

    3 Years

  • Campus

    Main Site

  • Intl. Tuition

    £18,500 (2026-27)

  • Home Tuition

    £9,790 (2026-27)

  • Intake

    2026-10-01

  • UCAS code

    LL20

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Course Overview

Politics at Birkbeck, University of London in London, England, United Kingdom is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs. Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

Student life (indicative)

London offers arguably the world's richest student experience — thousands of free museums and galleries, a world-leading theatre scene, diverse food from every corner of the globe, and a nightlife scene that never sleeps. The sheer variety is unmatched anywhere in the UK.

The University at a Glance

Student Population

7,720

Staff Ratio

19.0:1

International

12.0%

Career Prospects

Employment Rate

67.0%

of graduates employed

Avg Starting Salary

£26,070

First-year earnings

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

£18,500

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Home Tuition

£9,790

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

City & Location

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Politics
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate Politics topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced Politics
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

No specific entry requirements listed.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

7,720

Total students

Staff Ratio

19:1

Students per staff

International Students

12%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

City Size

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Cool temperate

Safety Index (indicative)

7.8/10

Transport

Moderate (coach or indirect connections)

Social Scene

Friendly community

Student Life & City (indicative)

London offers arguably the world's richest student experience — thousands of free museums and galleries, a world-leading theatre scene, diverse food from every corner of the globe, and a nightlife scene that never sleeps. The sheer variety is unmatched anywhere in the UK.

  • London offers arguably the world's richest student experience — thousands of free museums and galleries, a world-leading theatre scene, diverse food from every corner of the globe, and a nightlife scene that never sleeps.
  • The sheer variety is unmatched anywhere in the UK.

What Students Love

  • World-class museums & galleries
  • Vibrant nightlife & bars
  • Diverse international food scene
  • Theatre & performing arts scene

University Stats

Total Students7,720
Student-to-Staff Ratio19:1
International Students12%
Safety Index (indicative)7.8/10

Career & Outcomes

Graduate Employment

67%

Employed after graduation

Avg Starting Salary

£26,070

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✗ Not offered

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs. Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

  • Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs.
  • Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Business
  • Healthcare
  • Education

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

£18,500

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Home Tuition

£9,790

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Total Programme Cost

£55,500

For full 3 Years

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

HIGH

This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.

Estimated Annual Costs

Tuition (International)£18,500per year, 2026-27 Official fee page
Tuition (Home)£9,790per year, 2026-27 Official fee page
Estimated Total (per year)£18,500

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£1,106/mo
Food & Groceries£331/mo
Transport£158/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£1,817
Annual living costs£21,804/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

In the higher range for UK student costs — expect around $2,300/month (housing $1,400, food $420, transport $200). A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.

  • In the higher range for UK student costs — expect around $2,300/month (housing $1,400, food $420, transport $200).
  • A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.