BAEcon Accounting and Finance

The course is designed to introduce and study a range of concepts that are central to politics, and to outline the application of these concepts to a range of political issues. The course will also introduce students to a range of major authors in the western tradition of political thought.
A number of key themes of modern political theory will be explored: Why do some persons have the right to rule over others? Why should citizens obey the law? How far is government compatible with the liberty of the individual? What makes for a just law? What rights do individuals have against the state? In the language of political theory these are questions about power, authority, legitimacy, rights, duties, liberty, justice, freedom and equality.

By blending the conceptual approach to political theory with both elements of the history of ideas and the application of ideas to political issues, the course will allow students to gain an understanding of the key principles and ideas of political thought. As a result, you will be able to subject political thinking to critical analysis and to gain an understanding of both its historical context and relevance to contemporary politics. You will be encouraged to develop your own views through careful reading and discussion with others in tutorials.

Lectures
Seminar

1000 word essay

2 question (1000 words each) exam

Politics staff will provide feedback on written work within 15 working days of submission.

Students should be aware that all marks are provisional until confirmed by the external examiner and the final examinations boards in June.

For modules that do not have examination components the marks and feedback for the final assessed component are not subject to the 15 working day rule and will be released with the examination results.

You will receive feedback on assessed essays in a standard format. This will rate your essay in terms of various aspects of the argument that you have presented your use of sources and the quality of the style and presentation of the essay. If you have any queries about the feedback that you have received you should make an appointment to see your tutor.

On assessments submitted through Speedgrader you will receive feedback via Canvas. This will include suggestions about ways in which you could improve your work in future. You will also receive feedback on non-assessed coursework, whether this is individual or group work. This may be of a more informal kind and may include feedback from peers as well as academic staff

a. Jonathan Wolff, An Introduction to Political Philosophy, 3rd edition (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016)
b. Catriona McKinnon et al (ed.), Issues in Political Theory, 4th edition (Oxford: Oxford University Press 2019)
c. David Miller, Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003)
d. Colin Bird, An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006)
e. Adam Swift, Political Philosophy: A Beginners’ Guide for Students and Politicians, 4th edition (Cambridge: Polity Press 2019). 
f. Jenco, L., Espejo, P.O., Idris, M., Political Theory: A Global and Comparative Introduction, Sage Publication Ltd 2025
 

Information
Length of course: 12 weeks

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £34,800 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students.

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships. This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.