Politics with Foundation

Politics is the study of how power is acquired, organised, exercised, and contested in human societies. It examines the institutions and structures of government, the behaviour of political actors and parties, the formation and delivery of public policy, and the social movements and ideologies that challenge or defend existing arrangements. Political science takes these questions seriously as objects of rigorous academic analysis, drawing on theory, empirical research, and comparative study to understand not just what happens in politics but why.

This four-year, full-time programme at Westminster includes a foundation year that prepares you for degree-level study before you begin the main degree content, and also offers a placement year and a year abroad, both of which give you significant opportunities to develop professionally and internationally. You will investigate how governments make decisions, how international institutions operate, how social movements transform political life, and what the major ideological traditions have to say about justice, liberty, equality, and authority. The Westminster location and the university's connections to professional and political life in London add practical context to the academic content.

Politics graduates move into careers in government and the civil service, political parties and campaigns, journalism and media, public affairs and lobbying, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and consultancy. The analytical and communication skills the degree develops are broadly applicable, and the programme's combination of foundation year, placement, and year abroad strengthens both academic preparation and professional readiness. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in politics, international relations, public policy, or law, pursuing specialist expertise for particular professional or research pathways.