Politics with Business (Including Placement Year)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Politics with Business (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Government
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Politics and International Relations
BSC LL26
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Stefano Pagliari

Senior Lecturer in International Politics

City, University of London

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  GV100-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Politics  Core  30  30 
02  BE401-4-AU-CO  Introduction to Management  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE501-4-SP-CO  Introduction to Marketing  Compulsory  15  15 
04  GV110-4-SP-CO  Thinking Like a Social Scientist  Compulsory  15  15 
05    Option(s) from list  Optional  45  45 
06  GV711-4-FY-CO  Career Portfolio  Compulsory 
07  GV164-4-SU-CO  Doing Political Research  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  GV207-5-AU-CO  Quantitative Political Analysis  Compulsory  15  15 
02    GV214-5-AU or GV203-5-SP  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
03  BE410-5-AU-CO  Organisational Behaviour  Compulsory  15  15 
04  BE431-5-AU-CO  Business Strategy  Compulsory  15  15 
05    BE413-5-AU or option from list  Optional  15  15 
06    Option(s) from list  Optional  45  45 
07  GV711-5-FY-CO  Career Portfolio  Compulsory 
08  GV275-5-SU-CO  Issues in Politics: Final Year Project preparation  Compulsory 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  GV834-6-FY-CO  Placement Year  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    Capstone Project  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
02  BE733-6-AU-CO  Strategic Human Resource Management  Compulsory  15  15 
03  BE439-6-AU-CO  Business Ethics  Compulsory  15  15 
04  GV300-6-FY-CO  Advanced Quantitative Political Analysis  Compulsory  30  30 
05    Option from list  Optional  30  30 
06  GV711-6-FY-CO  Career Portfolio  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

The course will give students the ability to investigate and understand political outcomes and actions in a broad range of substantive fields of political science, including comparative politics, international relations, and conflict processes. The course puts a special emphasis on quantitative statistical methods, and additionally provides students with analytic tools of theoretical, conceptual, and methodological nature to identify, analyse, and evaluate political mechanisms that underly individual political behaviour, state actions, and the functioning of the international political system. In addition, students will learn about theories and practices of business functions such as management, international business, organisation behaviour, leadership, and marketing and human resource management and acquire knowledge of how people, groups, organisations, economic and society interact and can be managed.



Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Knowledge of different conceptual, theoretical and normative perspectives within political science about eg democracy, justice, liberalism and rights, and of methodological issues.

A2: Knowledge of the main findings of existing political science research about political systems (e.g. Britain, Europe, other areas and the international system), political behaviour (e.g. voting behaviour, public opinion and political parties).

A3: Knowledge of developments, issues and debates in the specialist subjects they choose to study.

A4: Knowledge of sources of information and statistical methods appropriate for political studies.

A5: Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the core principles of business management, strategic-thinking and decision-making and a knowledge of the external environment within which organizations operate, including the political, social, economic and technological contexts at both national and international levels.

Learning methods

A1-A4 are addressed in lectures, participation in seminars and classes and written comments on essays.

A3 is additionally addressed in optional choices in years 2 and 3 and/or in projects.

A5 is acquired in Business Management modules.

For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

Assessment methods

The assessment of most full-year modules is normally based equally on course work and on a written examination, each counting for 50 per cent of the final mark.

An average course work load consists of three essays per modules or equivalent.

Class tests are used to assess A4.

A5 is assessed in Business Management modules.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: To question received thinking.

B2: To develop their own thinking

B3: Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in political science and political theory at an appropriate level.

B4: To analyse and evaluate evidence.

B5: To reason critically.

B6: To argue coherently and persuasively.

B7: To present ideas in a structured form in writing.

Learning methods

These skills are developed in:-
(a) Seminars and classes
(b) class presentations
(c) written comments on essays.

Individual guidance is available for the writing of essays and the construction of presentations.

For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

Assessment methods

All intellectual/cognitive skills are assessed in continuous course work in all years and through end of year examinations.

For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

C: Practical skills

C1: Organise and structure an extended argument, advancing clear critical positions.

C2: Compile systematic bibliographies.

C3: Provide references according to accepted conventions.

C4: Use quantitative methods, abstract and synthesise relevant information.

C5: Students will be able to work competently in a range of roles in business contexts.

Learning methods

The range of practical skills C1-C4 is taught in seminars and developed through tutors’ comments on essays, and in supervision of written work. C4 is acquired in Business Management modules.

For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

Assessment methods

Assessment of practical skills is through the submission of essays and assignments, and written examinations.

For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

D: Key skills

D1: Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication.

D2: To use electronic information sources.

D3: Understand the use of quantitative evidence

D4: To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.

D5: Develop skills in collaborative learning and research - and gain experience in group presentations of research results.

D6: To be receptive to feedback; to manage time and resources and to be self-critical.

Learning methods

The five relevant key skills are implicit throughout the degree.
1, 2 and 4 are employed in essays.
1, 5 and 6 are employed in seminars, classes and discussions with class teachers.

For all learning outcomes, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Delivery methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.

Assessment methods

Essays and projects are assessed for qualities that implicitly incorporate all these skills.

For all assessment methods, instructors will pay attention to sensitivities regarding gender, race, cultural heritage and religion and other possible signifiers of group identity. Assessment methods will be adjusted for students with special learning difficulties based on individual needs. Robust feedback mechanisms through personal contact between module supervisors and students as well as module representatives will ensure inclusivity needs will be dynamically identified as they develop.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.