Richmond American University London

BA (Hons) Political Science

Year 1 (Level 3)

Modules

• English for Academic Purposes
• Tools for Change
• Research and Writing

Based on your major, choose one or two from:

• Pre-Calculus
• Fundamentals of Computing
• Fundamentals of Business
• Foundations of Sociology

Choose one or two from:

• Endangered Species and Conservation
• History of London
• Foundations of Media and the Arts

Year 2 (Level 4)

Core Modules

• Introduction to International Relations
• Rich World Poor World
• Modern Political Thought
• Research and Writing

Choose one course from Arts and Humanities:

• The Global Cold War
• History of Visual Cultures
• Intercultural Communication

Choose one course from Social and Behavioral Sciences:

• Introduction to Economics
• Introduction to Psychology
• The Business of Fashion

Choose one course from Data/Numeracy:

• Probability & Maths
• Data Analysis

Choose one course from Science:

• Biological Basis of Human Behaviour
• Introduction to Programming
• Environmental Science and Society
• Ecology and Conservation
• Earth Systems Science

Year 3 (Level 5)

Core Modules

• Globalisation, Development and Environment
• British Politics
• Capitalism and Its Critics
• Democracy and Its Enemies
• Research Methods in Political Science

Choose one course from Service Learning:

• Digital Collaboration
• Leadership in a Changing World
• Environment and Society
• Global Citizenship and Migration

Plus

• Choose two level 5 electives from across the curriculum, outside of your subject discipline

Year 4 (Level 6)

Core Modules

• Cultures of Empire
• Policy-making in a Globalised World
• Sustainable Development
• Senior Project in Political Science

Choose a level 6 Internship or Choose two level 6 courses from:

• Contemporary Issues in Global Media
• Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Extremism
• Environmental Education and Communication
• Public Economics
• Warfare Gender and Society
• Rethinking International Relations
• Diplomacy

Plus

• Choose one level 6 elective from across the curriculum, outside of your subject discipline

• Acquire an analytical grasp of contemporary social, political and economic issues of concern to policy makers, business, the media and civil society
• Access to leading non-governmental, governmental and political institutions will bring your studies alive
• Gain vital work experience with an international internship, enhancing your career opportunities, while building experience with writing in a range of professional formats from project evaluations, policy briefs and policy-maker profiles to NGO campaign analyses and project grant applications.
• Take part in field trips to the European Parliament, Council and Commission and NATO in Brussels and the International Court of Justice in the Hague
• Learn from faculty academics leading research in specialist areas from &'Politics in the USA' to &'Religion, Identity and Power'

Below is a list of where some of the Political Science graduates have gone on to work.

• Credit Suisse
• Greenpeace USA
• Stonewall,
• The United Nations Children’s Fund
• World Bank

• Flexible Liberal Arts Framework: Develop problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration skills through a broad, multidisciplinary curriculum that prepares you for diverse career paths
• Comprehensive Political Insight: Develop an analytical understanding of contemporary social, political, and economic issues that matter to policymakers, businesses, the media, and civil society
• Hands-On Learning: Experience politics firsthand with access to leading non-governmental, governmental, and political institutions, and participate in field trips to key locations such as the European Parliament, NATO in Brussels, and the International Court of Justice in The Hague
• Real-World Experience: Gain valuable work experience through an international internship, where you’ll develop professional writing skills in formats such as project evaluations, policy briefs, and NGO campaign analyses
• Expert Faculty: Learn from leading academics conducting research in specialist areas, from Politics in the USA to Religion, Identity, and Power

Teaching

The course load at level 3 or first year is 24 US credits, equivalent to 96 UK credits. Students will then complete 32 US credits, equivalent to 128 UK credits per academic year.

Approximately 12 hours per week are in class attendance, and 4 hours are guided learning. The guided learning component could include discussion boards, guest lectures, field trips, asynchronous learning, or similar activities.

Teaching mainly takes place in small classes. Our seminar-style teaching, characterised by interactive discussions and active participation, gives the students an opportunity to engage deeply with the material and their peers. The intimate setting allows for personalised attention from professors, enhancing comprehension and retention. Guest lectures enrich the experience by providing diverse perspectives and reinforcing knowledge through practical applications such as quizzes, discussions and debates. This approach supports academic success and cultivates critical thinking and communication skills, preparing students for future challenges.

Assessment

The balance of assessment by examination, practical assessment and assessment by coursework will vary for each programme and will also depend on the optional electives you choose each year and may be subject to change. The assessment methods can involve term papers, portfolios of work, quizzes, mid-semester and final exams, student presentations and general class discussion. Not every component applies to every course, but most do relate to many of the classes that are offered. Many of our courses involve a site visit or require attendance at a public lecture as well.