BA Politics with Foundation
About this course
BA (Hons) Politics with Foundation is a politics degree in Politics and International Relations, adding a foundation year to the standard undergraduate programme. The foundation year serves students from under-represented groups in higher education whose attainment or access to qualifications does not meet standard entry requirements, and eligibility criteria apply. Tutors from the Centre for Academic Development deliver it, offering around 100 places a year. After successful completion, students progress to the first year of the BA Politics degree.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Entry criteria: Specific Eligibility Criteria Recommended Criteria for Mature Applicants (over 21 years) Applicants over 21 are likely to have achieved GCSE grade 4 in Maths and English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in these subjects. Essential Criteria for younger applicants (under 21 years) Applicants under 21 must have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher in Maths and English Language.
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 67%: 10 offers from 15 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 22 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 30%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 62%
- South East: 13%
- South West: 4%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Politics with Foundation at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £34,000 after 3 years, £48,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £36,000 and £63,000. The £48,000 median after five years is £14,000 more than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of BA Politics with Foundation at Durham University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Politics with Foundation at Durham University?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Politics with Foundation at Durham University?
The average entrant had 154 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Politics with Foundation at Durham University?
67% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 10 offers from 15 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Politics with Foundation at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Politics with Foundation at Durham University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.