PAIS

Module title (select the arrow to see more)

Credits

Introduction to Politics (PO107-30)

30

Introduction to Politics gives you a broad overview of the main issues and theoretical perspectives within Politics. You'll learn first to understand and then apply the core concepts of comparative political science and theory to processes, institutions, ideologies and practical policy-making. You'll conduct a comparative study of different political systems and political change, both in writing and in open debate.

Information correct as of 2025-26 academic year.

World Politics (PO131-30)

30

In this module, you'll be introduced to world politics and the role that international relations play in the interactions between nations. You'll gain a solid understanding of the historical underpinnings of the structure and systems of states and become familiar with major theories of international relations post-1945. You'll analyse contemporary writings on world politics and engage critically, both orally and in writing, with key concepts and theoretical debates on the nature of international political systems.

Information correct as of 2025-26 academic year.

Year TwoGSD

You will study one optional core module from the following:

Module title (select the arrow to see more)

Credits

Health and Sustainable Development (GD204-30)

30

Viable and equitable solutions in health and sustainable development require interdisciplinary and critical thinking. The first part of the module will introduce you to fundamental concepts of global health governance and health systems, whilst acquainting you with key global health priorities like drug resistance and mental health from the perspective of global sustainable development. The second part of the module will focus on cross-cutting issues that shape and impact on global health.

Information correct as of 2025-26 academic year.

Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food System (GD205-30)

30

Goal 2 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to end hunger, end all forms of malnutrition, and ensure sustainable food production systems. However, the world population will likely increase to nearly 10 billion people by 2050. After decades of positive change, the incidence of malnourishment is again on the rise, global stocks of key food are contracting, and it is currently more expensive to buy food than for most of our planet』s modern history.

This module addresses these significant challenges by encouraging students to adopt a 'food systems approach' in responding to the imperative agendas of food security, sovereignty and sustainability. The module is taught in collaboration with researchers from across various disciplines at Warwick.

Information correct as of 2025-26 academic year.

Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for All (GD206-30)

30

This module focuses on how inequalities shape our societies, economies, environments and politics. Starting with the question 『Does inequality matter?』, you will critically reflect on the United Nations' decision to integrate inequalities into the Sustainable Development Agenda. You will then explore six different dimensions of inequalities (work, politics, environmental justice, societal discrimination, automation and globalisation, empowerment) and gain an understanding of the complexities of these problems. Finally, you will appreciate the challenges faced by today』s policy makers who aim to address issues of inequalities while taking into consideration all three pillars of sustainable development.

Information correct as of 2025-26 academic year.

PAIS

Module title (select the arrow to see more)

Credits

Foundations of Political Theory (PO2E3-15)

15

The aim of this module is to introduce you to some of the foundational arguments and debates in modern (mainly) European political theory, as well as some of the discipline』s most important primary texts. To this end, you will critically examine claims about freedom, equality, democracy, revolution and crisis made by some of the most important political thinkers from 1640 onwards.

Information correct as of 2025-26 academic year.

Topics in Political Theory (PO2E2-15)

15

Politics considers how the political world operates, and how it ought to operate. In this module, we consider the 「oughts」 of politics. Building on Foundations of Political Theory, the module examines key thinkers and topics in contemporary normative political theory. The module is divided into two parts: key thinkers in contemporary normative political theory, including John Rawls, Robert Nozick, and Susan Moller Okin; and key topics in contemporary normative political theory, including issues such as immigration, education, representation, microaggressions, and climate change.

Information correct as of 2025-26 academic year.

Final YearGSD

Module title (select the arrow to see more)

Credits

Dissertation/Independent Study (GD307-30)

30

In this module you will bring together all your learning and experiences on the course – the theoretical concepts and principles and your practical know-how – to address a specific sustainable development problem of your own choosing. This will be a problem that concerns you most and which you would like to tackle.

You will be supported by an academic supervisor to devise a suitable project and to undertake research to explore the issue, taking a transdisciplinary approach to your investigation in order to produce an original research output. This may be a concept paper, a practical project, a film production, a long essay, an advocacy campaign...use your creativity!

You will design a strategy for disseminating your findings (for example at a conference presentation, via online publication or an article in a journal, or at a public meeting that you have arranged). This provides you with an opportunity to have your voice heard in a forum where it matters and could have lasting impact.

Information correct as of 2025-26 academic year.

Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules include:

GSD

Module title (select the arrow to see more)

Credits

Managing Natural Resources (GD317-15)

15

The Energy Trilemma (GD311-15)

15

Human Rights and Social Justice in Latin America and the Caribbean (GD313-15)

15

Challenges of Climate Change (Term 1) (GD305-15)

15

Multilingualism and Sustainable Development (GD315-15)

15

Surviving the Apocalypse (GD302-15)

15

Read more about our optional modules

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/schoolforcross-facultystudies/gsd/currentstudents/modules/

PAIS

Module title (select the arrow to see more)

Credits

Public Policy for 21st Century Challenges (PO2D0-30)

30

States and Markets: An Introduction to International Political Economy (PO230-30)

30

Justice, Democracy and Citizenship (PO134-15)

15

Capitalism and Its Alternatives (PO240-15)

15

Gender and Development (PO353-30)

30

United States Foreign Policy (PO379-30)

30

Co-curricular Certificates

We offer a range of unique certificates outside of the curriculum as a way of continuing your professional development.

In the first year, you can complete certificates in Climate Literacy and Professional Communication.

Explore our range of certificates.

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/schoolforcross-facultystudies/certificates/

General entry requirements

A levels

A level typical offer

AAA.

A level additional information

You will also need grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics and grade 4/C in GCSE English Language or equivalent.

A level contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is AAB. See if you're eligible.

https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/contextual-offers/eligibilitycheck

IB

IB typical offer

36

IB additional information

You will also need grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics and grade 4/C in GCSE English Language or equivalent.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 34. See if you're eligible.

https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/contextual-offers/eligibilitycheck

Other UK qualifications

BTEC

We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside one or two A levels.

Scotland Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers and AAB in three additional Highers subjects.

Welsh Baccalaureate

AAB in three subjects at A level plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas

We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.

Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.

Additional information

You will also need grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics and grade 4/C in GCSE English Language or equivalent.