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Course review
Review by: Jenny R
University: The University of Birmingham
Course: Politics
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
15
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Politics, Sociology, English/Economics.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I am interested in the European Union and the merits it holds for the EEC as well as future candidates for accession. I am also interested in Russian politics, which is covered in second year of Uni.
The mix between politics, both theory and actual, as well as economics and cultural aspects means that the student will gain a broad insight into what the European Union is, does and should be. As well as allowing the student to have a choice of modules to pick from in order to gain knowledge in other areas that may or not be related.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
I wish I had known the extremity of essay writing. On average, there are 7 essays each term to write, most at 3000 words. This can become a burden so a clearer explanation could have been useful
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
The average day is made up of about three hours of lectures and 2 hours of classes. Over the course of the week, about 15 hours of studying will be undertaken and more work should be done at home in order to gain a fully rounded view of the subjects in question. Lectures can vary in size from small (20 people) to large (100) depending on whether or not the module cuts across different courses and departments. Classes are essential to understanding your modules and they provide a change for a smaller group to discuss and debate areas covered in lectures.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
This course is based on being able to keep up with reading, both in university time and out of it. Students who are not willing to read The Economist need not apply! The key to doing well in EPSE is to read as much as you can and then read more. Reading lists are provided which are incredibly useful and some lectureres provide reading for the classes online on WebCT so there should be no excuse not to have a broad viewpoint.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The broad range of subjects this course covers. Not once will the student be bored of learning!
What do you like least about your degree programme?
As it is a relatively new course, it could be beter organised in terms of administration.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Excellent. Our newspaper isn't called REDBRICK for no reason! Computers available everywhere, support always on hand and top of the country lectureres.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
As previously mentioned, lectures take usual form and classes are a chance to discuss and debate. Readings are used in class to expand the understanding of topics discussed.
This course covers everything about the EU, in first year explains political, cultural and economic theory and in second year expands on this to make it relevant to the EU today.
ERASMUS scheme, study abroad and work placements
Have you studied on an ERASMUS or study abroad programme? Where did you go and what experience have you gained from your placement?
There is the option to do this but I didn't so I can't explain. It is brand new this year so is definitely exciting.
Have you been on a work placement/year in industry? How has it benefited your study and career prospects:
I haven't, but a student would definitely benefit from a placement with a European Business, a bank or a newspaper.
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Other reviews for Politics
Georgie J, 2nd Year doing Politics and Sociology at The University of Edinburgh
James F, 3rd Year doing Global Politics at Lancaster University Henny G, 3rd Year doing Economics and Social Studies (Politics) at University of Manchester Fergus P, 2nd Year doing Politics and Sociology at Newcastle University Owen P, 2nd Year doing History and Politics at Lancaster University Ed D, 1st Year doing Economics and Social Studies (Politics) at University College London, University of London Rachel P, 2nd Year doing Politics at The University of Kent
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University review
Review by: Jenny R
University: The University of Birmingham
Course: Politics
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the The University of Birmingham forum and see what people are discussing right now!
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
The University of Birmingham is a place to enrich your life both academically and socially. The courses offered are there because they are excellent with staff who are the top of the class in their field. Support for your academic work is always offered, as well as support for the student's personal life too. All ranges of faiths are catered for as well as the University being able to claim a wonderful little shopping centre right at the heart of the University where one can buy everything they need to get through the day, and more. World food shops included! This is the place to get a degree recognised throughout the world as coming from a prestigious and respected university, and a place to make friends for life while all the time having fun, in the local surrounding areas or venturing further afield into town to catch a glimpse of Brummy nightlife! My time at Birmingham University has been a positive one, where I feel proud to have studied here and have the chance to do an interest
What is the academic life like at your university?
Full-on yet do-able. This is a redbrick uni, and you are here to work, not pass by without studying.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Fresher's week, despite not being my type of scene, was everything it claimed to be. Fun, exciting, a chance to meet people and awesome!
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
Best things include the campus and its people. This is a truly social university.
The worst things is sometimes the lack of organisation regarding certain aspects of your course. However support is always available.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
Excellent choice of activities including fitness classes, gym memership, tennis, swimming, all ranges of clubs and training.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
Alcohol always plays a part in student life, Birmingham is no exception yet there are controls put in place if you get out of hand. Joe's Bar is the SU which is open all day and coffee can be bought as well as pints. Selly oak is full of bars and pubs but also cafes and coffee houses for the day.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Birmingham is my home city and there is clearly much to do around the city. One look at google will tell you this is not somewhere to be bored. Pubs, clubs and bars cater for all music tastes, there is culture in the city in forms of art exhibitions, museums and film and music. Shopping is world class. The only bad thing - the weather!
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