This module introduces students to key concepts in politics and explores how they help us understand power, governance, and decision-making in society. Through the study of topics such as power, the state, democracy, elections, and political parties, students develop an understanding of how political systems operate and how citizens participate in political processes. The module also develops essential academic skills, including interpreting political information, constructing clear arguments, and using appropriate academic conventions to support progression to undergraduate study in politics, international relations, business, or related fields.

The overall aims of the module are to:

• Develop students’ understanding of key political concepts and terminology used in the study of politics, including power, the state, democracy, elections, and political parties.
• Build students’ ability to explain how political systems operate and how political institutions and democratic processes shape political participation and political debate in national and international contexts.
• Develop students’ ability to apply political concepts to understand contemporary political issues and to communicate ideas clearly through structured academic discussion and writing.