Advanced political studies
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
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- Start Date: 01 May 2025End Date: 24 Jul 2025Thu (Evening): 19:00 - 21:00OnlineFull fee £299.00 Senior fee £299.00 Concession £194.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This online course introduces what it means to study politics at an advanced level. From understanding debates around the nature of politics, to exploring ideas in politics and International Relations it will provide an introduction of the modern discipline of politics, and develop students’ skills and rigour in discussing and writing about politics. And politics in a very broad sense, rather than only Britain.
Note: this course includes a Saturday session (10.30am to 1pm, date tbc).
What will we cover?
Students will explore the following major subjects in the contemporary discipline of politics.
- What is Politics?
- Ideas in politics
- Themes in International Relations.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Approach the discipline of politics from a critical perspective
- Be able to read, understand, and critically examine advanced political texts, philosophies and ideas
- Explain key aspects about the discipline of politics
- Express your argument in a clear fashion
- Discuss complex ideas
- Present political information in an entertaining and engaging manner.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No particular skills are required, only a passion, interest and willingness to engage with reading, writing and discussing political ideas and texts.
it will require the reading of advanced texts, the undertaking of a personal project (essay, book review or something you come up with that fits your plans, e.g. political theatre pitch, university application letter etc.), and a willingness to present in front of a group.
As such, it is generally advised that you have at least a grade B in GCSE English (or equivalent).
The course is open to everyone, although we ask you do the assessment to enrol.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The online course will be taught through a combination of lectures, student presentations, and class discussion. The class discussion element is especially important to this course and will play a central role in learning.
There will be reading to be completed at home every week, as well as presentations from students.
There will be approximately 2 - 3 hours of work to be completed outside of class each week.
In addition, there will be a personal project to be undertaken.
In addition to the Wednesday evening sessions, the course also has a weekend workshop session (also online) in relation to the personal project on (date tbc) from 10.30am to 1pm.
You will receive a certificate on completion of this course, outlining the areas of study undertaken.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will be provided with a reading list. It will be advisable to buy some of these texts for your convenience, although most are widely available in public libraries or online for free.
Something to make notes with will be essential: this may be a pen and paper, or a laptop.
You will need to be able to use a computer to access the class resources.
This course can be paid in instalments. Please ask enrolments for details.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offer a wide range of politics courses: check out our online catalogue or our prospectus for more information on these.
If considering more advanced study, tutors of this course will be able to advise on Access, BA or MA courses that you may be interested in. Access courses are available at City Lit.
Martin Ottovay Jorgensen is a historian by education (BA, MA and PhD in Denmark and Belgium). As a teacher in higher ediucation and further education, he has taught courses on world and global history; African history, Asian history, imperial and colonial history; the history of international organisations; peace and conflict; global issues and international relations as well as how memory is an active dimension in community-building, society, politics, international relations, conflict as well as corporate branding. At City Lit, Martin heads the Department of History, Politics, Philosophy and Sience and teaches across history and politics. He strives to promote history as a socially relevant way of thinking and to give each class and course a horizon beyond itself. Perhaps more importantly, Martin sees the active promotion of robust historical thinking as a democratic practice of vital importance to both the workings of our democracy and the embracing and valuing our multi-cultural and diverse society.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.