A pathway from foundations to application
This self-directed pathway organises political science into four connected stages. It is a subject exploration resource rather than an accredited programme specification. Work through the stages at a pace that allows time for reading, practice and reflection.
1. Political theory
Focus on political theory as a way to understand power, institutions and public decision-making. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to political theory. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how political theory connects with comparative politics. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
2. Comparative politics
Focus on comparative politics as a way to understand power, institutions and public decision-making. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to comparative politics. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how comparative politics connects with public policy. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
3. Public policy
Focus on public policy as a way to understand power, institutions and public decision-making. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to public policy. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how public policy connects with international relations. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
4. International relations
Focus on international relations as a way to understand power, institutions and public decision-making. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to international relations. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how international relations connects with political theory. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.