B.A Politics at Durham University [DURHAM UNI], Durham Fees, Entry Requirement & Application Deadline

Durham University B.A Politics requirements ,fee , documents, deadline etc

Durham, EnglandLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1832established year
16565enrollment
Public
Partner [11 Courses]
8.2/10

Bachelor of Arts [B.A] (Politics)

3 years
Full Time
On Campus

Field of Study: 

$32,918 /Yr

£24,750 /Yr
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Updated on - Oct 24, 2026

Durham University Bachelor of Arts Politics is a three-year, full-time honours degree at its Main Campus in Durham, beginning 28 September 2027. Indian Standard XII applicants need 85% across their best four academic subjects, excluding Physical Education, plus an accepted humanities or social science background. September 2027 tuition is unpublished; September 2025 tuition was £27,000 (INR 34.28 Lakhs), as a prior-cycle reference.

The course develops comparative politics, political theory and research methods before a 40-credit dissertation, with optional study-abroad or placement transfers after enrolment. It best suits applicants who enjoy sustained reading, evidence-led argument and independent research, while the competitive optional pathways require flexibility.

  • First-year study includes four compulsory 20-credit modules covering political theory, democratic systems, comparative politics and research methods.
  • Assessment may include examinations, essays, presentations and group projects, so applicants need both written analysis and collaborative communication.
  • Students can apply during year two for a placement or year-abroad pathway, although places are limited and extend study to four years.

Current Admission Status

Applications for the September 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time, or 23:30 IST (India Standard Time).

Indian applicants should submit their complete UCAS application, school reference and predicted or achieved grades before the UK-controlled cutoff. The portal’s UK timestamp governs equal consideration.

Also Check: Durham University BA Politics Admission

Durham University BA Politics Fees and Living Costs 2027

Durham has not confirmed international tuition for September 2027, so applicants cannot construct a cycle-correct three-year tuition total. The latest published course-specific amount remains useful only as an older planning anchor.

Fee context: The tuition row below is a September 2025 prior-cycle reference, while the UCAS charge applies to the 2027 application cycle.

Cost itemAmount (GBP)Amount (INR)
International tuition per year, September 2025 reference£27,000INR 34.28 Lakhs
UCAS application fee, 2027 entry£34.50INR 4,381

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of GBP 1 = INR 126.98 as of 24 October 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

Source: Durham University course fee information for September 2025 and the published UCAS charge for 2027 entry.

The older fee must not become a 2027 loan request because Durham states that international tuition can rise annually. Applicants should retain a funding buffer, then replace this reference when the target amount appears.

Cost of Living in Durham for BA Politics Students

Durham’s published 2025/26 first-year residence charges ranged from self-catered accommodation to a standard fully catered room. The monthly values below divide each academic-year charge by 12 solely for comparable budgeting.

Residence context: These figures are 2025/26 prior-cycle prices, not September 2027 quotations; self-catered charges exclude food.

ExpenseMonthly (GBP)Monthly (INR)
Self-catered residence£595.42INR 75,606
Standard fully catered residence£852.67INR 1.08 Lakhs
Monthly residence total range£595.42 to £852.67INR 75,606 to INR 1.08 Lakhs
Annual residence total range£7,145 to £10,232INR 9.07 Lakhs to INR 12.99 Lakhs

The 2025/26 prior-cycle planning illustration totals £34,145 to £37,232 (INR 43.36 Lakhs to INR 47.28 Lakhs). It adds £27,000 tuition to £7,145 to £10,232 residence and excludes travel, visa charges, personal spending and future increases.

The separate UK visa maintenance test is £1,203 (INR 1.53 Lakhs) monthly for nine months. It proves immigration funds and does not replace Durham’s residence prices or a personal budget.

Verify the target fee on the official fee page. Do not convert the September 2025 reference into a September 2027 funding commitment.

Read More: Cost of Living in the UK for International Students

Student perspective

Individual university-level student reviews flag accommodation costs, groceries and hilly walks between dispersed buildings. These observations support checking college location and catering before ranking room preferences.

These comments are anecdotal and do not replace official Durham University data.

ROI reality: The current funding decision remains incomplete because September 2027 tuition is unconfirmed. Secure the published fee before comparing borrowing against the course’s graduate evidence.

Durham University BA Politics Admission 2027

Durham offers this course for September 2027 entry through one standard full-time route under UCAS code L200. Selection begins from AAA or its recognised international equivalent, including relevant humanities or social science preparation.

Academic threshold: Durham’s India table provides the official Standard XII conversion for the course’s AAA offer.

QualificationPublished requirementIndian applicant meaning
A levelsAAA including a social science or humanities subjectStandard XII average of 85% across the best four academic subjects, excluding Physical Education
International Baccalaureate36 points with 6, 6 and 6 at Higher Level, including a social science or humanities subjectComparable to the same AAA offer, which Durham officially maps to 85% for eligible Indian boards

The 85% mapping covers the Central Board of Secondary Education, the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations and specified state boards. Durham reviews other state boards individually, while the university decides whether a school subject meets the required academic background.

Meeting the grade threshold establishes eligibility but does not guarantee selection. Applicants should demonstrate analytical reading, evidence-based argument and sustained interest because the degree progresses from research methods to a substantial dissertation.

English Language Requirements

Politics uses Durham English Band B. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is accepted at 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0. Every component therefore matters, not only the overall score.

Current TOEFL policy: Durham publishes a revised TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test) scale from 21 January 2026. This scale applies to applicants testing for September 2027.

English routeBand B requirementImportant condition
IELTS Academic6.5 overallNo component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT from 21 January 20264.5 overallNo component below 4.0 on Durham’s published revised scale
PTE Academic62 overallNo communicative skill below 59; online PTE is not accepted
Indian Standard XII English80% at first attemptAccepted only from Durham’s named Indian examination boards
  • Applicants using TOEFL iBT should book the revised test and match Durham’s published 4.5 overall and 4.0 component scale.
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) provides a test-centre route, but its online version does not satisfy Band B.
  • Indian school-English evidence can avoid another test only when the board, score and first-attempt condition all match Durham’s list.

The university makes the final qualification and English-evidence decision, so applicants should not substitute a generic conversion or an unlisted board. Submit the exact certificate supporting each claimed route.

Student perspective

Individual university-level accounts describe seminar preparation and research-heavy assessment, which aligns with Durham’s official independent-study model. Test your fit through extended reading and evidence-led school projects before applying.

Tip for Indian students: An 85% Standard XII average can meet the academic offer, while the required subject and English evidence remain separate checks. Verify all three before submission.

Durham University BA Politics Application 2027

The September 2027 application is open through UCAS, and Durham lists 13 January 2027 as the equal-consideration deadline. Submission by that cutoff protects consideration timing but does not guarantee an offer.

Application timeline: September is the only published intake for the standard three-year Politics route.

StagePublished dateApplicant implication
Completed applications acceptedFrom 1 September 2026The application, qualifications and school reference can be submitted
Equal-consideration deadline13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time, or 23:30 ISTThe UK portal time controls whether the application receives equal consideration
University decision deadline for on-time applications12 May 2027UCAS expects decisions by this date for applications submitted by 13 January
Applicant reply deadline2 June 2027This deadline applies when all decisions arrive by 12 May
Course start28 September 2027Visa, travel and college arrangements must align with this date

The course page publishes no interview or admissions-test requirement, so the submitted academic record, reference and written responses carry the visible selection evidence. Late applications may be considered only when places remain.

  • Ask the referee to evidence humanities or social science analysis, independent reading and readiness for sustained research.
  • Use written examples that connect political questions with evidence, institutions or theory instead of relying on extracurricular titles alone.
  • Treat the standard three-year curriculum as the secured route because later placement and year-abroad transfers have limited capacity.

The updated 2027 curriculum places political thought and comparative politics at its centre, followed by a final dissertation. Applicants should therefore show why this analytical structure matches their preparation, not only their interest in current affairs.

Application tip: Submit the complete UCAS file before 13 January 2027 at 23:30 IST. Build the application around Durham’s research methods, comparative politics and political theory structure.

Durham University BA Politics Scholarships 2027

The Durham Inspiring Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship is the verified university award compatible with overseas Politics applicants entering in September 2027. It provides two funding levels through a separate competitive application.

2027/28 award values: The maximum assumes funding across all three standard years and continued academic progress.

Award typeAnnual value (GBP)Annual value (INR)Three-year maximum
Inspiring Excellence 5k£5,000INR 6.35 LakhsUp to £15,000 (INR 19.05 Lakhs)
Inspiring Excellence 10k£10,000INR 12.70 LakhsUp to £30,000 (INR 38.09 Lakhs)

The award can materially reduce tuition, but it cannot produce a confirmed net price until Durham publishes the September 2027 course fee. Preserve both funded and unfunded borrowing scenarios until selection is confirmed.

  • The first deadline is 7 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT, equivalent to 8 December 2026 at 05:29 IST.
  • The second deadline is 15 March 2027 at 23:59 GMT, equivalent to 16 March 2027 at 05:29 IST.
  • The final deadline is 1 May 2027 at 23:59 GMT, equivalent to 2 May 2027 at 05:29 IST.

Eligible applicants must be self-funded, hold overseas fee status and choose Durham as their firm UCAS choice. International Study Centre entrants, sponsored students and recipients of another funding award are excluded.

Durham assesses the scholarship responses, academic achievement and potential future impact, while also considering nationality diversity and programme balance. Apply through the official scholarship page in the earliest feasible round.

Also Check: Durham University Scholarships for International Students

Scholarship reality: The higher tier offers up to £30,000 (INR 38.09 Lakhs) across three years. Apply early, but do not subtract it from tuition before receiving an award.

Durham University BA Politics Salary 2027

Durham reports HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) outcomes for its 2022/23 Politics course-page graduate group. The survey measures activity 15 months after graduation and provides cohort evidence rather than an individual placement guarantee.

Outcome scope: The figures cover the UK, European Union and international graduates represented in Durham’s published Politics data.

Course-page cohort outcomePublished measureDecision use
Work or further study88%Includes further study, so it is broader than an employment rate
High or medium skilled employment96%Describes occupational skill level within the published employment evidence
Average salary£32,425 (INR 41.17 Lakhs)Gross cohort average 15 months after graduation

Source: Durham University presentation of HESA Graduate Outcomes data for its 2022/23 Politics course-page graduate group.

Department graduates have worked at the Ministry of Justice, Houses of Parliament, Deloitte and the Daily Mirror. These examples prove reported employment presence, but they do not establish recurring recruitment, visa sponsorship or typical destination shares.

Durham does not publish a course-specific offer rate, sector mix or geographic salary breakdown on the current page. Indian applicants should therefore avoid treating the average as a first-job promise.

BA Politics Return on Investment

The 2025/26 prior-cycle planning illustration totals £34,145 to £37,232 (INR 43.36 Lakhs to INR 47.28 Lakhs) for one year of tuition and residence. A target-cycle payback cannot be calculated because September 2027 tuition is unpublished.

  • The unconfirmed 2027 fee makes debt sizing premature, so obtain the published tuition before accepting an education loan.
  • The £32,425 (INR 41.17 Lakhs) average is gross, so test take-home pay and local rent before estimating repayment capacity.
  • The 88% work-or-study measure includes further education, so request destination detail before assuming immediate full-time earnings.
  • The 18-month Graduate Route limits unsponsored job-search time, so build policy, research and writing evidence well before final year.
  • For an India return, compare actual policy or research offers with the confirmed course cost instead of converting the UK average.

UK take-home pay varies with tax, National Insurance and pension deductions. Model the published gross salary through the official UK income-tax estimator before comparing monthly repayments.

The Politics curriculum supports government, journalism, research, finance and charity-sector directions through analytical and communication skills. However, applicants should choose the degree for that broad capability, not for one named employer.

ROI reality: Durham publishes a £32,425 (INR 41.17 Lakhs) average salary, but target tuition remains the missing investment input. Delay any payback claim until that fee appears.

UK Visa for Durham University BA Politics Students 2027

The UK Student visa costs £558 (INR 70,855), while the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) costs £776 (INR 98,536) for each visa year. The IHS supports healthcare access during the permission period. ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) is UK settlement after a qualifying route. Skilled Worker residence can count toward ILR when all route conditions remain satisfied.

  • Durham is outside London, so maintenance requires £1,203 (INR 1.53 Lakhs) monthly for nine months, totalling £10,827 (INR 13.75 Lakhs).
  • Graduates applying after 1 January 2027 receive an 18-month Graduate Route, allowing work without employer sponsorship.
  • A Skilled Worker switch generally needs sponsorship and £41,700 (INR 52.95 Lakhs), followed by five qualifying years before ILR eligibility.
  • Undergraduate students generally cannot bring dependants, except qualifying government-sponsored students studying longer than six months.

Read More: UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students

Visa reality: The 18-month post-study window is shorter than the degree. Use research projects, careers events and writing samples before graduation to reduce the unsponsored search period.

Durham University BA Politics Ranking 2027

Durham is joint 79th worldwide for Politics and International Studies in the QS 2026 subject ranking. QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) evaluates subject-level reputation, research influence and international research connections.

Published subject position: The ranking covers Durham’s wider Politics and International Studies subject area rather than this BA alone.

RankingEditionPositionScope
QS World University Rankings by Subject, Politics and International Studies2026Joint 79thWorldwide

The position supplies international subject context, but it does not measure dissertation supervision, optional-pathway access or individual employment prospects. Applicants should inspect the curriculum and assessment model before using rank as a final selector.

For this course, political thought, comparative politics and research methods determine fit more directly than an institutional league-table position. The ranking is most useful when comparing subject visibility after academic and financial requirements are satisfied.

Check Out: Durham University Subject Rankings

Key insight: Durham is joint 79th worldwide in the 2026 QS Politics and International Studies table. Use that visibility alongside course structure, not as a substitute for fit.

Durham’s BA Politics fits students prepared for comparative analysis, political theory and a substantial independent dissertation. Its subject visibility and published graduate evidence support several career directions without guaranteeing one destination. The material tradeoff is financial because September 2027 tuition remains unpublished, while optional placements and study abroad are capacity-limited. Applicants should meet the UCAS cutoff, pursue the earliest feasible scholarship round and postpone final borrowing until Durham confirms tuition.

Durham University BA Politics FAQs

Ques. Is Durham BA Politics worth the cost for an Indian student?

Ans. The decision is strongest for students targeting policy, research or communication roles and comfortable with broad outcomes. Compare verified offers against the confirmed 2027 cost before borrowing.

Ques. Is 85% enough for an Indian applicant to be competitive?

Ans. Durham maps AAA to an 85% best-four average for eligible boards, which establishes eligibility rather than admission odds. Relevant subjects and evidence-led writing still shape the application.

Ques. How should applicants estimate the total cost before Durham publishes 2027 tuition?

Ans. Use £34,145 to £37,232 (INR 43.36 Lakhs to INR 47.28 Lakhs) only as a prior-cycle first-year illustration. Replace the older tuition before finalising a loan.

Ques. When should a Politics applicant pursue the Inspiring Excellence Scholarship?

Ans. Target the earliest feasible round, starting with 7 December 2026. A strong funding case should connect academic achievement, course fit and future contribution without assuming selection.

Ques. Can Durham Politics graduates work in the UK after completing the degree?

Ans. The announced Graduate Route provides 18 months for applications after 1 January 2027. Longer residence generally requires an eligible sponsored role meeting the applicable salary rules.


Tuition Fees

Year1st Year Fees
Tuition Fees$32918 (GBP 24750)

Other Expenses

HeadAvg Cost Per Year
Living Expenses$15520 (GBP 11669)
Total Cost$15520 (GBP 11669)

Previous Year Tuition Fees

Year1st Year Fees
2023$29925 (GBP 22500)

Important Dates

EventApplication Date
UCAS Application Deadline For 2026 Intake Jan 14, 2026

Scores Required

90 / 120

Avg. Score in

TOEFL

7.0 / 9

Avg. Score in

IELTS

29

Application Fees


Ranking

2026202520242023202220212020201920182017

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QS World University logo
Arts 31 out of 553 in Global Ranking
( #6 out of 55 in UK 2026)

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TOP Scholarships

Scholarship nameAward amountEligibility
Durham International Scholarships£5000Be completely self-funding and international fee payers , meet or exceed the entry requirements for the programme



Options Available

ProgramDelivery TypeDurationProgram TypeTuition Fees
B.A Politics (Year Abroad)full time3 yearson-campus$32917.5

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