Politics

Single Honours 

• Politics 

• Political Science 

• International Relations 

Joint Honours 

• History and Politics  

• Politics and Philosophy 

• Politics and Economics 

• Politics and Modern Languages 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

Alternative options 

• Foundation years Foundation years provide a strong introduction to key concepts, theories, and study skills that will be useful to you when you start your degree in politics. The course adds a year to your studies and is a good opportunity to boost your academic credentials before the beginning of term. 

• Sandwich degrees Offering excellent opportunities for work placements where you can gain valuable experience in political research, agencies, or non-profit organisations, a ‘sandwich’ year is usually taken between Years 2 and 3 or after Year 3. You can also study abroad and gain international experience. 

• Integrated Master’s Integrated Master’s programs in politics offer the ability to graduate with a postgraduate degree by extending your undergraduate degree by one extra year. These convenient courses result in far less expense than completing a Master’s degree via the usual route. 

• Degree apprenticeships Ideal for those who wish to accumulate significant work experience before graduation, degree apprenticeships also offer a combination of work-based learning with a working wage in a political setting. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

Usually, you won’t need to have studied any particular subjects at A-level (or equivalent), though it would be useful to have studied a social science such as politics, history, sociology, or perhaps English literature. Some courses may also require a strong academic background in essay-based subjects and critical thinking skills. 

Politics is a broad subject that deals with a huge variety of academic and professional fields. With a politics degree, you can enter a wide range of jobs within sectors such as news and journalism, the civil service, business and management, law, governance, and many more. Some academic specialisms within politics include: 

• Human rights and justice Advocates of justice work to uphold human rights through legal frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and social movements, striving to combat discrimination and create a fairer and more respectful society where people feel safe and supported. 

• Political philosophy Political philosophy looks at the organisation of societies, and the structures that underpin governance and authority. It explores fundamental concepts such as justice, liberty, and equality, analysing the nature of political power, legitimacy, and the rights of individuals within society. 

• Public policy Refers to the decisions made by governments and the processes and actions which lead to these decisions being made. Policymakers engage with societal issues and work to achieve specific goals across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and economics. 

• Political economics The interplay between politics and economics is a fundamental aspect of the field, and students learn to analyse how politics influences economic outcomes and the distribution of resources. Topics such as taxation, trade, and inequality are studied, examining how political decisions shape economic structures and behaviours within society. 

• Political journalism Political journalism encompasses the reporting and analysis of political events. Journalists investigate government activities, elections, and policy debates, providing citizens with critical information to understand political processes and hold leaders accountable. It plays a vital role in informing public discourse and shaping democratic societies. 

• British politics  

• Comparative political systems  

• International relations  

• Macroeconomics  

• Political economics  

• Probability and statistics 

• Political ideologies and movements 

• Diplomacy 

• Policy making and implementation 

• Political philosophy and ethics 

Studying politics at university gives you a working knowledge of British and international political systems, as well as the philosophies and theories which have led to their development. You’ll gain both historical and contemporary perspectives on various methods of governance, and a strong foundation of knowledge about current issues in global politics and international society. 

Additionally, you’ll develop strong analytical and numerical competencies and a host of transferable skills that you can apply to a wide range of employment roles after graduation. Some of these include: 

• Critical thinking 

• Research 

• Communication skills 

• Numerical reasoning  

• Presentation skills 

Your degree could be accredited by the Political Studies Association or the International Political Science Association, although there is no standardised accreditation demarcation for politics programs in the UK. 

If political science isn’t quite right for you, then you might be interested in one of the following related degrees. These fields offer opportunities to explore different aspects of human behaviour, social organisation, and governance: 

• Criminology 

• History 

• Sociology 

• Law 

• Philosophy 

• Economics 

• Psychology 

There are a wide range of roles you can take with a political science degree. You may consider career opportunities in government, public administration, non-governmental organisations, law, or media.

As a truly interdisciplinary subject, a politics undergraduate degree is a versatile foundation for postgraduate study in a huge breadth of subjects, since it bridges between so many disciplines such as economics, psychology, philosophy, history, sociology, communications, and law. 

Your career can evolve with the times, and as you move into positions of increasing responsibility, giving you a tangible opportunity to effect positive change and build stronger societies. 

Some of the popular career options for graduates are: 

• Civil servant  

• Diplomat 

• Journalist  

• Local government officer  

• Member of parliament  

• Political assistant  

• Political correspondent 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You’ll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in politics or a related subject.