Politics is a social science which focuses on exploring systems of government, political activities and behaviour. You’ll look at the way societies are organised, including the UK political system as well as considering overseas governments and their international relationships. You’ll learn about both historical and contemporary issues to do with governance and decision-making as well as what works and what doesn’t – and why.
Updated: 09 Apr 2026
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.
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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
Are you ready to start looking for your future university degree? Use our handy search tools now to check out politics courses across the UK and find the perfect one for your needs.
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.
"Politics is all around us, most of your daily actions are going to be directly or indirectly affected by a political decision. You will become an expert in the major political, economic and social challenges the world faces and develop your skills in an enjoyable, engaging way. Many universities offer the opportunity to get involved in debates, group simulations, policy writing activities and much more!"
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.
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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.
FIND OUT MORE: Different types of undergraduate degree
QUALIFICATION | REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
UCAS points | 88–168 |
A-levels | A*AA–CCD |
BTECs | D*DD–MMP |
Scottish Highers | AAAAA–BBBB |
International Baccalaureate | 39–26 |
SOURCE: WHATUNI
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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.
FIND OUT MORE: How to choose your A-level subjects
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