Study Political Science, why & how to study

CONTENTS

1. What’s Political Science?

2. What Political Science degrees can you study?

3. What do you need to get onto a Political Science degree?

4. What topics does a Political Science degree cover?

5. How will you be assessed?

6. Why study Political Science?

7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Political Science degree?

8. What do Political Science graduates earn?

9. What jobs can you get as a Political Science graduate?

10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

11. Similar subjects to Political Science

12. Have any questions?

What’s Political Science?

This social science subject focuses on systems of government and political activities, thoughts, and behaviours. A Political Science degree covers the theory and practice of politics within the UK and overseas giving you a sound understanding of what is going on in the world.

This subject also tackles what works and doesn’t work about the political system and how contemporary issues such as climate change and migration influence government.  

What Political Science degrees can you study?

Undergraduate Political Science degrees on offer in the UK include: 

• Politics BA 
• History and Politics BA 
• International Relations BA  
• International Politics and Modern Languages (with study abroad) BA 
• Political Science BA 
• European Politics BA  
• Law with Politics LLB 

Options may include an integrated foundation year, professional placement year or year abroad. 

What do you need to get onto a Political Science degree?

Must have  

Typical entry requirements for a Political Science degree range from 88–168 UCAS points. This could include the qualifications below: 

• A Levels: A*AA–CCD 
• BTECs: D*DD–MMP 
• Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAA) 
• International Baccalaureate: 39–26 
• If considering a joint honours degree, universities will usually ask that you’ve studied that subject at A Level (or equivalent)  

Good to have  

• Social science subjects at A Level (or equivalent) although GCSE grades may also be considered 
• Relevant voluntary experience with a campaigning organisation or pressure group such as Friends of the Earth  
• Work experience or shadowing in a related occupation such as with a local council or local activist group  
• Independent research into an area of interest

What topics does a Political Science degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

• Foundations of politics  
• Comparative political systems  
• Scientific reasoning  
• Research and writing  
• Visual thinking  
• Evolution of international systems  
• Introduction to international relations  
• Major political thinkers  
• Macroeconomics  
• Probability and statistics  
• British politics  
• Political economics  
• Contemporary political theory

How will you be assessed?

Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through: 

• Continuous coursework assessment 
• Essays 
• Exams 
• In-class reviews 
• Placement and portfolio assessments  
• Presentations 
• A dissertation is usually a final year option

Why study Political Science?

Career-specific skills: 

• Understanding of how political systems work on a domestic and international scale  
• Political theory, contemporary politics, and political economics  
• Insights into Global relations and alliances, multinationals, non-governmental organisations, and other issues that may influence policy e.g., climate change  

Transferable skills: 

• Analytical and critical thinking 
• Written and verbal communication  
• Research and evaluation  
• Problem solving  
• Meditating  
• Oratory 
• Teamwork  
• Project management  
• Presentation  

Professional accreditations: 

• Some degree courses may be accredited by the Political Studies Association (PSA) or the International Political Science Association (IPSA)  

Read our six reasons to study Politics.

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Political Science degree?

Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants so it’s worth checking if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers such as materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.

What do Political Science graduates earn?

Political Science is a versatile degree with many different career routes to consider, so starting salaries will vary.

For example, civil servants' starting salaries range from £23,000 to £26,300; if you gain a place on the civil service fast stream, you'll earn £31,000 while training. An entry-level salary for a political journalist is around £24,000, rising to £28,000 after a few years of experience. If you go into local government, starting salaries for an officer role start from £23,500; with further experience and a move into more senior roles, you could earn £50,000.

Read more on what graduates do and earn.

What jobs can you get as a Political Science graduate? 

There are many different roles open to you with a Political Science degree, some more obvious than others including:

• Civil servant  
• Political assistant  
• Diplomat 
• Political correspondent  
• Journalist  
• Member of parliament  
• Local government officer  
• Press officer  
• Aid worker  
• External affairs advisor

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK: 

• MSc in Political Theory Research  
• MPhil in Political Thought and Intellectual History  
• MSc Comparative Politics  
• MSc Human Rights and Politics  
• Terrorism and Political Violence MLitt  
• Climate Change Politics and Policy MA

Similar subjects to Political Science

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include: 

• Anthropology  
• Criminology  
• History 
• Philosophy  
• Psychology  
• Social Policy  
• Sociology  

Have any questions?

Contact our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk.

We’ll be happy to hear from you! 

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