Studying politics at university
Example course modules
- Central themes in political thought
- Modern British politics
- Capital labour and power: Britain 1707-1939
- The holocaust
- Total War in the modern era
- Freedom, power and resistance: an introduction to political ideas
- International politics
- Making of the modern world
- The political economy of development
- Comparing extremism in European liberal democracies
Teaching hours / week
Average for this subject
Average for all subjects
Average hours for this subject: 10 (Low 8 - High 13). Average hours for all subjects: 14.
The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.
Who studies this subject
What students say about politics
What you need to get on a course
Subjects you need
A-levels (or equivalent) usually required
- No Specific Requirements
Useful to have
- history
- Sociology
- Politics
- Philosophy
- law
Application checklist
Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.
- January application
- October application
- Personal statement
- Portfolio
- Interview
- Entry test
- Work experience
- Audition
Personal statement advice
Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!
Personal statement tips and advice
Career prospects
Six months after graduating
- Sales assistants and retail cashiers
Longer term career paths
Jobs where this degree is useful
- Civil Service fast streamer
- Political advisor
- Industrial relations advisor
Other real-life job examples
- PR officer
- Financial advisor
- Armed Forces officer
What employers like about this subject
A degree in politics can help to develop skills in evaluating and applying approaches to collecting, analysing and presenting political data; in understanding the processes, theories and problems that drive and shape politics, and in interpreting political events. You can also develop useful transferable skills in communication, thinking creatively and constructing coherent arguments. These skills are sought after in industries requiring people who are good at solving problems and in negotiating and influencing, and so politics graduates often work, not just in politics and Government, but in advertising, marketing and PR, in banking and accountancy, in the defence industry, in the law and in social and welfare roles.
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