Best Universities to Study Political Science in the UK

The UK is one of the leading destinations for studying political science, as it offers a rich and varied academic environment that combines tradition and innovation. The landscape of studying political science in the UK is extremely diverse, as it reflects the complexity and relevance of the subject in the contemporary world. Political science students in the UK can choose from a variety of courses and programs that cover different aspects and dimensions of politics, such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, political economy, political sociology, and more.

The UK has some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, as well as some of the most cutting-edge research centers and facilities. These universities have produced many notable political thinkers and leaders, such as John Locke, Adam Smith, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, and Tony Blair. Moreover, studying political science is significant now because the world is facing many complex and urgent challenges that require political solutions such as the growing inequality, rise of authoritarianism, climate change, technological change, etc. In this article we will look at some of the best political science universities, we will look at the best programs, their eligibility, tuition fees, and more.

Overview of Political Science in the UK

Why Study Political Science in the UK?

Academic Excellence: The best universities in the UK for political science offer high-quality education, rigorous academic programs, and access to renowned professors and researchers.

Diverse Range of Programs: The UK offers a wide range of Political Science programs, allowing students to specialize in various subfields such as international relations, political theory, comparative politics, public policy, and more.

Research Opportunities: The UK is at the forefront of political research, making it an ideal place for students interested in conducting research in Political Science. Universities often provide students with access to research resources, libraries, and research centers.

Practical Experience: Many universities in the UK offer opportunities for internships, work placements, and collaborations with government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations. This practical experience can enhance your resume and prepare you for a career in politics, public service, or related fields. International students can also work and study in the UK simultaneously during their stay.

Networking Opportunities: The UK’s political landscape includes numerous think tanks, NGOs, and political organizations. Studying in the UK can provide you with opportunities to network with professionals in the field and potentially open doors to future career opportunities.

Post-Study Work Options: The UK has implemented post-study work visas that allow international students to stay and work in the UK for a certain period after graduation.

Best Universities to Study Political Science in the UK

University of Cambridge 

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, founded in 1209 and consistently ranked among the top five universities globally. The Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) is one of the three core disciplines within the Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) course at Cambridge. It offers a broad range of courses and research opportunities in politics, international relations, political theory, public policy, development studies, Latin American studies, gender studies, and African studies.  The department also hosts several research centers and networks, such as the Centre for Gender Studies, the Cambridge Centre for Political Thought, the Cambridge Institute for Public Policy, and the Cambridge Review of International Affairs. The MPhil program in Politics and International Studies provides rigorous training in the core concepts, methods, and theories of politics and international relations. Students can choose from six tracks: Comparative Politics; International Relations; Political Thought; Public Policy; Development; or Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies.

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London School of Economics and Political Science

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a public research university in London, England, and a member institution of the University of London. It is one of the world’s leading social science institutions, with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research2. It offers a range of programs across the social sciences, including economics, politics, law, sociology, anthropology, accounting, and finance.  The Department of Government at LSE is a world-leading center for the study and research of politics and government. It has a history of political science education dating back to 1895, when the first professor of political science in Britain, Graham Wallas, joined the School. The department has produced many distinguished scholars and practitioners, such as Harold Laski, Karl Popper, Anthony Giddens, David Held, Anne Phillips, and Amartya Sen. The department has several research centers and groups that reflect its main areas of interest and expertise. These include the Centre for Analysis of Risk and Regulation (CARR), The Centre for Comparative Politics (CCP), The Centre for International Studies (CIS), The Conflict Research Group (CRG), The European Institute (EI) and The Political Economy Group (PEG).

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University of Oxford 

The University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. It has over 24,000 students and 1,800 academic staff, who are organized into four academic divisions and 38 colleges.  The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) is part of the Social Sciences Division at Oxford. It is one of the largest and most influential politics departments in the world, with a reputation for high-quality research and teaching across the political discipline. It offers two joint-honors undergraduate degrees: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and History and Politics (HP), as well as various postgraduate programs, such as the MPhil and DPhil in Politics.  The DPIR has a wide range of research interests and expertise, covering topics such as comparative government, political theory, international relations, political sociology, public policy, human rights, democracy, security, and development. It also hosts several research centers and institutes, such as the Centre for International Studies, the Centre for the Study of Social Justice, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, and the Oxford Internet Institute.

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SOAS University of London 

SOAS University of London is a research university that specializes in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is a member institution of the University of London and was founded in 1916. SOAS is one of the world’s leading institutions for the study of these regions and offers a global perspective on the political, economic, cultural, and religious challenges of our time. It is ranked 5th in the UK and 17th worldwide for Politics and International Studies by QS World University Rankings 2023. The Department of Politics and International Studies at SOAS is unique in its coverage of the world regions and respected for its combination of in-depth expertise and a critical approach to knowledge production. The department offers a wide range of degree programs that provide students with expert grounding in the disciplines of Politics and International Relations through deep engagement with the historical legacies and political realities of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The department also hosts several research centers and projects that focus on various themes and issues, such as Middle East Politics, African Politics, Political Economy, Conflict and Security, Formation of Political Identities, Intergenerational Justice, and more.

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University College London

University College London (UCL) is one of the world’s leading universities, founded in 1826 to open up education to all on equal terms. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and ranked among the top ten in the QS World University Rankings 2024. UCL has a reputation for excellence in teaching and research, as well as for its innovation and impact on society.  The Department of Political Science at UCL is part of the School of Public Policy, which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in politics, public policy, administration, management, human rights, legal and political theory, security studies, and more. The department has a history of pioneering research in political science, dating back to the founding of the first chair in political science in the UK by Sir Graham Wallas in 1913. The department has been at the forefront of developing new approaches and methods to study politics, such as behavioral experiments, big data analysis, and computational social science. The department also hosts several research centers and institutes that focus on specific themes and issues, such as the Constitution Unit, the European Institute, the Global Governance Institute, the Human Rights Institute, and the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose.

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Admission Requirements for Political Science in the UK 

Bachelor’s 

• A high school diploma or an equivalent qualification, such as A-levels, IB (International Baccalaureate), or other recognized qualifications.
• For international students, English language proficiency is crucial. Most UK universities require students to demonstrate their English proficiency through standardized tests like the IELTS (6.0-7.0) or TOEFL (80-100).
• A personal statement that outlines your motivations, interests, and why you want to study political science at that particular university.

Master’s  

• A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. In the case of a master’s in political science, a related undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, or a closely related field is often preferred.
• Your undergraduate academic performance, including your GPA, will be a significant factor in the admissions process. Most universities will have a minimum GPA requirement.  English International students will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through exams like the IELTS (6.0-7.0) or TOEFL (80-100).
• Letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can attest to your academic and/or professional abilities.
• A statement of purpose (SOP) is often required, outlining your academic and career goals and explaining why you want to pursue a master’s degree in political science.
• Some universities may request a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume detailing your academic and professional experiences.
• For some master’s programs, an interview may be part of the admissions process, especially for highly competitive programs.
• In some cases, you might be asked to provide a writing sample, such as an academic essay or research paper, to demonstrate your writing and analytical skills.

Career Opportunities for Political Science Graduates in the UK 

A degree in political science can open up a wide range of opportunities for graduates across fields and industries. Political science graduates develop skills such as critical thinking, research, analysis, communication, and problem-solving, which are valuable in many careers. Some of the possible career paths for political science graduates include:

Government and public service: Political science graduates can work in various roles within the government and public sector, such as civil servants, policy analysts, legislative assistants, public affairs consultants, or politicians.

Law: Political science graduates can pursue a career in law, either as lawyers, judges, paralegals, or legal assistants. They can use their knowledge of political science to specialize in areas such as constitutional law, human rights law, international law, or criminal law.

Business and private corporations: Political science graduates can work in various roles within the business and private sector, such as business executives, managers, consultants, analysts, or marketers.

Education: Political science graduates can work in various roles within the education sector, such as teachers, professors, researchers, or administrators. They can use their skills in research, writing, and critical thinking to conduct academic studies, publish papers or books, or contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Media and communication: Political science graduates can work in various roles within the media and communication sector, such as journalists, editors, writers, broadcasters, or public relations professionals.

The average salary for a political science graduate in the UK is just over 24,000 GBP, according to the Graduate Outcomes report by HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency), but this may vary depending on the industry, location, experience, and skills of the graduate. According to PayScale, the average salary for a political scientist in the UK is 25,014 GBP in 2023, and the salaries for different political science careers may range from 18,000 GBP to 60,000 GBP depending on the level of seniority.

Conclusion

In conclusion, studying political science in the UK is an attractive option for many students who are interested in politics and want to pursue a high-quality education and research experience. The UK has a flexible and innovative curriculum, where students can choose from a wide range of courses and modules that suit their interests and goals. The UK also encourages students to develop their research skills and methods and to undertake independent and original research projects. As such studying political science in the UK can be a rewarding and challenging experience that can prepare students for various careers in academia, government, media, business, civil society, and beyond.