Top Universities to Study Political Science in the UK

People usually have some doubts about starting a political career because it can have quite a negative reputation. But we will tell you why this degree is worth the time and effort and what benefits the political science program includes apart from a specialization. So, if you have ever wanted to get a political science degree, we will tell you everything you need to know about this field.

Some Words about Political Science:

Political Science is one of the social sciences focused on the studying of the state and its institutions. According to the philosophical context, political science is necessary for improving the state for the benefit of the citizens. But modern political scientists believe that the functions of political science should be overviewed in a broader context.

Political science means much more than just the state and its institutions in the modern world. It concerns public opinion, race and gender issues, international communication, etc. Nowadays, political science is about being inquisitive and objective.

It has a lot of things to discover. Students who want to choose this educational program will learn how to explain and describe the political phenomenon. So, briefly speaking, political science is about:

• Processes of government
• Government’s institutions
• The behavior of the people in the government
• Political systems and what affects them

Political Science Degree:

Political science students can get both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. Of course, everything depends on the university and your chosen study program. But we will talk about the best political science degree programs later.

Students with a political science major will study mainly the theory and practice of government. Also, the learners will learn more about such topics as international affairs, comparative politics, political theory, and more. After getting the degree, the students will have profound knowledge in this area.

After graduation, students can choose various doctorate political science programs. In addition, postgraduate and graduate students with political science majors can also get credits for internships in different companies, such as law firms, non-governmental organizations, and so on. Hence, this degree opens many roads not only in this but also in related spheres.

Why Should You Study Political Science:

Many people believe that political science is about something boring. Also, this decline has a bad reputation because of various unfortunate political events. That’s why students prefer not to choose the politics major in their curriculum.

Nevertheless, several factors can change your attitude toward getting a political science degree or even starting a career in this field. First of all, everyone should understand that everything related to politics and government affects every person in the country. So, political science is not about something that is far from us. It is about our everyday life.

The next important factor is that political science is not only about politics. It unites various disciplines, such as international affairs or communication. So, be sure that you will be surprised because this educational program is quite interesting and even intriguing.

Finally, a degree is a good opportunity to start your dream career. Different companies around the world will welcome it.‍

How Long Does It Take to Graduate?

The structure of university degrees in the UK is usually modular, which means they are more compact compared to degrees in many other countries. This allows you to complete your studies and start using your skills in the real world much faster.

Typically, an undergraduate degree in political science (usually a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) takes 3 years to complete. On the other hand, postgraduate degrees, such as master’s degrees, are usually 1 or 2 years long.

What Do the Courses Cover?

Similar to most university degrees in the UK, a political science course will provide you with a strong foundation in the subject during your first year. After that, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in the areas that interest you the most.

In addition to learning about the inner workings of government, you’ll also study the core theories and concepts that form the basis of politics. The course will cover topics like international relations, social policy, and the history of politics.

Interestingly, one in four world leaders have studied in the UK. This means that the UK’s renowned educational institutions are the perfect place to gain a global perspective on the past, present, and future of the political science field.

Skills to Get the Degree:

You should also know that a student should have a specific skill set necessary to get the political science degree and further start a career in this field. First of all, political scientists should be fact-related and objective. Political science is not for you if you do not know how to forget about a subjective approach based on stereotypes.

One more critical feature of the modern political scientist is the ability to be inquisitive. Also, everything related to political science fields should be based on facts and clear reasoning. According to the latest research, there are several top-wanted skills required for the future political scientist:

• Creativity
• Analytical thinking
• Good communication skills
• Critical-thinking skills

Surprisingly, analytical thinking, one of the often-related features of the political scientist, is not enough to succeed in this sphere. You should also know how to apply your creative mind in a serious field.

Best Universities to Get Master’s in Political Science:

You need to list the best institutions where you can learn everything you need to succeed in this field. There are various affordable political science degrees, especially if you obtain a scholarship!

Here, we will discuss the best universities where you can get the political science degree required to start a career in this field.

1. University of Edinburgh:

The School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh is the place where students can get a political science degree (either Bachelor’s or Master’s). The main aim of this institution is to provide an understanding of the world to implement positive changes.

Students can choose any of the related programs. Furthermore, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are available at the University of Edinburgh. At this university, you will be able to learn from the best experts in the field of Political and Social Science. So, search for the best program and start getting the career of your dream.

2. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE):

The Department of Government at London School of Economics and Political Science is renowned for its varied student body and international viewpoint, making it one of the top hubs for political science research and teaching worldwide.

3. University College London:

Choosing University College London for Political Science not only provides a top-tier education but also offers a vibrant and engaging experience for aspiring political scientists. Its renowned Department of Political Science holds a distinguished reputation for its cutting-edge research in the field.

4. University of Cambridge:

The University of Cambridge has been shaping global leaders and thinkers for centuries and adds a remarkable depth to the education offered. Students benefit greatly from the university’s extensive resources, such as state-of-the-art research facilities and libraries, which allow for in-depth exploration and analysis of political theories and practices.

5. University of Oxford:

At Oxford, students have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned scholars and experts who are at the forefront of political research and analysis. The university’s rich history and intellectual environment provide a unique setting for exploring complex political theories and their real-world applications.

Moreover, students benefit from access to extensive resources, including libraries, seminars, and study groups, which help critical thinking and deep understanding of political science.

How to Start a Career?

As mentioned above, a degree in this sphere will help you apply for not only political science jobs. Students with MA degrees in this field will also be the top wanted workers in the related spheres. Thus, after finishing this educational program, you will be able to apply your communication, analytical thinking, and critical thinking skills in higher-paying job positions.

If you still have doubts concerning your degree in this sphere, see the list of potential careers:

• Professor
• Associate Attorney
• Attorney/Lawyer
• Policy Analyst
• Political Scientist
• Legislative Assistant
• Public Relations Specialist
• Market Research Analyst
• Research Scientist

Average Salary:

Moreover, a career as a political scientist can be a profound background for working inside the government. A working resume is all you need to start a career in political science or any related field. So, think about all the soft and hard skills you got during studying, as well as job position-related experience, and start the search for the career of your dream.

Final Words:

To conclude, a political science degree is not as boring as you think. A master’s degree in this field will be helpful to succeed in any related area. Now you can choose the best university from our list and learn more about the courses you will master with the major in political science. Undoubtedly, the skills and knowledge you get will be worth all your time.