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 here

• Civil servant  

• Political assistant  

• Diplomat 

• Political correspondent  

• Journalist  

• Member of parliament  

• Local government officer  

• Press officer  

• Aid worker  

• External affairs advisor