Politics

What would I study and how do courses differ?

Politics is concerned with the study of power, its distribution and how it is exercised. Politics courses at university will offer students an introduction to a range of political concepts. They will consider political institutions and their workings. Most courses offer a comparative dimension, examining different national, supranational and international political systems. Political theory and ideas will be a major part of many courses. Some courses will include Political Science. Political science deals with systems of governance and the analysis of political activities, political thoughts and political behaviour. Political science comprises numerous subfields: political economy, public administration, public policy, and political methodology. Most courses last three years.

Politics is widely taught in British universities and the best are among the leading departments in the world. Departments take various names: Politics is probably the most common, but some add International Relations or International Studies. A number, as at Essex, the London School of Economics, and Strathclyde, have Departments of Government. Birmingham and Nottingham have Departments of Political Science and International Studies. Cambridge University has a Department of Politics and International Studies.

Oxford, Durham, York, Manchester, Royal Holloway and Warwick offer courses in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). Cambridge offers an inter-disciplinary course entitled: Human, Social and Political Science (HSPS). Bristol offers Politics with International Relations. Some universities, including Nottingham offer courses in Politics and Economics. Politics can also be studied alongside History or Sociology.

What are the typical entry requirements?

The typical offer for places to study Politics at university is AAA or AAB. However, many of the combined courses in Politics and International Relations require AAA. At Oxford the offer for prospective PPE and History and Politics applicants is AAA. At Cambridge (HSPS) and (History and Politics) and Durham (PPE), the grades required are A*AA. International History and Politics at Leeds is AAA. Government or International Relations at the London School of Economics is AAA. Politics at Warwick requires AAB and Politics and International Relations at Reading or Royal Holloway are ABB.

Are there any essential or recommended A Levels?

For Politics at university, there are no essential A Levels. Some schools do not offer Politics A Level. However, Politics, History, Philosophy or Economics are potentially helpful, given the introduction they provide to political institutions, political ideas, the formulation of public policy and political decision-making processes. If you are applying for PPE at Oxford, you should take Maths at A Level.

Even though the university might not formally require you to do it, it would still disadvantage you if you do not take Maths. Oxford University states that History is a ‘useful background’ for PPE.

Which are the best universities for Politics?

Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics, UCL, Bath, Nottingham, St Andrews, Sheffield, Warwick, Durham, York, Essex, Bristol and QML.

Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants?

Politics courses at both Oxford and Cambridge are inter-disciplinary and fiercely competitive. The expectations for reading and essay writing are extremely high indeed. Read the university and college websites carefully. HSPS (Cambridge) History and Politics (Cambridge) History and Politics (Oxford) PPE (Oxford)

What is important for my personal statement or interview?

It is essential that you demonstrate your passion for Politics. Try to also communicate your engagement with the subject through understanding of contemporary political issues, together with an ability to relate these to broader political ideas and developments. It would be valuable to explain areas of personal interest and examples of independent research. You should also indicate your reading of both seminal texts on political thought and assessments of contemporary politics (e.g. biography or journalism).

Do I need work experience?

No, but it is highly advised. Many Politics applicants have an active interest in politics, and this might have involved them in joining a political party or pressure group, community activism, or participating in a local political campaign. Some MPs offer Summer Work Experience placements that our students have found useful in the past.

Which jobs can I do with Politics?

After university, some students do become involved in the world of politics and public policy formulation. In recent years Habs students with Politics degrees have worked in the No 10 Policy unit or as research assistants to MPs and Lawyers. Many have gone on to post-graduate study of Law.

Politics graduates continue to be highly sought after by employers, due to their capacity for independent thought and rigorous scholarship. Politics also opens up a range of opportunities in journalism, working for pressure groups and public policy think tanks. As with other degrees, Politics is an analytical subject which develops a range of skills useful to the spheres of law, business, finance and management.