Study political science abroad

A degree in political science aims to give you an understanding in the fundamentals of political thought, government, international relations, and political systems. It should provide you with all the tools you’ll need to understand political institutions and processes, and prepare you for a career working in government or a related field.

As constant political change and upheaval dominate our headlines and lives today, studying political science will help you understand the structures and ideas that shape global politics. If you have an inquisitive mind and passion for understanding how governments work, a degree in political science could be right for you.

Political science programs are available all over the world, however they are most common in the US. In many countries, including the UK, a similar program will be offered as a politics degree, which will cover many of the same areas.

Political science degrees are offered at all levels, including bachelor’s and master’s. At undergraduate level, you can study political science as a BA, and you will often study it as part of a liberal arts model over four years. This means you can either major or minor in political science along with other academic subjects.

Political science is more common as a taught master’s program in some countries, and can be studied as an MA or MSc over one or two years. Some universities also offer research led master’s programs and doctorate level degrees.

The learning and assessment methods of each program will be slightly different, but you can expect to be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops. Assessment of your progress will usually be essays, written exams, and a research based dissertation.

The program structure and content of each course will differ based on things like the country and university you choose to study in and the level of degree you take. Some of the most common subjects and modules political science programs can cover include:

• Public administration and policy
• Political theory
• International relations
• Social justice
• Comparative politics
• Diplomatic history
• Political economy
• International politics

Many political science graduates are eager to pursue a career in politics or government, however you’ll also gain a number of transferable skills that most employers value. Some of the most popular careers for political science graduates include:

• Policy analyst
• Political journalist
• Political risk analyst
• Politician’s assistant
• Government researcher
• Public relations executive
• Political consultant

You will develop strong writing, research and communication skills, which are applicable to a wide range of sectors, so don’t restrict your job search to politics roles.