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    Study political science abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying political science as an international student.

    Find political science programs

    Explore political science programs abroad

    See other programs in political science

    Political science degrees 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 program structure

    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

    Types of political science degrees

    Best countries to study political science

    Best universities to study political science

    See all universities offering political science programs

    How to study political science abroad

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    Political science study abroad programs

    Political science undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in political science

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      Social Work: Political Science and International Relations - BSW (Hons) University of Canterbury, New Zealand

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,742 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,000 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Social Work: Political Science and International Relations
    • false

      Political Science - BA (Hons) University of Windsor, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      26,734 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,530 CAD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Political Science
    • false

      Political Science and History - BA (Hons) Lakehead University, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,129 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 26,500 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Political Science and History
    • false

      Political Science - BA Western Washington University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,690 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,690 USD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Political Science
    • false

      Geography (Teacher Certification in Social Studies, Grades 7-12: History Minor and Political Science Third Field) - BSc Texas State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,164 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,164 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Geography (Teacher Certification in Social Studies, Grades 7-12: History Minor and Political Science Third Field)
    See all bachelor's degrees in political science

    Associate in political science

    • false

      Political Science - AA Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,049 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,383 CAD

      Start date
      September, January, May
      Show program overview about Political Science
    • false

      Political Science - AA North Seattle College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,687 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

      Start date
      September, January, April, June
      Show program overview about Political Science
    • false

      Political Science - AA Santiago Canyon College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,304 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 8,304 USD

      Start date
      February, June, August
      Show program overview about Political Science
    • false

      Political Science - AA College of Alameda, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      7,950 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD

      Start date
      January, August, June
      Show program overview about Political Science
    • false

      Political Science - AA Moraine Valley Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,408 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,408 USD

      Start date
      January, June, August
      Show program overview about Political Science
    See all associate degrees in political science

    Diploma in political science

    • false

      Advancing University Studies: Political Science and International Relations - DipAdvUniStud University of Canterbury, New Zealand

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      19,769 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,038 NZD

      Start date
      January, February
      Show program overview about Advancing University Studies: Political Science and International Relations
    See all undergraduate diplomas in political science

    Political science graduate programs

    Master's in political science

    • false

      Arts: Political Science and International Relations - MA University of Canterbury, New Zealand

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      22,562 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 32,000 NZD

      Start date
      January, February
      Show program overview about Arts: Political Science and International Relations
    • false

      Political Science - MA Long Island University Brooklyn, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,618 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,618 USD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Political Science
    • false

      Political Science - MA California State University, Long Beach, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,604 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,604 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Political Science
    • false

      Political Science - MA Texas State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,034 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Political Science
    • false

      Political Science - MA Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      15,984 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,670 NZD

      Start date
      January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
      Show program overview about Political Science
    See all master's degrees in political science

    Doctorate in political science

    • false

      Political Science and International Relations - PhD University of Canterbury, New Zealand

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,005 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,099 NZD

      Start date
      January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
      Show program overview about Political Science and International Relations
    See all doctorates in political science

    Diploma in political science

    • false

      Arts: Political Science and International Relations - PGDipArts University of Canterbury, New Zealand

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      19,178 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 27,200 NZD

      Start date
      January, February
      Show program overview about Arts: Political Science and International Relations
    See all postgraduate diplomas in political science

    Future political science careers

    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.