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Study political science abroad
An in-depth guide to studying political science as an international student.
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 universities to study political science
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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Political Science and History - BA (Hons) Lakehead University, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,535 USD
Fee in university's local currency 23,604 CAD
- Start date
- September
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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
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Political Science: Pre-Professional - BSc Oklahoma City University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
27,276 USD
Fee in university's local currency 27,276 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Political Science - BA American University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
44,600 USD
Fee in university's local currency 44,600 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Political Science - BA/BSc Portland State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
23,709 USD
Fee in university's local currency 23,709 USD
- Start date
- September
Associate in political science
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Political Science (for Transfer) - 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
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Political Science (for Transfer) - AA Berkeley City College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
7,950 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD
- Start date
- August, January, June
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Political Science - AA Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,791 USD
Fee in university's local currency 21,383 CAD
- Start date
- September, January, May
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Political Science - AA Douglas College, Canada
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,135 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD
- Start date
- January, May, September
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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
Political science graduate programs
Master's in political science
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International Relations and Political Science - MA Koç University, Turkey
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
0 USD
Fee in university's local currency 0 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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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
-
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
-
Political Science and International Relations - MSc Altinbas University, Turkey
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
3,450 USD
Fee in university's local currency 3,450 USD
- Start date
- February, September
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Political Science & International Studies - MA Long Island University Post, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
44,100 USD
Fee in university's local currency 44,100 USD
- Start date
- January, September
Doctorate in political science
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International Relations and Political Science - PhD Koç University, Turkey
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
0 USD
Fee in university's local currency 0 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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.
