Degree Subject

Study Political Science Abroad

Political Science degrees analyse how power is distributed, exercised, and contested in societies.Programmes combine political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and political institutions, developing critical thinking about governance, democracy, ideology, and global politics.Political Science is intellectually rigorous, preparing you for careers in government, policy analysis, journalism, international organisations, think tanks, campaigning, and law.

Entry Requirements

A-Levels: AAA-AAB (requirements vary by university)
International Baccalaureate: 35-38 points
No specific subjects required
Essay-based subjects (History, English, Politics) valuable
Minimum IELTS 6.5-7.0 for international students
Strong interest in politics and current affairs
Excellent written communication and analytical skills

Required High School Subjects

No specific A-level subjects required
Politics, History, English Literature, or Economics all relevant
Any subjects developing analytical writing and argumentation
Languages useful for international politics focus

Personal Statement Tips

Your Political Science personal statement should demonstrate deep engagement with politics and current affairs beyond headlines, critical reading of political analysis (books, journals, quality newspapers), understanding of different political systems and ideologies, awareness of major political challenges (democracy, inequality, conflict, climate policy), relevant activities (Model UN, debating, political society membership, campaigning), work experience in political or policy contexts (MP internships, think tanks, NGOs, local government), specific political issues or regions that interest you, analytical thinking shown through examples, and understanding of political science as academic discipline distinct from opinion or activism. Discuss political events, thinkers, or systems that fascinate you with critical analysis.

Admissions Tests

TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment)

Required by some universities (Oxford PPE, Cambridge HSPS) for Politics-related courses. Tests critical thinking and problem-solving, not political knowledge.

Sections: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Interview Preparation

Political Science interviews assess analytical thinking and engagement with politics. Be prepared to discuss current political events with critical analysis (not just opinions), demonstrate understanding of different political perspectives and systems, analyse political arguments and identify assumptions, discuss political thinkers or theories you've encountered, show awareness of different political ideologies and their critiques, explain why you want to study political science and what interests you, demonstrate critical thinking about democracy, power, and governance, discuss your wider reading and engagement with political issues, and show ability to construct and defend arguments whilst considering counterarguments. Avoid partisan rhetoric - demonstrate analytical balance and intellectual curiosity.

Top Universities for Political Science

London School of Economics (LSE)

A*AA

University of Oxford

AAA + TSA + Interview (PPE or Politics)

University of Cambridge

A*AA + Interview (HSPS)

Harvard University

USA

SAT 1520+

Princeton University

USA

SAT 1500+

Sciences Po

France

A-Levels AAA + Entrance examination

Career Opportunities

Policy Analyst

Political Researcher

Government Civil Servant

Political Journalist

Parliamentary Researcher

Campaign Manager

Think Tank Researcher

International Relations Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be involved in party politics to study Political Science?

No, party political involvement is not necessary or even expected for Political Science degrees. Academic political science is about analysing politics critically, not advocating for particular parties. Universities value critical thinking, understanding of different perspectives, and analytical skills over partisan commitment. That said, relevant political experience (campaigning, Model UN, debating) demonstrates genuine interest and provides insights. Many successful politics students have no party affiliation. What matters is intellectual curiosity about how political systems work, ability to analyse arguments, and engagement with political ideas across the spectrum. Academic neutrality and critical analysis matter more than political activism.

What is the difference between Political Science and International Relations?

Political Science broadly studies politics, power, and governance across all levels - domestic politics, political theory, political institutions, comparative politics, and international relations. International Relations focuses specifically on relations between states, global politics, diplomacy, international organisations, conflict, and global governance. IR is often a specialisation within Political Science or a separate degree. Choose Political Science for broader study of politics including domestic government and political theory. Choose International Relations if primarily interested in global politics, foreign policy, and international affairs. Many programmes offer Politics and International Relations combining both. Consider whether you're more interested in how countries govern themselves (politics) or how they interact globally (IR).

What work experience strengthens Political Science applications?

Valuable political experience includes: internships with MPs or political parties (constituency work, parliamentary research), think tank or policy organisation internships, Model United Nations participation, student politics or debating societies, political journalism or blogging, volunteering with campaigns or advocacy organisations, local government insight, or international NGO volunteering. Even short internships demonstrate genuine interest. Quality of reflection matters - discuss what you learned about political processes, policy-making, or political debate. Don't worry if you lack formal internships - demonstrating deep engagement through reading, current affairs knowledge, and critical thinking about political issues is equally important. Many successful applicants haven't had prestigious political internships.

What are career prospects for Political Science graduates?

Political Science graduates enter diverse careers. Government civil service Fast Stream offers graduate schemes (£28,000-£32,000 starting). Parliamentary researchers earn £24,000-£35,000. Think tanks and policy organisations pay £24,000-£32,000 for researchers. Political journalism starting salaries vary (£20,000-£28,000). Campaign managers earn £25,000-£40,000. Many politics graduates pursue law (conversion course then training), journalism, consultancy, or international organisations (UN, EU, NGOs). Politics develops transferable analytical, communication, and research skills valued across sectors. Further study common - many do Masters in public policy, international relations, or law conversion. Career success depends on networking, internships, and building specialist knowledge in policy areas.

Need Application Guidance?

Connect with university mentors who've successfully applied to top Political Science programmes

Find a Mentor

Related Subjects

international relations history economics

Quick Links

All Subjects Study Abroad Guide For Parents

Ready to Apply for Political Science?

Get expert guidance on your university application journey

Find a Mentor Get in Touch