Politics is a subject that has always been at the forefront of human societies. It is the driving force behind the functioning of governments, the formulation of policies, and the management of public affairs. As a result, politics universities UK has become increasingly important in today’s world, with many students seeking to understand the dynamics of power and governance.
The United Kingdom has a long and proud tradition of excellence in political education, with some of the world’s most prestigious universities offering programs in this field.
From the study of political theory and international relations to the analysis of political institutions and decision-making processes, UK universities provide a wealth of opportunities for students to explore the complexities of politics.
Choosing the right university to study politics can be daunting, given the many options available. Therefore, this article aims to provide an overview of the best politics universities UK based on factors such as academic reputation, research excellence, student satisfaction, and graduate employability.
Whether you aspire to become a politician, a policy analyst, a diplomat, or a political journalist, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your academic future.
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How To Apply For The Best Politics Universities UK
Suppose you’re interested in pursuing politics at the university level in the UK. In that case, you’ll need to follow a specific application process to increase your chances of acceptance into the best universities.
Here are the steps you should take:
- Research your options: Research the best universities in the UK for politics. You can use league tables or rankings to help you identify which universities have the most vital political science departments. Look at the courses, faculty, and research areas to understand each university’s specialty.
- Meet the entry requirements: Each university will have specific entry requirements for their politics courses, including grades and qualifications. Check and meet the needs of the university you’re interested in.
- Write a solid personal statement: The personal information is your chance to explain why you’re interested in politics and why you’d be a good fit for the course. You should highlight relevant work experience, skills, or qualifications demonstrating your interest and aptitude.
- Gather references: You’ll need to provide references from teachers or other professionals who can vouch for your academic ability and suitability for the course. Ensure you give your referees plenty of time to write their references and provide any relevant information they need.
- Apply through UCAS: All applications for undergraduate politics courses in the UK get made through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. You can apply for up to five courses through UCAS, so choose your options carefully. You’ll need to provide all required information, including your statement, references, and qualifications.
- Prepare for interviews: Some universities may require you to attend an interview as part of the application process. If this is the case, prepare by researching the university, the course, and the department. Think about potential interview questions and practice your responses.
- Keep track of deadlines: Make sure you keep track of all the deadlines for your applications and any required tests or interviews. A deadline is necessary to complete your chosen course or university.
Following these steps will increase your chances of being accepted into the best politics universities UK. Good luck with your application!
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10 Best Politics Universities UK| 2023
#1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the best politics universities UK and, indeed, in the world. It has a rich history of teaching and research in political science, international relations, and related fields, dating back to the 19th century.
Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations is one of the most prominent and respected in the UK.
It offers undergraduate and graduate courses covering political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and political economy. The department is home to a diverse and distinguished faculty of scholars, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields.
One of the unique features of politics at Oxford is the tutorial system, which allows students to engage in one-on-one or small-group discussions with their tutors. This approach fosters critical thinking, independent research, and intellectual curiosity, essential skills for political success.
#2. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the best politics universities in the UK. Its Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) is one of Europe’s largest and most respected, offering various undergraduate and graduate courses in political science, international relations, and related fields.
The department has a distinguished faculty of scholars who are recognized leaders in their respective fields.
They conduct cutting-edge research on various topics, including political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and political economy.
The faculty members at POLIS are also actively involved in public debates and policy-making, providing expert advice and analysis on critical political issues. One of the unique features of studying politics at Cambridge is the emphasis on interdisciplinary learning.
The department collaborates closely with other departments across the university, including law, economics, history, philosophy, and sociology, to provide students with a broad and interdisciplinary understanding of politics and its related disciplines.
This approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity, preparing students for successful careers.
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#3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the UK’s most prestigious and highly regarded universities.
It is one of the world’s best universities for political science. Founded in 1895, LSE has a long and distinguished history of teaching and research in the social sciences, particularly in politics, economics, and international relations.
One of the critical strengths of LSE is its focus on real-world issues and policy problems. The university’s faculty and researchers are engaged in cutting-edge research that directly impacts public policy and decision-making.
Many LSE graduates go on to successful careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector, thanks to the practical and relevant skills they gain through their studies.
LSE is also renowned for its academic rigor and intellectual diversity. The university attracts students and scholars from around the world who bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the classroom and the research lab.
LSE’s faculty are leading experts in their fields, and their teaching and research reflect the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and innovative thinking.
#4. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is one of the best politics universities uk. The university is in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, and is one of the oldest universities in the UK, founded in 1583.
One of the key strengths of the University of Edinburgh’s politics program is its interdisciplinary approach. Students are encouraged to draw on insights from various academic fields, including history, economics, law, and sociology, to develop a nuanced understanding of political issues.
Another key strength of the University of Edinburgh’s politics program is its international focus. The university firmly commits to global engagement, and students can study political issues from various perspectives.
The university also has close links with political institutions and organizations worldwide, providing students with unique opportunities to gain practical experience in the field.
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#5. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is one of the best politics universities UK. Located in Coventry, England, Warwick is a research-led university highly respected for its academic rigor and innovative approach to teaching.
Warwick’s Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS) is renowned for its world-class research and teaching in political science, international relations, and global governance.
The department has over 50 academic staff, including many leading scholars. These faculty members bring expertise and experience to their teaching and research, making Warwick an ideal destination for students who want to learn from the best.
One of the unique features of the Politics and International Studies program at Warwick is its interdisciplinary focus. Students can study politics with other disciplines, such as economics, history, philosophy, sociology, and law.
This multidisciplinary approach helps students develop a deep understanding of politics in its broader social, economic, and historical context, which is essential for making sense of complex political issues.
#6. King’s College London
King’s College London is one of the best politics universities UK, with a long and prestigious history dating back to its founding in 1829.
Today, King’s College is one of the top-ranked universities in the UK, known for its excellence in research and teaching across a wide range of subjects, including politics.
The Department of Political Economy at King’s College offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in politics and international relations, including a BA in Politics, a BA in International Relations, and a range of Masters’s and Ph.D. programs.
The department is home to leading scholars in the field of political science who conduct cutting-edge research on topics such as international security, political economy, political theory, and more.
One of the critical strengths of King’s College’s politics department is its emphasis on interdisciplinary research and teaching.
Students are encouraged to explore the intersections between politics and other fields, such as philosophy, economics, history, and law. It enables them to develop a more nuanced understanding of complex political issues.
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#7. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is one of the UK’s best politics universities. Its long-standing history of excellence in social sciences and political research has earned a reputation as a leading institution for students interested in pursuing a political career.
The university’s politics department is highly regarded and has produced numerous influential political scientists and scholars.
Its faculty members are experts in various fields of politics, including international relations, comparative politics, political theory, public policy, and political economy. They also actively engage in cutting-edge research that informs and shapes public policy debates.
One of the key strengths of the University of Manchester’s politics program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Students are encouraged to explore different fields of study, such as sociology, history, economics, and politics.
This multidisciplinary approach allows students to gain a broader understanding of political issues and develop critical thinking skills employers highly value.
#8. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is one of the best politics universities UK. Its Department of Politics is renowned for its excellence in teaching and research and attracts students and academics worldwide.
One of the key strengths of the University of Bristol’s politics department is its commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching. The department offers a range of courses that draw on various academic disciplines, including history, philosophy, sociology, economics, and law.
This interdisciplinary approach allows students to profoundly understand political issues and events and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze and evaluate them.
Another key strength of the University of Bristol’s politics department is the quality of its teaching staff. The department is home to several world-renowned scholars in the field of politics who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and scholarship.
Many of these academics have written influential books and articles on various topics. They are often called upon by the media and policymakers to provide expert analysis and commentary on political events and issues.
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#9. University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is one of the best universities in the UK for politics. Located in the vibrant city of Brighton, the university has a long-standing reputation for excellence in political studies, with a distinguished faculty and a rich history of research and scholarship in the field.
The Department of Politics at the University of Sussex is one of the largest and most respected in the UK, with a strong focus on research-led teaching and interdisciplinary approaches to studying politics.
The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in politics, international relations, development studies, and related fields. It attracts students worldwide seeking a rigorous and stimulating academic experience.
One of the key strengths of the Department of Politics at Sussex is its commitment to critical and reflective approaches to politics, emphasizing challenging orthodoxies and exploring new ideas and perspectives.
The department is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Sussex Centre for the Study of Corruption, the Centre for Advanced International Theory, and the Centre for Global Political Economy.
These research centers bring together scholars from across the university and beyond to collaborate on cutting-edge research and engage with pressing political issues.
#10. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is one of the best political universities UK. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1451, the university has been a leading center for academic excellence and research in various fields, including politics.
The university’s Department of Politics and International Relations ranks at the top in the country, with a reputation for innovative and cutting-edge research.
The department is home to world-renowned scholars and experts in various fields, including political theory, international relations, comparative politics, and public policy.
One of the key strengths of the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Glasgow is its interdisciplinary approach. Students can study politics with other subjects such as history, philosophy, economics, law, and sociology.
They provide a broad-based and well-rounded education that prepares students for a wide range of careers in politics, government, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Politics graduates have excellent career prospects, with starting salaries of £21k, and 96% of students get employed or further study within six months of graduation. A politics degree will most likely require you to write reports and essays.
A degree in politics can lead to a variety of fascinating careers. Our politics students benefit from strong industry connections and have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in how politics works in the real world during a Professional Training placement.
The University of Edinburgh has the most international students from non-UK countries (15,590), followed by the University of Glasgow (13,245).
The most challenging degree subjects are Aerospace Engineering, Law, Chartered Accountancy, Architecture, Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Statistics, Nursing, Physics, Astrophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Astronomy, and Dentistry. Let’s start and examine why these are the most challenging degree subjects.
You can complete a UK politics degree in three or four years.
Conclusion
Choosing the best politics universities UK can be daunting, given the numerous options available. However, with proper research and careful consideration, one can make an informed decision that aligns with their academic and career goals.
The universities listed above have consistently ranked among the top in the world for politics programs, boasting renowned faculty, rigorous curricula, and access to invaluable resources.
It is important to note that the rankings provided are not the definitive answer to the best political universities. Personal preferences and individual needs play a significant role in the decision-making process.
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