The United Kingdom is renowned for its rich history and culture, and it’s no surprise that it boasts some of the world’s most prestigious universities. If you’re interested in studying politics, plenty of institutions across the UK offer excellent courses and resources in this field. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 15 best universities in the UK for politics.
The UK educational system is considered the best in the world and has continued to attract international students from many countries and continents.
How Much does it cost to become a Political Scientist in UK
The cost of becoming a political scientist in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the university you choose, your residency status, and the type of degree you pursue.
For undergraduate degrees, tuition fees for UK and EU students typically range from £9,000 to £9,250 per year. However, for non-EU international students, fees can be significantly higher, with some universities charging up to £25,000 per year.
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For postgraduate degrees, tuition fees vary even more widely depending on the university and program. On average, UK and EU students can expect to pay between £6,000 and £14,000 per year for a master’s degree in political science, while non-EU international students may need to pay up to £25,000 per year.
It’s important to note that these costs are for tuition fees only, and do not include additional expenses such as accommodation, textbooks, and living costs. Scholarships and financial aid may be available to help offset these costs for eligible students.
Ultimately, the cost of becoming a political scientist in the UK will depend on your individual circumstances and the choices you make in terms of the university and program you to choose to pursue.
15 Best Universities in the UK for Politics
Below are the best universities in the UK
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, and it’s a top choice for students interested in politics. Oxford has a long tradition of producing world-renowned political leaders, and its Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) program is particularly renowned.
One of the largest research libraries in the world, the Bodleian Library, is one of the resources available to Oxford students studying politics.
2. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is another highly prestigious institution that’s well-known for its politics programs. Cambridge’s Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including a BA in Politics, Psychology and Sociology.
Students who study politics at Cambridge will benefit from access to the university’s extensive library system, which includes the famous Cambridge University Library.
3. London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a world-renowned institution that specializes in the social sciences. LSE’s Department of Government is highly respected, and its courses cover a range of political topics, including political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.
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One of the largest social science libraries in the world, the LSE Library, is one of the resources available to LSE students who study politics.
4. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious universities, and it’s also a top choice for students interested in politics. Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in politics, including a BA in Politics and International Relations.
The huge library system at Edinburgh University, which includes the Main Library, one of the biggest academic libraries in the UK, will be useful to students who are studying politics there.e UK.
5. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is a highly respected institution that’s particularly known for its social sciences programs. Warwick’s Department of Politics and International Studies offers a range of courses in politics, including a BA in Politics and International Studies.
One of the largest academic libraries in the UK, the Warwick Library, is one of the resources available to students at Warwick who study politics.
6. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is one of the UK’s largest universities and is a top choice for students interested in politics. Manchester’s School of Social Sciences offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in politics, including a BA in Politics and Modern History.
Students who study politics at Manchester will benefit from access to the university’s extensive library system, including the John Rylands Library, one of the UK’s most significant research libraries.
7. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a highly respected institution that’s particularly known for its humanities and social sciences programs. Bristol’s School of Sociology, Politics, and International Studies offers a range of courses in politics, including a BA in Politics and International Relations.
Students studying politics at Bristol will have access to a range of resources, including the Wills Memorial Library, one of the UK’s largest academic libraries.
8. University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s largest universities and is particularly renowned for its social sciences programs. Leeds’ School of Politics and International Studies offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in politics, including a BA in Politics and a BA in International Relations.
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The school also offers a number of specialized programs, such as the MA in Global Development, which focuses on the political, economic, and social factors that shape global development. Students studying politics at Leeds will have access to a range of resources, including the Brotherton Library, one of the largest research libraries in the UK.
9. University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is Scotland’s oldest university and is renowned for its humanities and social sciences programs. St Andrews’ School of International Relations offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate political courses, including a BA in International Relations.
Students who study politics at St Andrews will benefit from access to the university’s extensive library system, including the University Library, one of the UK’s most significant research libraries.
10. University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is a highly respected institution that’s particularly known for its social sciences programs. Sussex’s School of Global Studies offers a range of political courses, including a BA in Politics and International Relations.
Students studying politics at Sussex will have access to various resources, including the University Library, one of the largest academic libraries in the UK.
11. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is one of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious universities and is particularly renowned for its humanities and social sciences programs. Glasgow’s School of Social and Political Sciences offers a range of political courses, including a BA in Politics and International Relations.
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Students studying politics at Glasgow will have access to a range of resources, including the University Library, one of the largest research libraries in the UK.
12. King’s College London
King’s College London is a highly respected institution that’s particularly known for its social sciences programs. The College London’s Department of Political Economy offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in politics, including a BA in Politics.
Students who study politics at King’s College London will benefit from access to the university’s extensive library system, including the Maughan Library, one of the largest academic libraries in the UK.
13. University of York
The University of York is a highly respected institution that’s particularly known for its social sciences programs. York’s Department of Politics offers a range of courses in politics, including a BA in Politics. The department also offers a number of specialized programs, such as the MA in Conflict, Governance, and Development, which focuses on the political, economic, and social factors that shape conflict and governance.
Students studying politics at York will have access to a range of resources, including the University Library, one of the largest academic libraries in the UK.
14. University of Essex
The University of Essex is a highly respected institution that’s particularly known for its social sciences programs. Essex’s Department of Government offers a range of courses in politics, including a BA in Politics. The department also offers a number of specialized programs, such as the MA in International Relations, which focuses on the political, economic, and social factors that shape international relations.
Students who study politics at Essex will have access to a range of resources, including the Albert Sloman Library, which is one of the largest academic libraries in the UK.
15. University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen is one of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious universities and is particularly renowned for its humanities and social sciences programs. Aberdeen’s Department of Politics and International Relations offers a range of courses in politics, including a BA in Politics and International Relations.
Students who study politics at Aberdeen will have access to a range of resources, including the University Library, one of Scotland’s largest research libraries.
What are the requirements to study political science in the UK?
To study political science in the UK, you typically need the following:
- Academic qualifications: Most universities in the UK require students to have a minimum of two A-levels, with one of them being in a social science or humanities subject, or an equivalent qualification.
- English language proficiency: If English is not your first language, you may need to take an English language proficiency test, such as the IELTS or TOEFL, to demonstrate your English language skills.
- Personal statement: You must write personal information explaining why you want to study political science and what skills or experiences make you a suitable candidate.
- References: You will typically need to provide two academic references, which can be from your school or college teachers, to support your application.
- Application process: You will need to apply through the UCAS system, which is a centralized application service used by most universities in the UK.
It’s worth noting that the specific requirements for studying political science may vary depending on the university and program you are applying to. It’s important to research the specific requirements of the universities and programs you are interested in before applying.
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Given that the UK has one of the longest and most extensive political histories on the world, it is understandable why there has always been a sizable population of students pursuing degrees in politics there. British politics continue to be in the spotlight due to Brexit and its numerous intricacies.
After earning your degree in politics, you may be interested in a career in central or local government, the Civil Service, or charity work. However, many other options are available to you, including law and business.
A degree combining undergraduate and graduate coursework might be another option you might want to consider. The length of integrated political science degrees ranges from four to five years, depending on your chosen university.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in studying politics in the UK, you have a wide range of options to choose from. The universities mentioned above are among the best in the country for politics, and each has its own strengths and areas of specialization.
When choosing a university for politics, it’s important to consider factors such as the quality of the faculty, the range of courses and programs offered, and the resources available to students. It would be best if you also considered factors such as location, campus culture, and extracurricular activities, as these can all significantly impact your overall university experience.
Ultimately, your best university will depend on your needs and preferences. We recommend researching each of the universities mentioned above in more detail, as well as other universities that may be of interest to you, and speaking with current students and alumni to get a better sense of what each university has to offer.
By doing so, you can make an informed decision about where to study politics in the UK and set yourself up for a successful and rewarding academic experience.
References
- Edvoy.com – 9 best universities to study Politics in the UK
- EduRank – 100 Best universities for Political Science in the United Kingdom
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