The United Kingdom provides 36 Political Science programmes at 19 universities, spanning government, public policy, comparative politics, and political theory. The University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the University of Birmingham are among the most prestigious options, while Oxford Brookes University, Queen's University Belfast, and the University of York offer strong teaching-focused or regionally distinctive environments.
Tuition ranges from free to approximately €45,200 per year, with the upper end reflecting standard international fees at leading research universities such as LSE. Applications at undergraduate level are submitted through UCAS, and at postgraduate level through individual university systems. Entry requirements include relevant subject qualifications, English proficiency, and a compelling personal statement demonstrating analytical and writing skills.
The BA (Hons) Political Science program at Richmond American University London offers a unique blend of US liberal arts and UK educational approaches, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of global politics. The curriculum focuses on political thought, political systems, and public policy, equipping students with critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for a wide range of careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, business, law, and media. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, including field trips and international internships, and can leverage prior qualifications to potentially complete the degree in three years. The program encourages a deep, practical understanding of how politics operates globally, preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact.

This BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree provides a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of computing. You will explore a wide range of topics, from theoretical concepts to practical application, equipping you with the skills needed for a successful career in the rapidly evolving technology sector. The course emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to design, develop, and evaluate complex software systems. You will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies, preparing you for diverse roles in software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more.
This program delves into the evolving concept of corporate governance, moving beyond narrow legal definitions that focus solely on shareholder interests. It explores how broader stakeholder engagement and the social and spatial contexts of business significantly shape corporate behaviour and legitimacy. The program examines the historical rise of corporate governance, its traditional focus on agency theory, and the limitations of definitions that prioritize shareholder value maximization. It contrasts these with emerging perspectives that incorporate social responsibility and the 'social license' to operate, highlighting the complexities beyond legal frameworks. The course encourages a critical understanding of how corporations are governed and the various influences that shape their objectives and practices.
This one-year Master of Science (MSc) program focuses on understanding, analyzing, preventing, disrupting, and detecting terrorism and extremist crime using scientific approaches. Developed in collaboration with law enforcement and security professionals, the course equips students with a unique crime science methodology that integrates insights from social sciences, engineering, and security studies. You will critically examine the drivers of terrorism and extremism, evaluate countermeasures, and develop advanced research design and statistical analysis skills to address real-world security challenges. The program is ideal for those seeking careers in crime prevention, counterterrorism, or security intelligence, including law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, and graduates with relevant backgrounds.

This joint degree offers a unique opportunity to study History and Politics together, drawing on the expertise of both the Faculty of History and the Department of Politics and International Studies. The program balances a solid foundation in each subject with an exploration of how historical and political understanding can illuminate contemporary global issues. You will benefit from the high quality of teaching, engaging with leading academics through a combination of university lectures, seminars, and personalized college supervisions. These supervisions, often one-on-one or in very small groups, provide invaluable individual feedback and a space to discuss complex ideas. The curriculum is structured to offer breadth in the initial years and depth in specialized topics later on, allowing you to develop a comprehensive understanding of historical and political themes.
This programme offers a combined study of History and Politics, allowing you to explore social, cultural, and political history from the early modern period to the present day, with a focus on regions including the British Isles, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and India. You will engage with primary sources and analyse diverse historical evidence, including written materials, maps, and visual media, critically examining how these shape our understanding of the past. The Politics component addresses significant global issues, providing an overview of the British political system and delving into complex societal problems and their underlying ideas. You will have the flexibility to specialise in your third and fourth years, choosing from a wide array of optional modules.

This Master of Laws (LLM) program offers an in-depth exploration of international corporate governance and financial regulation. You will engage in comparative and contextual studies of company regulation, covering key topics in corporate governance and financial law. The LLM is designed to equip you with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary for a successful career in this specialized field. Warwick Law School is recognized for its research excellence, consistently ranking among the top law departments in the UK.
This half-unit course examines international law through the lenses of literature, history, and politics, viewing it as a diplomatic tool used to advance global power arrangements and well-being. The course explores three key historical periods: the post-World War I era, the Cold War, and contemporary global events. It analyzes the political context surrounding the deployment of legal categories in current conflicts and historical periods, considering how international law shapes possibilities for resolution. The course uses a seminar format, encouraging active participation and discussion based on assigned readings. It aims to foster critical thinking about the historical development and political implications of international legal frameworks.
The MA in Political Science at American University's School of Public Affairs (SPA) is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in various political arenas. Whether your interest lies in Capitol Hill, political campaigns, non-profits, or think tanks, this program provides the expertise needed. You will develop critical thinking skills to analyze governmental systems and political behavior, gaining insights into policymaking, the theory and practice of politics across different systems, and the interplay between domestic and foreign policy. The curriculum emphasizes empirical research design, evaluation, and quantitative methods, allowing you to apply political science theories to real-world challenges.

This Master of Arts degree provides a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape of the Middle East and North Africa. You will gain a solid foundation in political science theories and research methodologies, with a specific focus on regional issues. The program encourages creative thinking while equipping you with essential critical skills applicable to both Middle Eastern politics and the broader field of political science. You will explore key topics such as political history, the Arab-Israeli conflict, state and society dynamics, international relations, nationalism, reform politics in the Gulf, gender studies, and Islamic culture and civilization. This specialized knowledge is designed to enhance your career prospects and open doors for further academic pursuits.
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government is an intensive, one-year graduate degree designed to develop effective leaders and changemakers. This program offers a highly interactive and immersive approach to understanding public policy challenges, drawing on diverse disciplines such as economics, philosophy, political science, and law. You will gain deep insight into how policy is formulated, implemented, and evaluated across local, regional, and global governments. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, using real-world case studies to sharpen analytical, decision-making, and implementation skills crucial for a career in public service. The program prides itself on its unique diversity, attracting students from over 50 countries, fostering a global network for impact.
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Oxford is an intensive one-year full-time taught degree designed for current and future leaders committed to public service. This program offers a unique and transformative opportunity to develop academic knowledge and professional skills essential for addressing complex public policy challenges of the 21st century. The curriculum integrates insights from diverse academic disciplines and includes modules taught by leading practitioners, preparing students to become effective change-makers in government, NGOs, and the private sector. The program emphasizes active participation, collaborative learning, and self-directed study, culminating in a policy report placement where students apply their learning in a real-world public policy context. Students can also consider applying for the Blavatnik School 1+1 programme, which allows concurrent application to the MPP and the MSc in Public Policy Research for a two-year study path.
The MPhil in Politics (Political Theory) at the University of Oxford is an advanced, full-time graduate degree designed to provide comprehensive training in research techniques, methodology, and substantive knowledge within political theory. This 21-month program is ideal for students aiming for an academic career or those planning to pursue doctoral research. Students will engage in intensive and interactive learning, combining supervised work with a structured program of classes, seminars, lectures, and self-study. The department fosters a vibrant research environment through various centres and workshops, providing opportunities for students to present their work and interact with leading scholars.
The MSc by Research in Defence and Security is a one-year full-time program (or two-three years part-time) designed for graduates with strong first degrees who wish to explore a specific area of interest in greater depth than a taught master's. While not requiring a 'contribution to knowledge' like a PhD, it allows you to develop significant expertise and broad skills relevant to your chosen research field. You will undertake a substantial research project under the guidance of Cranfield specialists, utilising the university's advanced facilities, including those at the Cranfield Forensic Institute.
The MSc Philosophy and Public Policy program at LSE offers a deep dive into the philosophical underpinnings of public policy. You will gain a strong understanding of the conceptual and normative questions that guide policy creation, drawing on historical and contemporary developments in ethical and political philosophy. This unique degree focuses on applying philosophical analysis to real-world policy issues such as healthcare, development, social security, and climate change. It also explores science policy topics like evidence, objectivity, and theory choice, alongside classic political philosophy concepts like democracy, equality, and justice.
The BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) Politics degree at Oxford Brookes University helps you understand the complexities of the modern world and develop strong, evidence-based arguments. You will explore critical contemporary issues such as nationalism, populism, regional politics (e.g., Russia, South Africa, Europe), conflict resolution, gender equality, and racial justice. The program fosters a community of socially and politically engaged students. This is a joint honours degree, allowing you to combine Politics with another subject like Communication, Media and Culture, Criminology, History, Philosophy, or Sociology, and examine how these disciplines intersect and inform each other. Studying at Oxford Brookes places you at the heart of political debate, with small class sizes ensuring personalised attention from active research tutors. The curriculum is designed to be highly relevant, focusing on current global and social issues, and incorporates diverse assessment methods including NGO briefings, peace negotiation simulations, and reflective diaries, beyond traditional coursework and essays. You may also choose to study additional language modules.

The MSc in Public Policy and Management at Birkbeck, University of London, is designed for individuals interested in understanding how policy is developed and implemented, from its initial concepts to its real-world impact. This program is ideal for those working in or aspiring to careers close to government, or anyone with a keen interest in the political processes shaped by policy. Taught by academics actively involved in contemporary policy theory and connected to key governmental bodies in Westminster and Whitehall, the course offers a blend of theoretical insights and practical application. You will explore current themes such as AI in policy-making, science and politics, and the influence of money in politics through dynamic lectures and seminars. This Master's degree aims to enhance your analytical skills and applied reasoning, deepening your understanding of the people and institutions involved in policy creation. It prepares you to apply complex ideas to current case studies and real-world scenarios, making it highly relevant for careers in public policy research and implementation.
This MSc program equips students with the essential concepts, theories, methods, and principles for formulating and analyzing public policy. It draws on expertise from various fields such as political science, economics, law, public management, and public health, providing a strong foundation for a career in public policy. The curriculum includes research methods, policy analysis skills, and substantive knowledge of the policy-making process. Graduates will be prepared for roles in government, NGOs, consultancy, and further academic research.
Examine the theory and practice of military strategy and apply this knowledge to historical case studies and contemporary global issues. This one-year taught postgraduate MLitt programme is jointly offered by the Schools of International Relations and History, and is connected to the Institute for the Study of War and Strategy. It combines historical, theoretical, and practical approaches, covering the intellectual history of strategic thought and current debates in defence policy and military doctrine.

This PhD thesis examines the role of the PDS party within the German political landscape. It proposes that the PDS achieved political success by mobilising distinct territorial interests, similar to other regional parties globally. The research suggests that the division along the former inner-German border provided the PDS with an opportunity to redefine its image as a protector of eastern German identity. The thesis argues that the West German party system, which expanded eastward in 1990, failed to adequately incorporate region-specific sentiments into the political process. This created a stable environment for a regional party like the PDS. The study highlights how the PDS leveraged its regional heritage, leadership, and organizational structure to develop a policy platform that resonated with the views of many eastern Germans, thereby securing its position as a stable, long-term political actor.
There are 36 Political Science programmes at 19 universities across the United Kingdom.
Notable institutions include the University of Cambridge, LSE, University of Birmingham, Oxford Brookes University, Queen's University Belfast, and the University of York.
Tuition ranges from free to approximately €45,000 per year; the wide range reflects different fee categories across institutions — confirm the exact figure with each university.
Yes; international applicants are welcome at UK universities and need to meet English proficiency requirements, hold a Student visa, and satisfy each institution's academic entry criteria.
Undergraduate entry requires A-levels or equivalent in relevant humanities or social sciences; postgraduate entry requires a relevant bachelor's degree; both levels require English proficiency and a personal statement.