Why Study Politics?

First, Politics is interesting. Itis about people and power and involves drama and events of great significance for everyone’s lives. Just think of the power play between nations, the great enterprise of European integration, the development of the welfare state and the rise and fall of governments. It is fascinating to investigate why politics works as it does and to explore and evaluate political ideas such as power, freedom and democracy.

Second, a good Politics degree will help you to launch a career in a wide range of fields, such as journalism, broadcasting, local government, management, publishing, interest groups, law, accountancy, education, the European Union, the voluntary sector, policy research and consultancy, and the civil service. For employers a good Politics degree means that you possess an excellent understanding of politics and government that will be of use whether you work in government or in the private or voluntary sectors and deal with government. It also demonstrates that you possess sophisticated intellectual skills. Politics graduates can accurately assess ideas and arguments on the basis of logic and evidence. They can construct answers to complex theoretical and empirical questions by developing logical arguments based on well-validated evidence. They have good communication skills and can use information and communications technologies. These are all important skills in today’s information economy.

If you do especially well you will be able to go on to a Masters degree, which would give you an extra edge in building your career. Our two major Masters schemes are the MScEcon in Public Policy, which has a marked European focus, and the MScEcon in Political Theory. The PhD is the ultimate academic qualification, being proof of real intellectual ability.