Politics
Build your political knowledge
Want to understand political strategy and power dynamics? A politics degree will develop your critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, preparing you to tackle real-world political challenges. Get the qualifications you need to influence the political landscape.
Which type of politics undergraduate degree should you choose?
There are three types of politics degree you can choose from. They include:
- BA (Bachelor of Arts): For students who want to focus on the humanities and social science aspects of political science.
- BSc (Bachelor of Science): For students who want to take a deep dive into the scientific and analytical aspects of politics.
- Integrated Masters: For students who want to combine undergraduate and postgraduate study into a single course, typically lasting four or five years.
What’s the difference between a BA, BSc and an Integrated Masters degree in politics?
Bachelor of arts (BA) in politics:
- BA degrees in politics often involve a deeper exploration of political theory, historical context, and qualitative analysis.
- You will develop strong critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
- BAs tend to include less mathematical content, with a greater focus in areas like political philosophy, comparative politics, and qualitative research methods.
Bachelor of science (BSc) in politics:
- BSc degrees in politics include more quantitative analysis, statistics, and data-driven research.
- You will develop strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- BSCs often require more mathematical proficiency as they tend to include more quantitative methods, statistics, and data analysis.
Integrated masters in politics:
- Integrated masters degrees in politics do not require a separate bachelors degree and masters degree, instead you undertake both within the same course.
- Integrated masters degrees can be a great choice for international students as this reduces the need for multiple visa applications.
- They can also be a great choice for students looking to complete advanced study as quickly as possible.
- The levels of quantitative and qualitative course content will differ from course to course.
BA (Hons) Philosophy and Politics
Some fundamental questions about political life, its principles and ideals, are philosophical in character. Our course brings philosophy and politics together.
On our BA Global Studies degree you study topics from a range of subjects to develop global perspective and a wide understanding of complex global issues.
BA (Hons) Politics (Including Foundation Year)
BA Politics (including foundation year) prepares you for university study whilst introducing you to the fields of politics, international relations & government
Studying topics in Sociology, Politics and Economics provides you with a greater understanding of the world around you.
BA (Hons) Journalism and Politics
Our BA Journalism and Politics course expands your knowledge of global politics and develops your analytical ability.
BA (Hons) Global Studies with Politics
Investigate how democracies operate, how our world is shaped by dominant ideas of capitalism and colonialism, and how historical events affect current affairs.
BA (Hons) Curating with Politics
Develop the skills you need to make new connections between the forms of visual culture you study, political developments, and broader social & political forces
BA (Hons) Modern History and Politics
BA Modern History and Politics provides a thorough grounding in the fields of modern history and politics, considering how the two disciplines can be integrated
Explore how politics shapes societies & global decisions. Gain real-world skills in policy, analysis & research, with options for a placement or year abroad.
BA (Hons) Social Sciences (Including Foundation Year)
Studying BA Social Sciences (including Foundation Year) prepares you for university while introducing you to the fields of sociology, politics and economics
- 2nd in UK for research outputs in politics and international studies (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
- Top 20 in the UK for politics and international studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Our alumni include Members of Parliament, one Speaker of the House of Commons, one Home Secretary - even a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and many more
Get ahead of results day. Explore your Clearing options now and be ready to secure your place with us when the time comes.
Advance your political career
Develop an expert understanding of political science. A masters degree in politics will provide you with advanced analytical abilities, sophisticated research skills, and the political awareness to address pressing global challenges. Acquire the capabilities you need to make lasting political change.
Which type of politics masters degree should you choose?
There are five types of politics masters degree you can choose from. They include:
- MA (Master of Arts): For students seeking comprehensive expertise in the theory and qualitative aspects of political science.
- MSc (Master of Science): For students who want to develop advanced quantitative methodologies and data-driven approaches to political analysis.
- MRes (Master of Research): For students preparing for a PhD or research-orientated career in political science.
- MPP (Master of Public Policy): For students who want to focus on the practical application of political science to public policy.
- Graduate Diploma: For students who don’t have a background in political science but want to transition to a full masters degree in the subject.
What’s the difference between an MA, MSc and an MRes degree in politics?
Master of arts (MA) in politics:
- MA degrees in politics focus on a comprehensive grounding in political theory, historical frameworks, and interpretive analytical approaches.
- You will develop sophisticated critical reasoning, scholarly writing, and persuasive communication capabilities.
- MA degrees typically emphasise theoretical foundations and qualitative methodologies over mathematical analysis, focusing on political philosophy, comparative governance systems, and textual research techniques.
Master of science (MSc) in politics:
- MSc degrees in politics emphasise rigorous quantitative methodologies, statistical frameworks, and empirical research approaches.
- You will develop advanced analytical reasoning, data visualization, and evidence-based interpretation capabilities.
- MSc degrees typically require stronger mathematical foundations as they concentrate on econometric modelling, statistical inference, and computational techniques for political analysis.
Master of research (MRes) in politics:
- MRes degrees in politics cultivate advanced methodological expertise and independent investigation skills specifically tailored for research-intensive careers.
- You will develop sophisticated research design capabilities, methodological versatility, and the ability to contribute original knowledge to the field.
- MRes degrees typically include extended research projects, specialised methodological training, and preparation for doctoral-level scholarship.
- These courses offer a structured pathway into academic research careers or policy analysis roles requiring exceptional research proficiency.
- 2nd in UK for research outputs in politics and international studies (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
- Top 20 in the UK for Politics and International Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025)
- 91% of our postgraduate graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024)
Realise your political authority
The Department of Government is a powerhouse in the study of political science. Our PhD programme provides you with advanced research training and supervision by leading global scholars.
Our students have published in prestigious political science journals such as Electoral Studies, International Organization, International Studies Quarterly, Journal of Politics, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Journal of Education Policy and Journal of Peace Research.
Our Department of Government offers two routes to a research degree:
PhD Government
PhP (doctoral programme)
Both are three-year programmes. A PhP is normally for students without a prior Masters degree and you normally take a number of taught modules in your first year.
Find your academic supervisor
Search our staff profiles and discover the researchers open to academic supervision at the University of Essex.
- 2nd in UK for research outputs in politics and international studies (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
- 6th in UK for research power in politics and international studies (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
- Home to renowned experts of political science whose research ranks among the most cited and influential globally
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