Top UK Universities For Political Sciences - Ranking & League Table

Looking To Study Political Sciences In The UK?
Top UK Universities For Political Sciences

Here’s our full guide on the top universities for Political Sciences in the UK. We have curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognized qualifications for Political Sciences.

Table of Contents

UK University League Table For Political Sciences (Updated 2024)

The University League Table for Political Sciences shows some of the top ranking universities to study Political Sciences in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, sorted by fees, duration as well as UK and global ranking.

What do you Study in Political Sciences?

Political sciences is the study of current political issues, systems, institutions and governments using analytical approaches derived from law, sociology, economics, and other disciplines. Political science students are astute observers and critical thinkers who are capable of analysing world issues from both a domestic and comparative perspective.

A degree in Political Sciences may be a general term that includes or refers to subjects such as:

  • Current Affairs
  • Government/Parliamentary Studies
  • International Politics
  • International Relations
  • Political Philosophies
  • Political Systems

Careers for Political Science Graduates

Graduates can find employment in various industries such as:

  • Human rights and civil society organisations
  • Journalism
  • Policy making
  • Politics
  • Public administration
  • Research
  • Speech writing and public relations

Top Political Science Schools In The UK

The top UK university for Political Sciences is the University of Oxford, which ranks first in the country for the subject. Oxford has two three-year courses in political studies which examines contemporary political issues from different perspectives. For more information about Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations, visit their website or read more about the application process via UCAS here.

The University of Warwick is ranked 6th in the UK for Political Sciences. Warwick offers 13 different courses for political sciences which includes a wide range of subjects such as economics, philosophy, law, history, and contemporary culture. The University of Warwick is the 11th best university in the UK and is considered among the top universities in the world. You could read more about Warwick’s political science programmes here.

Recommended Political Science Schools In The UK

The University of Exeter offers 33 courses in political sciences with complementary subjects such as geography, international relations, economics, history, philosophy, and sociology. They offer flexible programmes that allow students to study a year abroad, gain work experience overseas, or to complete their employment experience locally. Their Bachelor’s programmes are three-years long, and some courses are taught at the Cornwall campus while others are taught at the Exeter campus.

The University of Manchester has over 20 programmes in political sciences. They offer interesting subject combinations such as a Bachelor’s in Law (LLB) with Politics which could be advantageous for those interested in policy making, and they also offer a number of courses in politics with a foreign language which could help path the way towards becoming a diplomat. Manchester’s School of Social Sciences is known for its research and has a number of research clusters concentrated in the study of politics.

How To Apply To Study Political Sciences In The UK?

Step 1: Choose A University

The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK which offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Things to consider when applying:

  • Location
  • Employability
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements
  • University Ranking

Step 2: Preparations

Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.

Step 3: Submit UCAS Application

The application process for UK universities differs from local universities as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.

To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here

More about UCAS

The entire application process might be daunting and lengthy for some, so let us help you. Make a free appointment with us today for professional assistance in submitting applications to your preferred UK universities.

UK Political Science University Entry Requirements

Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK university to study Political Sciences.

English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)

Health checks.

Entrance interviews.

Personal statement. This is a supporting document and part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Political science is the analytical study of political issues and structures using approaches derived from multiple disciplines such as law, economics, and sociology.

The number 1 university for Political Sciences in the UK is the University of Oxford as of 2024.

The common entry requirements for studying Political Sciences in the UK include English language tests, criminal record declarations, health checks, entrance interviews and submission of a personal statement.

The fees for Political Sciences degrees in the UK depends on the university and it may range between £20,000 to £28,000 per annum for international students. The ranking and location of a university might also affect tuition fee costs.

The UCAS deadline for Political Sciences programmes is 15 January on the year of admission. Do take note that the deadline for Oxford and Cambridge is 15 October.

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