What can you do with a politics degree?

A politics degree can provide you with a firm grounding in the workings of government and politics both in the United Kingdom and internationally. But is a politics degree worth it? 

As a degree that provides plenty of skills in and out of political industries, this course will expand your knowledge of politics whilst opening doors in many different directions. After you graduate, you can go on to pursue a career in a number of different fields, such as law, diplomacy, or public policy. 

Politics graduates also have the opportunity to continue their studies at postgraduate level in order to specialise in a particular area of interest. Find out below whether a politics degree is the right choice for you.

What is a politics degree?

Politics degrees cover a broad range of subjects, including the distribution of power, parliament and parties. This kind of degree also usually provides a deep understanding of these subjects, helping you to comprehend the processes behind politics. Politics is the study of government and power and often encompasses international relations, comparative politics, and public policy.

Politics programmes cover themes across economics, history, and philosophy, as well as improving your writing and analytical skills. This broad education can equip you with the skills needed to succeed in many different fields. Whether you want to work in government or the private sector, a politics degree can give you the foundation you need to succeed.

Politics courses we offer:

• Ba (Hons) Politics and History
• Ba (Hons) Politics and Social Policy
• Ba (Hons) Politics and International Relations including Ba (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Sandwich Placement

What will you study during your politics degree?

During your politics course, you will be studying the different political systems and how they operate, above and below the surface. Whilst learning about the history of political thought and the different ideologies that exist, you will also gain a broad understanding of internal relations and learn about the different issues that countries face. 

The goal for the end of your degree is to have a good understanding of the world of politics and the processes that revolve around, it so that you can go on to pursue a career in a wide range of fields or study further at postgraduate level. 

What skills will you gain from a politics degree?

A politics degree can provide you with a number of transferable skills that can be applied to a variety of careers. The main skills you’ll learn include critical thinking, research, and writing.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking skills are important in any career, but they are especially important in careers that involve policy analysis or decision-making. Politics students learn how to identify the key issues in a policy debate and how to evaluate the arguments of each side.

Research

Research skills are another valuable asset that politics students possess. You’ll learn how to find reliable sources of information and how to use that information to support your arguments. These skills are useful in any career that requires gathering and analysing data, such as policymaking, and even non-politics-related careers such as marketing.

Writing

Finally, politics students develop excellent writing skills. You’ll learn how to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively throughout your coursework activities. You’ll understand how to do this through essay writing, and some courses also involve group presentations and debate work.

Politics career paths

A politics degree can open up a variety of career paths nationally or internationally. Some graduates go on to work in the civil service, while others find jobs in politics or journalism. Let’s have a look at some potential career paths:

Local government

A local government administrator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a local government agency or department. This may include developing and implementing policies, managing budgets and personnel, and coordinating inter-agency efforts.

As a politics graduate, you’ll have strong background knowledge of how political and government processes work, making you a strong candidate for this role. 

Journalism

A career in journalism is a great way to use your politics degree. There are many different types of journalism, from investigative to news reporting, and you can use your skills in research and writing to excel in this field.

You can also specialise in the branch of political journalism, which involves covering aspects of politics and political science. This is a great way to combine your research and writing skills with your political acumen. 

Political marketing

Marketing is the process of creating and delivering messages that promote products or services. Politics graduates develop a strong ability to analyse data and understand political trends, which can be helpful in developing marketing strategies.

Having written many essays and worked on several types of projects throughout your studies, you’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and manage several projects – which is key for any marketing role. 

The civil service

A politics degree can take you down many different career paths in the civil service. Civil servants help governments implement policies effectively. For example, civil service jobs can include policy analyst, budget analyst, legislative assistant, and foreign service. 

A politics degree comes in useful across any civil service role, where you’ll be able to rely on your background knowledge to understand processes and analyse policies. 

Final thoughts on studying for a degree in politics

A politics degree can lead to a rewarding career in which you can make a difference in the world. If you are interested in having a positive impact on society, then a degree in politics could be the right path for you. Politics encourages you to investigate the details of society's major political and sociological customs, helping us to understand the contemporary world. Our politics degree at the University of Wolverhampton will allow you to learn about the traditions of political theory and how they have created the current political landscape.