When I first started looking at where to study political science in the UK, I realised quickly that the question isn’t just “which university has the best reputation?” It’s also about how each place sets you up for life after graduation. Some universities lean heavily into political theory, others give you direct access to policymakers, and a few have built reputations as career-launch pads with strong employer links.

In this guide, I’m walking through the UK universities that stand out in 2025 for politics—not only in terms of teaching and research, but also the opportunities they open up for internships, careers, and future study. Think of it less as a league table rundown, and more like a practical map: which place fits your ambitions, whether you’re drawn to Westminster debates, international diplomacy, or data-driven policy work.

LSE: where political science meets real life and jobs

Let me start by saying: trying to pick a single “best” university for studying political science in the UK feels a bit like choosing the perfect latte—it depends what kind of flavor you’re into. But if I tilt the scale toward real-world impact, job prospects, and that buzzing energy in the centre of it all, the London School of Economics (LSE) feels like the one I’d wake up excited for every morning.

1. Top of the Wake-Up List (Literally)
LSE has recently soared to the number-one spot in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025—beating even Oxford and Cambridge. It wasn’t just academic prestige; this time, it was its career outcomes and student feedback that powered the rise. To me, that says they’re not just putting your diploma on display—they’re actively helping you launch.

2. Career Boost That Actually Feels Real
Statistically, LSE does stellar when it comes to placing students into meaningful roles. In fact, around 92.5% of its students were in high-skilled jobs or further study 15 months post-graduation—only topped by a place like Imperial, which is a science superhub. Combine that with being known for boosting earnings—men up 47.2%, women 38.2%—and you’ve got clear evidence that your degree here carries tangible value.

3. A Global Powerhouse for Political Influence
It’s not just working at finance firms or think tanks—LSE alumni are everywhere. According to Jisc, while Oxford leads in educating national leaders since 1990, LSE isn’t far behind with 24 global leaders educated there. This network is like an ecosystem of influence—not just a building you step into once.

4. London, Politics, Networks All Collide
When I imagine studying politics, I picture sharp debate in lecture halls and real-world discussion over coffee in Westminster or seminars with visiting policymakers. LSE sits right at that intersection. Students constantly mention its “on-par with Oxbridge” academic reputation but lean into the advantage that comes from being in London’s pulse.

Oxford stands out for prestige (and yes, it matters)

Let me say: Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) feels like a legend in the field—and with good reason. It’s topped The Guardian rankings for political science again, scoring a perfect score of 100 and staying ahead of Cambridge. It also holds the top UK spot in the 2025 QS World Subject Rankings for Politics, sitting second in the world after Harvard.

In plain terms, what you’re getting: decades—centuries—of academic clout, teaching from leading thinkers, and that Oxbridge magic. But, and this is honest, it’s not a guaranteed ticket to dream jobs (more on that soon).

Cambridge, quietly excellent reputation and balance

Cambridge’s Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) offers diverse program options—everything from its HSPS and History & Politics Tripos, to MPhil and PhD levels. It’s top-ranked for teaching in the 2025 Complete University Guide, and among the best overall in the UK for politics. On a global scale, Cambridge consistently ranks within the top 5–7 for politics.

It’s like Oxford’s quieter sibling—just as rigorous, perhaps a bit more inclusive, and historically grounded.

St Andrews: punchy reputation, strong outcomes

St Andrews isn’t just a beautiful coastal campus—it’s consistently punching above its size. It’s held the No. 1 overall UK university spot in multiple guides recently. And when it comes to politics-related subjects (like International Relations), it ranks top 3 nationally. Plus, it has one of the highest graduate employment rates (97.7% in work or study at 3.5 years)—and a track record of producing high-earning and influential alumni (FTSE directors, millionaires)—all relative to its student body.

It’s classy, tight-knit, and it works.

Remaining strong contenders with unique edges

Warwick – Politics and International Studies (PAIS)

Warwick’s Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS) is one of the biggest in the UK. The undergraduate options aren’t just a straight BA Politics—you can choose from combinations like Politics and Sociology, Politics and International Studies, or even joint courses with Economics and History.

What stands out: Warwick’s PAIS is especially strong in International Political Economy and Global Security. It has close links with policy institutions in Brussels and Geneva, which makes sense for a department that is so internationally oriented.
Career note: Graduates here tend to step quickly into roles in government, think tanks, or NGOs, and the university has a strong employer reputation (QS ranks Warwick in the top 100 worldwide for Politics/IR).

King’s College London – Department of Political Economy

King’s is unusual in the UK because it has an entire Department of Political Economy (not just “Politics” or “IR”). That means you’ll find modules that cut across economics, philosophy, and political science.

Courses include: BA Politics, BA Political Economy, and more specialized degrees like Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). At postgraduate level, you’ll see programs like MA International Political Economy and Global Politics & Law.
What stands out: Being right on the Strand, you’re within walking distance of Westminster and Whitehall. Many teaching staff have policy or advisory backgrounds, and there are often visiting practitioners from government or NGOs.

University of Edinburgh – School of Social and Political Science

Edinburgh offers degrees like MA Politics, MA International Relations, and joint programmes such as Political Studies & Economics or Social Policy & Politics.

Specialisms: There’s a reputation here for comparative politics and Scottish/British politics, but also a big international research footprint (they’re in the global top 40 for politics/social science).
Culture: The School is huge, covering Anthropology, Social Policy, and International Development alongside Politics. So you end up in an environment where debates cross disciplines, which many students find energising.
Alumni: The university boasts political leaders both in the UK (including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown) and abroad.

University of York – Department of Politics

York’s Department of Politics and International Relations has been steadily climbing the league tables.

Undergraduate courses: BA Politics, BA Politics and International Relations, BA International Relations, and joint honours options (e.g. with Philosophy).
Postgraduate: A strong suite of MA courses such as International Relations, Conflict and Security, and Global Development.
What’s distinctive: York has a “practical politics” streak, offering modules in policy analysis and applied political studies alongside theory. Recently, they’ve improved graduate employability, moving into the UK’s top 10 for career outcomes.

Others Universities Worth Mentioning

University of Bath

Bath’s Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies has built a reputation for being pragmatic and career-focused. The flagship course is the BSc Politics and International Relations, but students can tailor it with joint pathways like Politics and Economics or Politics and Sociology.

What makes Bath distinct is how much emphasis it places on applied learning. Many courses come with the option of a placement year or study abroad, and the department actively encourages internships in government, NGOs, and even multinational firms. If you’re the kind of student who wants to test theory against the real world, Bath is very accommodating.

And they don’t hide the numbers: roughly 70% of political science graduates go straight into work, with another 10% continuing in further study within 15 months. The graduate destinations range from the UK Civil Service to international consultancies, which reflects Bath’s data-driven, policy-oriented teaching style.

Durham University

Durham’s School of Government and International Affairs (SGIA) is one of the most respected departments related to political science in the country. It offers BA Politics, BA International Relations, and the ever-popular Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).

The school is particularly strong in Security Studies—covering terrorism, conflict resolution, defence policy, and international security institutions. This makes it attractive for students who see themselves working in intelligence, diplomacy, or security-related research.

Durham also stands out for its collegiate system. Unlike many universities, you don’t just belong to a department—you also join one of Durham’s colleges, which act as smaller communities within the university. That structure fosters close peer networks and strong alumni ties. So beyond the lectures, you’re building a personal and professional circle that often lasts well into your career.

University of Manchester

Political science at Manchester sits within the School of Social Sciences, which is one of the largest of its kind in the UK. That scale means variety: you can study straight Politics, International Relations, or joint degrees such as Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE), Politics and Economics, or Politics and Sociology.

Manchester has a strong reputation for research intensity—it’s consistently ranked highly in the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Specialisms include political theory, global governance, European politics, and comparative democracy studies. If you’re someone who enjoys critical, research-heavy environments, this is where you’ll thrive.

There’s also a distinct civic flavour at Manchester. The university has close ties with the city’s institutions, think tanks, and regional government bodies. That connection creates opportunities for placements, policy projects, and student-led research tied to real-world issues like urban governance or inequality.

University of Aberdeen

Political studies at Aberdeen is taught through the School of Social Science, where you’ll find degrees in Politics, International Relations, and combined honours like Political Studies and Sociology. Both undergraduate and postgraduate routes are available, including MAs and MScs.

What makes Aberdeen unique is its geographical and thematic focus. The university has carved out a niche in areas such as energy politics, North Sea and Arctic policy, and the governance of climate change—logical, given Aberdeen’s identity as Europe’s “oil capital.” Students here often find themselves studying not just traditional political theory, but also the governance of natural resources, sustainability, and international negotiations over energy.

Another strength is the strong international cohort. Aberdeen attracts a significant number of overseas students, particularly in postgraduate IR programmes. That makes class discussions genuinely global in perspective—a nice advantage if you’re keen on international careers.

Here’s how it all lands in a quick comparison:

University / College	What Makes It Stand Out
Oxford	Academic prestige, top subject rank, rigorous
Cambridge	Balanced excellence, depth, global rank
LSE	Career-centric, London network, pragmatism
St Andrews	Stellar outcomes, elite reputation, small scale
Warwick	Employer-recognized, modern, strong teaching
King’s College London	Central London, political economy, research
Edinburgh	Research strength, diverse academic scope
York	Rising fast, improving career outcomes
Bath, Manchester, others	Solid options, consistent performance

My personal take, in a nutshell:

If I’m going for a blend of rigorous political studies and a runway to a career, LSE feels like that sweet spot. It’s London-based, future-focused, and employability-minded.

If my priority is world-class academic depth—and emissions don’t matter as much—I’d choose Oxford or Cambridge without hesitation.

For a high-impact, well-rounded education with fantastic outcomes and a little space—it’d be St Andrews.

Warwick and King’s are great if you want strong reputations with modern vibes and city access, while Edinburgh and York offer an appealing combination of research quality and growing opportunities.

What Courses and Majors Can You Choose in UK Political Degrees?

When I first started looking at the political studies courses in the UK, I was surprised by how much variety there actually is. “Political Science” isn’t just one degree—it’s a whole family of programmes, each with its own flavour. Here’s how it usually breaks down:

1. Straight Politics Degrees

BA Politics or MA Politics (Scotland often calls its undergraduate courses “MA”)
These focus on political theory, institutions, ideologies, and comparative politics.
Think: How governments function, how elections are fought, and why ideologies shape decisions.

2. International Relations (IR)

BA International Relations, BA Politics and IR, or standalone IR courses.
Focuses on diplomacy, foreign policy, war and peace studies, and international organisations (like the UN, EU, NATO).
This is the go-to if you’re drawn to global affairs and want to work internationally.

3. Politics Joint Honours (Mix-and-Match Degrees)

One of the things UK unis love is giving you options to study political studies alongside another discipline. Here are some common partners:

Economics
Philosophy
History
Sociology
Law
International Development

These are great if you want to keep your career doors wide open—for example, Politics and Economics for policy or banking, or Law for future legal/political pathways.

4. PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics)

This is a famous degree, most famously at Oxford, but now offered at several universities (Warwick, Durham, York, etc.).
It’s interdisciplinary, designed to train people who understand power, money, and ethics in equal measure. Many UK politicians (including prime ministers) studied PPE.

5. Specialist Pathways

Some universities let you specialise within political studies itself. Examples include:

International Political Economy (LSE, King’s, Warwick)
Security Studies / War Studies (King’s College London is the standout here)
Comparative political science (Edinburgh, Oxford)
Peace and Conflict Studies (Manchester, York, St Andrews)
Development Studies (SOAS, Sussex)

6. Masters and Postgraduate Options

If you go beyond undergrad, you’ll find MA/MSc programmes tailored to career tracks:

MSc Global Governance
MA Human Rights and International Politics
MSc Political Theory
MSc Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
MPA (Master of Public Administration)

These are where you really sharpen focus toward the UN, NGOs, government departments, or policy think tanks.

In short: In the UK, “studying political science” can mean anything from straight theory at Oxford, to globally minded IR at LSE, to highly applied PPE or policy-oriented tracks at Warwick or Bath. That choice is part of the draw—you can tailor it depending on whether you want to be a theorist, a policy advisor, a diplomat, or even an activist.

Understanding Career Pathways and Practical Opportunities

One of the biggest questions when choosing a degree isn’t just what you’ll learn in lectures—it’s how it sets you up for life afterward. In the UK, many universities have designed courses to be career-focused, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

For example, students can pursue international relations, public policy, governance, and security studies. Many programs include work placements, internships, and study abroad options, which give you direct exposure to government departments, NGOs, think tanks, and international organisations. Some universities even integrate simulated negotiation exercises or policy labs, allowing you to test your skills in realistic scenarios before you graduate.

The career support doesn’t stop at placements. Universities often run mentorship programs, networking events, and employer-led workshops to help you understand the skills required in fields like diplomacy, public administration, international development, and sustainable energy management. By the time you finish your degree, you’re not just academically prepared—you’re practically ready to enter the workforce with confidence.

In short, the combination of applied learning, guidance from experienced professionals, and strong alumni networks makes these courses particularly effective for students aiming for impactful careers. Choosing a university isn’t just about prestige; it’s about how well the environment equips you for real-world challenges.