Studying political science in the United Kingdom will give comprehensive knowledge in topic areas such as international relations, political economy, public policy, public administration, philosophy, and political methodology. Additionally, you will have a solid understanding of how the government works and the major issues that affect the modern world. You can also have the opportunity to gain knowledge in specialised areas such as political economy, human rights, or environmental politics. Generally, studying political science in the United Kingdom will give you a comprehensive understanding of the political structures, ideologies and the global dynamics that shape political landscapes.

This piece contains the list of requirements and qualifications that are needed for studying political science in the United Kingdom.

Requirements for Studying Political Science in the United Kingdom

  1. A-level Certificate

    An A-level certificate is one of the qualifications that can be used to apply for a bachelor’s degree in political science in the UK. However, you must have good grades in your A-level examinations. Therefore, you are required to have grades such as A and B in subjects such as Mathematics, Economics, History, Statistics, and English Language.

  2. Secondary School Certificate

    You need to show evidence of completing your secondary school education. Additionally, you should have a minimum of 80% in your higher secondary certificate.

  3. International Baccalaureate Diploma

    This requirement is specifically for international students. You must have a minimum of 34-36 points including 766 at the Higher level. Additionally, you must have studied mathematics at a higher level.

  4. UCAS Tariff Point

    You need to have a minimum of 160 to 180 in your UCAS points.

  5. English Language Requirements

    You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. You can use English tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5 with no sub-band lower than 6.0. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL is 93. However, the test and test score can vary depending on your country and the university you are applying to.

  6. Have Reference Letters

    You must submit at least two reference letters during your application. This reference letter should be from a teacher or an employer. Therefore, reference letters from friends or family will be rejected.

  7. Personal Statement

    Some schools in the UK may require you to write a personal statement. This is an essay that explains why you want to study political science in the UK and your career plans. Additionally, you should check the school’s website to know the amount of words that you need to write in your personal statement.

Requirements to Obtain a Masters in Political Science in the United Kingdom

  1. Have a Bachelor’s Degree

    You must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Additionally, you must have a minimum of 2:2 to apply for a master’s degree in the United Kingdom.

  2. English Language Entry Requirement

    You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. The minimum score for the IELTS is 7.0 with no sub-band lower than 6.5.

  3. GMAT Score

    This is not a compulsory requirement for most schools in the UK. However, this can give you a higher advantage over other applicants. Therefore, you can have a GMAT score of 650 or above.

  4. Letters of Recommendation

    You must submit at least three recommendation letters during your application. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected. You should have two academic recommendation letters and 1 professional recommendation letter.

  5. Write a Statement of Purpose

    You must write a statement of purpose explaining your qualifications, your plans as well as the reason why you are choosing to study political science in the United Kingdom. Additionally, this essay must be 500 words or 1-2 pages long. This can vary depending on the university’s requirements.

  6. Resume/CV

    You need to submit an updated resume or curriculum vitae showcasing your work experience and educational qualifications.

How to Apply

You can apply to study political science in the United Kingdom through the university’s website. Additionally, you need to go through the school’s website and verify the requirements needed by your school of interest. You can apply for the undergraduate program as well as the postgraduate degree.

Duration

The duration for studying political science in the United Kingdom can vary based on the program of your choice and the University. The Undergraduate program that will offer a bachelor’s degree lasts for a minimum of 3-4 years of full-time study. However, a postgraduate program that will offer a master’s degree takes 9 months to 2 years for full-time and part-time study.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for studying political science in the United Kingdom varies based on each University and the program. The average tuition fee for the bachelor’s program is £15,000 -£23,000 annually. Additionally, the average tuition fee for a master’s program is £18,000-£34,000. However, international students will be required to pay higher than this for both programs.

Universities in the United Kingdom that offer Political Science

  1. University of Oxford, England
  2. University of Manchester, England
  3. Brunel University London, England
  4. University of Birmingham, England
  5. University College London, England
  6. King’s College London, England
  7. University of Edinburgh, Scotland
  8. University of Glasgow, Scotland
  9. University of Cambridge, England
  10. Cardiff University, Wales
  11. University of London, England
  12. University of Warwick, England
  13. London School of Economics and Political Science, England
  14. University of Sheffield, England
  15. University of Leeds, England
  16. Loughborough University, England
  17. University of Sussex, England
  18. University of Bristol, England
  19. Queen Mary University of London, England
  20. University of York, England
  21. University of Nottingham, England
  22. University of Strathclyde, Scotland
  23. Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland
  24. Newcastle University, England
  25. University of Liverpool, England
  26. University of Exeter, England
  27. University of Southampton, England
  28. University of East Anglia, England
  29. University of Essex, England
  30. Durham University, England

In Conclusion, you should check with each university directly before applying to see if your qualifications meet their entry standard. Furthermore, you need to ensure that you submit all the documents that are needed while making your applications. Additionally, ensure that you make your applications early enough before the deadline. You can reach out to us for further assistance and inquiries.

Good luck!

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