BSc Politics

At LSE, studying Politics goes far beyond lectures and essays—you’ll be part of a hands-on learning environment that mirrors the complexity of real-world politics. From day one, you’ll engage in debates, workshops, and research projects that sharpen your ability to think critically and act effectively. You’ll also have access to London’s political, diplomatic, and media institutions right on your doorstep, giving you unique opportunities to connect theory with practice.

And the learning experience is enriched by world-class facilities, research centres, and LSE’s strong links with employers and organisations across government, NGOs, and the private sector. Alongside this, the interdisciplinary LSE100 course trains you to tackle global challenges in collaboration with students from other subjects—helping you build transferable skills that employers value.

Here are some of the experiential opportunities you’ll benefit from:

• London advantage: Study politics in the heart of a global capital, close to Westminster, government departments, NGOs, media outlets, and think tanks.

• LSE100 interdisciplinary course: Work in teams across disciplines to explore issues like climate change, technology, and inequality, developing collaboration and problem-solving skills.

• Research-led teaching: Learn directly from academics who are shaping contemporary debates and contribute to research projects through optional dissertation work in your final year.

• Specialist libraries & resources: Access the British Library of Political and Economic Science, one of the world’s largest collections for social sciences, alongside digital databases and archives.

• Student-led societies: Gain leadership experience through groups like the LSESU Politics and Forum Society, organising speaker events and debates with politicians, diplomats, and activists.

• Public lecture series: Attend high-profile talks featuring heads of state, policymakers, and leading thinkers, often exclusive to the LSE community.

• Careers and internships: Use LSE Careers’ tailored advice and employer connections to secure internships in government, law, media, and NGOs—many students take short-term placements during term or summer.

A Politics degree from LSE opens doors to exciting and meaningful careers all over the world. Many graduates step into roles in government, policy think-tanks, consultancy, and media. In fact, 15 months after graduation, Politics graduates report a median salary of around £35,000—a strong return that reflects both the skills you gain and the reputation of LSE.

Some of the most common career paths include:

• Policy analyst or advisor in government or international organisations

• Consultant in professional or financial services

• Journalist or commentator in politics and media

• Strategist or administrator in the public sector

And you won’t be navigating this path alone—LSE has an excellent support system to help you get there:

• Careers Service: You’ll have access to personalised guidance through CV reviews, practice interviews, careers fairs, and employer networking events. Many of the UK’s top employers regularly visit campus.

• Graduate outcomes: The most recent survey shows that Politics graduates earn a median of £35,000 within 15 months, moving into diverse roles across business, government, journalism, law, and teaching.

• Employer links: LSE has long-standing partnerships with leading firms, NGOs, and public organisations, who recruit directly from campus.

• Global reputation: An LSE degree is recognised and respected worldwide, giving you a long-term edge no matter where you choose to build your career.

Further Academic Progression
If you’re inspired to keep studying, many graduates continue on to postgraduate programmes—either at LSE or at other world-class universities. Popular routes include Master’s degrees in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, or Law, and some even move into PhD research.