BA Hons Politics with a Year abroad

Studying Politics at Queen Mary isn’t just about theory—you’ll constantly be applying what you learn to the real world. From internships with MPs and community organisations, to digital media projects and international study opportunities, the programme makes sure you graduate with hands-on experience that sets you apart. You’ll have access to specialist facilities, London-based placements, and expert career support that help you turn your academic knowledge into practical skills.

Here’s how this comes to life:

• Parliamentary & Civil Society Internships – In your final year, you can work two days a week with either a Member of Parliament or a civil society organisation. It’s a unique chance to experience politics from the inside—whether that’s helping draft speeches, supporting constituency work, or engaging with grassroots campaigns.

• Policy Associate Scheme – A paid, part-time internship where you’ll spend eight weeks working with Queen Mary’s Global Policy Institute and Mile End Institute. You’ll be contributing to real research, events, and communications on issues like sustainability, human rights, and public policy.

• Study Abroad with Internship Option – If you take a year abroad, you can combine it with an internship through our Arcadia partnership, working three days a week for ten weeks in a political, NGO, or advocacy setting overseas.

• Digital & Research Facilities – You’ll have access to the QUBE Media Suite with professional editing tools, ideal for creating podcasts or campaign videos. For data and analysis, you can use platforms like NVivo, Stata, SPSS, and Python, alongside Bloomberg and Eikon terminals.

• Libraries & Study Spaces – The Mile End Library is open 24/7 in term time with group study rooms, free laptop loans, and secure workspaces. You’ll also have access to the world-renowned Senate House Library and other University of London collections.

• Mile End Institute – Beyond the classroom, you can take part in high-profile debates, lectures, and policy discussions at our dedicated public policy centre. Many students get involved as ambassadors or interns here too.

• Group Projects & Role-Plays – Many modules are designed to mirror real political practice, using debates, presentations, and collaborative projects to sharpen your communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

A Politics degree from Queen Mary opens up exciting doors. Our graduates step confidently into roles in government, public affairs, journalism, and policy research. Whether you see yourself shaping public debate, influencing decision-making, or working with global organisations, this degree gives you the skills and credibility to make it happen.

Where this degree can take you:

• Civil Service or Government Officer

• Policy Analyst or Public Affairs Consultant

• Journalist, Editor, or Political Correspondent

• Researcher in NGOs, charities, or think tanks

How Queen Mary helps you get there:

• A Careers Liaison Tutor within the Politics Department supports you directly with career planning.

• Access to Queen Mary’s Careers & Enterprise team, offering CV workshops, one-to-one coaching, and employer networking events.

• Opportunities to take part in internships and placements, helping you gain real-world experience.

• Regular talks and simulations run through the Mile End Institute, connecting you with politicians, journalists, and policy experts.

Graduate success at a glance:

• 80% of graduates are in work or further study just 15 months after finishing.

• Average starting salary around £30,500, with experienced graduates earning up to £44,500 within five years.

• Alumni now work at the House of Commons, UK Home Office, PwC, Labour Party, and NGOs worldwide.

Why employers value your degree:

• A Queen Mary Politics degree carries the reputation of a Russell Group university, recognised internationally.

• You’ll leave with highly transferable skills – critical analysis, research, communication – that employers across multiple industries seek.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue studying, you’ll be well prepared for a master’s in International Relations, Public Policy, Global Governance, or Political Science. Many students also move into specialist postgraduate fields such as Law, Journalism, or Business, or progress into PhD research at Queen Mary and beyond.