Politics BA

Studying Politics at Sheffield isn’t just about reading theory in books — it’s about learning how to apply ideas in the real world. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to think creatively, work with others, and use digital tools that reflect how politics actually plays out in today’s society. Whether you’re making a podcast, putting together a policy report, or collaborating on a group project, you’ll gain practical experience that employers really value.

Here’s what makes the hands-on learning at Sheffield so special:

• Creative ways to learn and present
  You won’t just write essays — you’ll design websites, produce videos and podcasts, create posters and blogs, and even write policy briefings. It’s all about communicating political ideas in ways that connect with real audiences.

• Learning from real practitioners
  Guest speakers, including politicians and policy experts, bring fresh perspectives straight into your seminars, giving you a sense of how your studies link directly to current affairs and career pathways.

• Access to world-class facilities
  You’ll have study spaces that inspire big ideas — from the Diamond’s TV studio and digital resources, to the Information Commons with 1,300 study spots, to the Wave and Elmfield buildings designed for social sciences students. And with five libraries, you’ll never be short of resources.

• Research-led teaching
  Your lecturers are active researchers working on everything from Brexit to digital campaigning and global conflicts — so you’ll always be learning from people who are shaping the political debates of today.

• Go global
  If you want to broaden your horizons, you can spend a year abroad in places like Canada, Germany, India, Hong Kong, or the USA — a chance to see politics from a whole new perspective.

• Support beyond the classroom
  The School’s career team helps you with internships, CV building, and employer events — making sure you graduate with the skills and confidence to step into government, media, NGOs, or wherever your interests take you.

A Politics degree from Sheffield opens doors to exciting and meaningful careers. Many of our graduates go on to shape policy, influence decision-making, and work in roles that have a direct impact on society. Whether you see yourself as a civil servant, a policy advisor, a social researcher, or even building a career in business or media, this course gives you the knowledge and transferable skills that employers are looking for. And the results speak for themselves: within just 15 months of graduating, around 90% of our students are working or continuing their studies, with the majority already in graduate-level jobs.

Here’s how Sheffield helps you get there:

• Dedicated career support: From day one, you’ll benefit from the University’s Careers & Employability Service and the Faculty Employability Team—helping you find internships, connect with employers, and polish your CV.

• Strong employment outcomes: Politics graduates earn on average £26,000 within 15 months of leaving Sheffield, rising steadily to around £33,000 after five years.

• Employer connections: Our graduates have secured roles at organisations such as the Home Office, Deloitte, PwC, Teach First, IBM, and even the United Nations Development Programme.

• Unique professional links: One of your modules is co-taught by the UK House of Commons, giving you first-hand insight into parliamentary practice and boosting your credibility with future employers.

• Reputation that stands out: Sheffield ranks in the UK Top 20 for Politics (The Guardian University Guide 2024), making your degree highly respected across industries.

Further Academic Progression

If you’d like to continue your studies, Sheffield gives you excellent options. Many students progress onto Master’s degrees in International Relations, Public Policy, Political Theory, or Development Studies. Others take their academic journey even further with a PhD in Politics or related fields, leading to careers in research or teaching. And if you want to branch out, combining Politics with postgraduate study in law, journalism, or public administration is a natural next step to build a specialised career.