Politics BA

One of the things that makes studying Politics at Leeds so exciting is that you don’t just sit in lectures — you actually get to experience politics in action. From the first year, you’ll be working with real data, debating real issues, and even stepping into professional environments like Parliament or industry placements. The whole degree is designed so that you graduate not just with knowledge, but with practical skills and experiences that employers value.

Here’s how that works in practice:

• Placements that count
  You can choose to take a year out to work in industry — anywhere in the UK or abroad — with full university support. There’s also the unique Parliamentary Placement, where students spend time working directly with MPs or political organisations.

• Paid internships through Leeds’ own network
  The University runs an Exclusive to Leeds scheme where students can secure paid internships with charities, local businesses, and national organisations. Many students use these to build a strong CV before graduation.

• Learn how to work with data (Q-Step pathway)
  If you’re interested in statistics and data analysis, you can follow the Q-Step route. This means extra training in research methods, hands-on data projects, and even quantitative summer schools or placements.

• A global perspective
  You’ll have the option to spend a year abroad at one of Leeds’ partner universities, giving you first-hand experience of how politics plays out in different countries and cultures.

• Career-focused support
  POLIS (the School of Politics and International Studies) has its own careers team, who run workshops, networking events, and one-to-one sessions to help you prepare for graduate jobs or postgraduate study.

• Student societies and extra opportunities
  Beyond classes, you can join PolSoc (the Politics Society), take part in guest lectures, public debates, and events that connect you with political thinkers and professionals.

• Modern facilities to support your studies
  You’ll be based in the Social Sciences Building, with access to modern seminar rooms and study spaces. Across campus, you’ll use world-class libraries, IT clusters, and dedicated learning spaces, including the Laidlaw Library for undergraduates.

A Politics degree from Leeds opens up doors to a wide variety of careers. Many graduates step into roles where they can really make an impact—whether that’s shaping policy in government, working in the media, advising on public affairs, or contributing to international organisations. You’ll be equipped with the analytical, communication, and decision-making skills that employers in every sector are looking for.

Here’s how Leeds supports you in building your future:

• Tailored career support: From day one, you’ll have access to the University’s MyCareer system, which connects you with internships, graduate roles, and networking opportunities.

• Work experience options: Many students gain valuable insight through placements in government, NGOs, or media organisations, and you can even take a Parliamentary Studies module that gives you direct experience of how the UK Parliament works.

• Study abroad & exchanges: With partnerships in over 300 universities worldwide, you can spend time overseas, building international connections and adding a global edge to your CV.

• Strong employment outcomes: Within 15 months of graduation, around 87% of Leeds Politics graduates are in work or further study, with average starting salaries of about £28,000, rising steadily with experience.

• Reputation that lasts: Leeds is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities for Politics, meaning your degree will carry weight with employers for years to come.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies, Leeds offers a wide choice of master’s degrees in areas such as International Relations, Political Theory, Public Policy, and Global Development. You could also take your studies further with a research degree (MPhil or PhD) through Leeds or in collaboration with the White Rose University Consortium.