BA Politics

At Warwick, studying Politics and International Studies isn’t just about lectures and essays — it’s about experiencing politics in action. From your very first year, you’ll be encouraged to test ideas in real-world contexts, build research skills, and take advantage of the many opportunities Warwick offers beyond the classroom. You’ll gain confidence in using both qualitative and quantitative tools, learn from active researchers, and develop the practical skills that employers and global organisations truly value.

And the best part is, there’s a wide range of ways to bring your degree to life:

• Real-world work experience
  Take part in Warwick’s internship schemes, including the WorkReady Toolkit and the Warwick Advance Internship Programme (WAIP). You can also apply for paid placements through the Warwick Summer Internships (WSI) or access bursaries to support unpaid opportunities.

• Global opportunities
  If you’re keen to broaden your horizons, you can join short-term international placements, volunteering projects, or summer schools through Warwick’s Student Mobility programmes — all without adding extra time to your degree.

• Research at your fingertips
  You’ll have the chance to work on funded Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS) projects, guided by Warwick’s world-leading academics. The PAIS department is home to vibrant research centres in areas like security, political economy, and global governance, which means you’re learning right at the cutting edge of politics.

• Tools that make a difference
  Through modules such as Introduction to Quantitative Political Analysis and Causal Inference, you’ll master the kind of statistical and research methods that policymakers, think tanks, and NGOs use every day. Support from Warwick’s research librarians and digital tools will help you build these skills with confidence.

• Outstanding library and resources
  Warwick students consistently praise the library and IT services. You’ll have access to modern study spaces, online reading lists, and research support to back up your independent projects and group work.

• Choice and flexibility
  Whether you’re fascinated by International Security, Comparative Politics, or Global Trade and Development, Warwick’s flexible module options mean you can shape your degree around your passions — with plenty of group discussion and independent study along the way.

A Politics degree from Warwick is more than just an academic qualification — it’s a launchpad to exciting careers. Most graduates step into roles where they directly influence policy, shape public debate, or support international organisations. Within just 15 months, more than 80% of Warwick Politics graduates are working or in further study, with average earnings already at around £30,000. Many go on to become policy analysts, public affairs consultants, NGO project officers, or journalists.

Here’s how Warwick helps you turn your degree into a career:

• Tailored career support: From one-to-one guidance with Senior Careers Consultants to access to exclusive platforms like myAdvantage and Student Circus, you’ll find internships, graduate schemes, and global opportunities with ease.

• Impressive employment outcomes: On average, Warwick Politics graduates earn around £32,000 just three years after graduation, rising to about £45,500 within five years.

• Employer connections: Warwick is consistently one of the most targeted UK universities by top employers, and PAIS students benefit from recruiter-led workshops, networking events, and access to real-world research projects.

• Reputation that lasts: Ranked among the top Politics departments in the UK, Warwick’s name carries real weight in government, international agencies, media, and beyond.

Further Academic Progression

If you’re thinking long-term, your BA can be the foundation for further study. Many Warwick graduates choose to specialise with a Master’s in International Relations, Public Policy, Security Studies, or Political Theory — right here at Warwick or at top universities worldwide. Others go even further, pursuing a PhD in Politics and International Studies to move into research or academia. And because Warwick has such a strong global reputation, your degree will also strengthen applications to postgraduate programmes across Europe, North America, and beyond.