BA Politics

Studying Politics at Royal Holloway isn’t just about essays and lectures — you’ll actually see how politics works in the real world. From policy research to hands-on placements, the degree lets you practise what you learn, use real political tools, and work in spaces where decisions are made. You’ll be guided by academics who actively contribute to political debates and research, so you’re always learning from people who know how politics works outside textbooks.

And the best part is — you start developing practical skills from your first year, not just in your final year.

Here’s how learning becomes real experience:

• Politics in Action Placement Module (Year 3):
  Spend one day a week working with real political organisations such as Parliament, local councils, think tanks, NGOs, media offices, or political communications teams. During reading weeks, it can go up to three days a week.

• Research Training with Real Political Data:
  In modules like Researching Politics and International Relations, you’ll learn how to use both qualitative and quantitative methods — the same techniques used by political analysts and journalists.

• Practical Political Communication Work:
  In modules like Introduction to Political Communication, you don’t just study campaigns — you dissect political speeches, design media strategies, analyse press coverage, and debate real-time political events.

• Student-led Activities and Global Exposure:
  Join societies like the Politics Society or Model United Nations, take part in debates, embassy visits, policy workshops, and hear directly from diplomats, MPs, journalists, and NGO professionals.

• Learn from Active Researchers and Policy Experts:
  Your lecturers aren’t just teachers — they publish research on youth politics, international relations, diplomacy, and political media, bringing current global issues straight into your classroom.

A Politics degree from Royal Holloway opens doors to a wide range of careers where you’ll analyse real issues, influence decisions, and communicate ideas to the public. Graduates from this course go on to work in government departments, international organisations, political consultancy, journalism, and global NGOs. Typical roles include:

• Policy Analyst / Researcher

• Diplomatic or Foreign Affairs Officer

• Public Affairs or Communications Specialist

• Journalist or Political Correspondent

Now let’s look at what helps students get there:

• Career Support That Starts Early:
  Royal Holloway’s Careers & Employability Service offers one-to-one career coaching, CV and personal statement feedback, mock interviews, employer networking events, and internship listings specifically for Politics students.

• Real Employment Outcomes:
  Around 85% of graduates from this course are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. The average starting salary is around £26,000, with many graduates earning £32,000 or more after a few years in the field.
  (Source: Discover Uni)

• Professional Experience Through Placements:
  The optional Politics in Action module allows you to work with organisations such as the UK Parliament, local councils, NGOs, charities, political media groups, or policy think tanks — often one day per week during term time.

• Industry Connections & Real-World Learning:
  Students gain insight directly from politicians, civil servants, campaign strategists, journalists, and charity leaders who visit as guest speakers or offer placement opportunities.

• Strong Graduate Reputation:
  Royal Holloway Politics graduates have gone on to roles at places like the House of Commons, Ministry of Justice, Foreign Office, as well as employers such as Amazon, Unilever, Nestlé, and Ipsos MORI — showing how transferable your skills are across both public and private sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

If you want to continue studying after your degree, you can progress into master’s programmes such as:

• MA Politics and International Relations

• MSc Public Policy, Global Governance or Diplomacy

• Research degrees (MPhil/PhD) for those interested in academic or policy research careers

Many graduates choose to study at Royal Holloway itself or at other leading universities in the UK and abroad.