BA Politics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

SOAS University of London

Program Overview

The BA Politics at SOAS University of London is more than just a study of governments—it’s an exploration of how power, ideas, and people shape our world. What makes this degree truly special is its global outlook: while most politics degrees focus on the West, SOAS takes you deep into the politics of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, helping you understand diverse political systems and cultures. It’s ideal for curious, globally minded students who want to explore international affairs, justice, and social change from multiple perspectives.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year builds a strong foundation in political thought and analysis. You’ll explore how different governments function, how ideologies evolve, and how policies affect societies through modules like Introduction to Political Analysis, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. Optional courses such as Global History, International Relations, or Political Economy give you the chance to see how politics connects with global trends and economic systems.

Year 2:
You’ll dive deeper into contemporary global challenges—examining topics like Politics of the World Economy, Postcolonial Theory, Religion and World Politics, and War and the International. You’ll also begin to specialise in a region that interests you most, through modules such as Government and Politics of China, The State and Politics in Africa, or Democracy and Authoritarianism in India. A Research Methods module will also strengthen your ability to think and write like a political scientist.

Year 3:
Your final year is where you bring everything together. You’ll take advanced modules such as Gender and Politics, Globalisation and Global Governance, The Politics of Global Migration, or Conflict, Rights and Justice. You’ll also have the option to complete a Final Year Research Project, where you design and execute your own political investigation—guided by SOAS’s expert academics.

Focus Areas

Comparative politics • Political theory • International relations • Global governance • Regional politics (Asia, Africa, Middle East) • Postcolonial studies • Political economy

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate with the ability to analyse political systems, interpret global events, conduct independent research, and communicate complex ideas clearly—skills that employers and postgraduate universities value worldwide.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is part of the renowned Department of Politics and International Studies at SOAS, known globally for its expertise in non-Western politics and regional specialisation. While it’s not tied to a professional accreditation, it’s widely respected by employers, NGOs, and international organisations for its strong global and analytical foundation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

6th in the UK and 28th globally for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
Average graduate salary: £30,000 within 15 months of graduation (DiscoverUni 2025)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At SOAS, learning about politics goes far beyond lectures. You’ll immerse yourself in debates, research projects, and case studies that connect classroom theory to real-world challenges. From analysing political systems and global conflicts to engaging with policy experts and international organisations, every part of your degree is designed to sharpen your understanding of how the world really works.

Here’s how SOAS helps you turn knowledge into experience:

Research-Led Learning: Get involved with the university’s renowned institutes like the Centre on Conflict, Rights and Justice and the Centre for Energy and Climate Policy, where students and faculty work on live global issues such as climate action, justice, and post-conflict governance.
Interactive Teaching: Most modules are taught in small seminars, giving you the chance to debate, present, and develop your own political voice. You’ll work closely with lecturers who are active researchers and policy experts.
Independent Research Project: In your final year, you’ll complete a dissertation or research project on a political issue that inspires you—from migration and gender equality to international development or diplomacy.
World-Class Library: The SOAS Library, one of the world’s leading collections for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern studies, offers access to unique archives, political records, and international journals for in-depth research.
London Advantage: Studying in the heart of London puts you close to embassies, NGOs, global organisations, and political think tanks—giving you endless opportunities to attend events, build connections, and gain real-world insight into global politics.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Politics degree from SOAS University of London opens doors to impactful careers across the globe. You’ll graduate with the analytical insight, communication skills, and global awareness needed to shape real change — whether in diplomacy, journalism, human rights, or international development. Employers value SOAS graduates for their deep understanding of world affairs and their ability to think critically about complex global challenges.

Typical career paths include Human Rights or Advocacy Officer, Journalist / Foreign Correspondent, Intelligence or Risk Analyst, and Project Manager for NGOs or international agencies.

Here’s how SOAS helps you prepare for a successful and meaningful career:

Career Support from Day One: The SOAS Careers Service provides personalised coaching, internship placements, and employer networking opportunities, helping you connect your studies with real-world goals.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: Around 95% of Politics graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, with average salaries around £30,000 (DiscoverUni 2025).
Global Connections: Many SOAS graduates go on to work with international organisations such as Amnesty International, BBC World Service, Oxfam, and UN agencies, reflecting the university’s strong global reputation.
London Advantage: Being based in the heart of London means you’re surrounded by embassies, NGOs, and political think tanks — offering countless opportunities for internships and professional engagement.
Lifelong Value: A SOAS degree is internationally recognised for its regional expertise in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, giving you a distinct advantage in global careers and postgraduate study.

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates continue to postgraduate study, pursuing Master’s degrees in Politics, International Relations, Global Development, or Diplomacy—either at SOAS or other leading universities. Others advance into PhD research or professional training in Law, Public Policy, or Journalism, expanding their global influence and leadership potential.