BA Politics

At Birmingham, politics is more than just reading books or writing essays—it’s about stepping into the real world of debate, diplomacy, and decision-making. You’ll be challenged to think like a policymaker, work in teams, and test your ideas in practical settings that mirror the fast-paced nature of global politics. From lively seminars to high-profile international simulations, the course is built to give you the confidence and skills employers are looking for.

Here’s how you’ll get hands-on experience during your degree:

• Take part in simulations: Represent countries in Model NATO events in Washington, London, or Lisbon, where you’ll debate crises, negotiate with “allies,” and feel what it’s like to be at the table where big decisions are made.

• Try out the workplace: Through the B-Experienced Internship Programme, you can take on short professional placements (10–20 days) with organisations in government, business, or NGOs—many are flexible, with on-site, hybrid, or remote options.

• Build your career toolkit: The University’s Careers Network helps you with CV writing, interview prep, and securing internships, making sure you graduate with both knowledge and practical experience.

• Do your own research: In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about, working one-to-one with expert staff who’ll guide you through the process.

• Learn through projects: Expect seminars, workshops, and group presentations that sharpen your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while tackling real political issues.

• Be taught by experts at the cutting edge: Many final-year modules are led by academics actively researching today’s political challenges, so you’re learning from people shaping the field.

Facilities that support your journey: You’ll study within the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), part of one of the UK’s largest communities of politics students. Alongside specialist teaching, you’ll have access to the University’s outstanding libraries, study spaces, and career services that help you put learning into practice.

Studying Politics at Birmingham doesn’t just give you a degree — it sets you up for a wide range of careers where your ability to analyse, debate, and solve problems really stands out. Our graduates step into roles across government, diplomacy, NGOs, and the private sector. Typical job titles include policy analyst, diplomat, NGO project manager, or political consultant — but many also branch out into media, public affairs, or law.

And because employers actively look for Birmingham graduates, you’ll be in a strong position when it’s time to start your career:

• Dedicated career support: The University’s Careers Network is with you from day one, offering personalised guidance, skills workshops, and access to internships and graduate schemes.

• Top choice for recruiters: Birmingham is the number one UK university most targeted by top graduate employers, giving you direct access to the opportunities that matter.

• Industry links that open doors: Students connect with employers through events like the Birmingham Project, public-sector and government insight sessions, and alumni mentorship programmes.

• Strong graduate outcomes: Politics graduates from Birmingham have gone on to work with organisations such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport, showing just how far your degree can take you.

• Competitive starting salaries: According to the Graduate Market Report, starting salaries for top graduate employers are now around £34,000, with higher figures in law, banking, and consultancy.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re thinking about postgraduate study, you’ll have plenty of options. Many graduates continue with a Master’s in Politics, International Relations, or Development Studies here at Birmingham, or move into fields like public policy, diplomacy, global governance, or law. Research pathways, including MRes or PhD programmes, are also available if you want to contribute to academic or policy research at the highest level.