BSc Politics with Quantitative Research Methods with Study Abroad

At Bristol, you won’t just study politics in theory—you’ll learn how to put it into practice. From your very first year, you’ll work with real data, tackling questions about how societies function and why policies succeed or fail. Small, hands-on classes help you build confidence with statistics and data analysis, while your study abroad year gives you fresh perspectives and new approaches to political questions. By the time you return for your final year, you’ll be ready to design and carry out your own research project, pulling together everything you’ve learned in a way that feels genuinely your own.

And along the way, Bristol’s Q-Step Centre makes sure you’re not just learning in the classroom—you’re also developing the kind of practical skills employers are looking for:

• Practical classes in social statistics and data analysis, where you apply methods directly to real political and social issues.

• Final-year research project that lets you design, manage, and deliver your own quantitative investigation.

• Year abroad where you’ll experience a different academic and cultural environment, then bring those insights back into your studies.

• Q-Step internships (subject to availability), giving you the chance to gain paid work experience applying data skills in professional settings.

• Digital research tools and training supported by the Q-Step framework, preparing you for data-driven careers.

These experiences mean you’ll graduate not only with knowledge of politics, but also with the hands-on analytical expertise that sets you apart in today’s job market.

Graduates from this degree stand out in the job market because of their unique blend of political insight and advanced data skills. Many go on to careers as policy analysts, research consultants, government advisors, or data specialists, where they use evidence and numbers to shape real decisions. Employers really value the “with Quantitative Research Methods” title in your degree — it signals to them that you’re ready to handle complex analysis and apply it in meaningful ways. Opportunities include:

• Access to Bristol’s Careers Service, which connects you with internships, global work experience, and specialist guidance to prepare you for graduate roles.

• A strong graduate track record: nearly 9 in 10 students are working or studying further within 15 months, with average starting salaries around £28,000, and higher after five years.

• Direct benefits from the Q-Step Centre, which is part of a national network improving data skills and building links with employers across government, business, and international organisations.

• Long-term value of your degree title, which showcases both your political knowledge and your ability to manage and interpret data — a powerful combination across many industries.

• Transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, and advanced IT analysis, which keep doors open to varied and high-level career paths.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, this degree gives you a strong foundation for postgraduate routes such as a Master’s in Public Policy, Data Science, or International Relations. Many students also progress into doctoral research or move into advanced training with support from Bristol’s Q-Step Centre. The program is designed to give you the confidence and technical expertise to thrive in both professional and academic worlds.