BA in Politics

Studying Politics at Exeter isn’t just about reading theories in a textbook — you’ll get plenty of chances to put ideas into practice. From using specialist labs to running simulations, taking part in field trips, and learning directly from guest speakers, the course is designed to give you real-world skills that employers notice. You’ll work on projects that feel relevant, hands-on, and connected to the big issues shaping society today.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Specialist lab experience: You’ll use the Computational Social Science Lab, where you’ll get hands-on with tools for analysing political data — from statistics to machine learning and visualisation.

• Field trips and simulations: Some modules take you out of the classroom, with activities like policy simulations, case studies, and field visits to see how politics operates beyond theory.

• Team projects: You won’t just study alone — you’ll collaborate with classmates on group research projects and reports, giving you practical experience in gathering and presenting evidence.

• Digital opportunities: If you’re interested, you can get involved in Digital Humanities Lab internships, working with 2D/3D imaging, media production, or data digitisation to support political research.

• Study spaces and resources: You’ll have access to the Amory Student Study Space and Exeter’s libraries, with areas for group work and quiet study, so you can choose what works best for you.

• Guest speakers and events: The Politics department regularly invites experts for talks and debates, giving you fresh perspectives and the chance to ask real questions about current political challenges.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have built up not just knowledge, but a toolkit of practical skills and experiences that show you can think critically, work in teams, handle data, and engage with real political debates.

Graduates from Exeter’s BA Politics degree go on to make a real impact in the world. Many move into roles like policy analyst, researcher in think tanks, communications or advocacy officer, or even campaign manager in political or non-profit organisations. This degree gives you the skills, networks, and confidence to step into a wide range of careers where understanding politics really matters.

Here’s how Exeter helps you get there:

• Personalised career support: The University’s Career Zone and the Student Employability & Academic Success (SEAS) team offer tailored one-to-one advice, workshops, and mentoring to guide you from your first year through to graduate life.

• Strong employment outcomes: Around 9 in 10 Politics graduates are either working or in further study within 15 months of finishing the course, earning an average salary of about £29,000.

• Mentoring & networking: Through the Career Mentor Scheme, you’ll be paired with professionals who can give you insider knowledge, advice, and connections in the fields you’re most interested in.

• Employer partnerships: Exeter’s employability strategy means your learning is linked with real opportunities — from guest speakers to employer-led projects — ensuring you understand how your skills translate into the workplace.

• Reputation that opens doors: Exeter ranks 7th in the Russell Group and 12th in the UK for graduate outcomes, showing that employers and postgraduate programmes recognise the quality of Exeter graduates.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to carry on studying, your Politics degree is an excellent springboard into postgraduate study. Many students go on to do Master’s programmes in areas like Public Policy, International Relations, or Political Theory, while others pursue professional qualifications or PhDs to prepare for research or academic careers. Exeter’s strong research culture and international reputation make your next step that much easier.