BASS Politics and Data Analytics

One of the best parts of this course is how much of your learning goes beyond textbooks. From the very first year, you’ll be working hands-on with real data and political case studies, using professional software like R and SPSS to analyse patterns, forecast political behaviour, and evaluate policy impact. What makes it exciting is that you’re not just studying politics in theory—you’re applying modern data skills to issues that matter today. And if you want to take things even further, you can spend a year abroad or take a professional placement, giving you an unbeatable edge when you graduate.

Here’s how your experience will come to life:

• Practical software training – gain confidence in tools like R and SPSS, the same platforms used in government, consultancy, and research.

• Professional placement year – the option to take a paid work placement in Year 3, so you graduate with real industry experience on your CV.

• Study abroad opportunities – explore politics and societies in a global context by studying at one of Manchester’s partner universities across more than 30 countries.

• Collaborative learning – work with classmates on group projects, presentations, and debates, sharpening your communication and teamwork skills.

• Specialised modules – try advanced options like Network Analysis, Data Science Modelling, Quantitative Text Analysis, and more, giving you the chance to apply data analytics directly to political challenges.

• One-to-one support – your Academic Advisor will guide you throughout your degree, helping you make smart choices about courses and career plans.

• Career connections – Manchester’s award-winning Careers Service supports you during your studies and for two years after graduation, linking you with employers and opportunities in policy, law, consultancy, and beyond.

Graduates from this programme are in a fantastic position to shape careers where politics and numbers come together. Many go on to become policy analysts, political consultants, market researchers, or data specialists in government, finance, or the media. With Manchester’s reputation and employer connections, you’ll find that doors open to exciting professional routes right after graduation:

• Careers Support: You’ll have lifelong benefits from Manchester’s award-winning Careers Service, with help available during your studies and for two years after graduation. This includes tailored advice, employer events, and workshops designed to connect you with real opportunities.

• Employment Outcomes: Politics and data graduates from Manchester typically earn between £26,000 - £33,000 within a few years of finishing, while those with stronger data skills can see salaries rising towards £38,000–£40,000 in the medium term.

• Employer Links: Manchester is consistently ranked as one of the UK’s most targeted universities by leading employers, meaning top companies and public organisations come directly to campus to recruit.

• Graduate Destinations: Many alumni move into high-skilled roles in government, policy think tanks, IT, finance, and consultancy sectors that value both political knowledge and analytical expertise.

• Prestige & Recognition: A Manchester degree carries strong credibility worldwide, giving you long-term professional value whether you stay in the UK or move abroad.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, this degree sets you up perfectly for a master’s in fields such as Data Analytics, Public Policy, Political Economy, or Business Analytics at Alliance Manchester Business School. For those keen on research, opportunities in political science, computational social science, or doctoral study are also very achievable.