BSc Politics

Studying Politics at Southampton isn’t just about reading theories—it’s about stepping into the real world of political debate, policymaking, and public life. From your very first year, you’ll be encouraged to think critically, take part in debates, and see how political ideas shape society. The course is designed to give you more than just classroom knowledge; you’ll gain practical skills through field visits, group projects, policy engagement, and access to specialist research centres. With the support of state-of-the-art digital tools, a world-class library, and experienced academics who are active in their fields, you’ll graduate confident and career-ready.

Here are some of the ways you’ll experience learning beyond lectures:

• Field Trips to the Heart of Politics – Experience how government really works by visiting Westminster and Whitehall, bringing your studies to life right where policies are made.

• Placements & Public Engagement – Build your CV by working with policymakers, think tanks, and civil service contacts arranged through the department.

• Interactive Simulations & Debates – Take part in role-play exercises that mimic real political negotiations and public policy decision-making.

• Group Projects – Collaborate with classmates on topical issues, honing teamwork, presentation, and research skills employers really value.

• Research Opportunities – Get involved with Southampton’s specialist centres on areas like democratic innovation, migration, and public opinion, as well as the University’s own Public Policy Unit.

• Weekly Research Seminars – Join lively discussions led by expert academics and guest speakers tackling some of today’s most urgent political questions.

• Digital Learning Tools – Use the Blackboard online learning hub, library e-resources, and fast campus Wi-Fi to stay connected and access materials anytime.

• Hartley Library – Study in one of the south coast’s biggest university libraries, home to rare political archives like the Ford Parliamentary Papers and a European Documentation Centre.

• Modern Study & IT Facilities – Take advantage of computer labs, dedicated software, and collaborative study spaces to support your coursework and independent projects.

Studying Politics at Southampton opens up a wide range of opportunities once you graduate. Within 15 months, about 95% of our graduates are either working or studying further, and those in employment earn an average salary of around £29,000. Many step into roles such as policy researcher, civil service officer, paralegal, campaign strategist, or analyst in the private sector — careers where political insight and critical thinking really make a difference.

And to help you get there, you’ll benefit from much more than just your degree:

• Dedicated career support through our Careers & Employability Service, offering advice on CVs, applications, interviews and networking — not just during your degree, but for three years after you graduate.

• Excellent graduate outcomes: 95% of Politics graduates secure work or further study, with salaries averaging £29,000.

• Placement opportunities: You can choose to take a year in employment, with students consistently praising the experience as invaluable preparation for the job market.

• Real-world connections: The Department works closely with Southampton’s Public Policy Unit, meaning you’ll be part of conversations that influence real policy and decision-making.

• Trusted reputation: As a Russell Group university, Southampton is known for research excellence, and in the REF 2021, all of our research impact was judged “outstanding” or “very considerable.”

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to continue your studies, you’ll have a strong foundation to move into a specialist master’s — for example in International Security and Risk, Data Analytics for Government, or Public Administration (MPA). You could also explore advanced research through an MPhil or PhD, working alongside academics whose expertise shapes national and global debates.