BSc Hons Politics

At Surrey, studying politics is about much more than lectures and essays — it’s about experiencing how politics works in the real world. From day one, you’ll learn to think and act like a political professional: analysing real data, debating real issues, and applying your knowledge through projects, placements, and research. The course is designed to give you practical skills that employers value, so you’ll graduate with both academic knowledge and hands-on experience.

Here’s how Surrey brings learning to life:

• Professional Training Year: Take the opportunity to spend a year on a paid placement with a government department, NGO, political consultancy, or research organisation. It’s a chance to build your CV, gain professional experience, and make industry connections before you graduate.

• Independent research project: In your final year, you’ll design and carry out your own research on a political topic that inspires you, applying the theories, data analysis tools, and methods you’ve learned to real-world questions.

• Practical research skills and software: Learn how to collect and analyse political data using industry-standard software and research tools — skills that are highly sought after in policy, government, and research roles.

• Study and work abroad: Broaden your global perspective by spending part of your degree studying or interning at one of Surrey’s partner universities or organisations overseas, preparing you for careers on the international stage.

• Guest lectures, debates, and simulations: Hear directly from political professionals, take part in lively debates, and join simulation workshops that recreate the fast-paced decision-making environments found in government and diplomacy.

Every part of your Surrey experience is designed to help you graduate ready for the real world — with the skills, confidence, and professional experience to stand out in competitive careers.

A Politics degree from Surrey opens doors to a wide range of careers where you can shape policy, influence decisions, and make an impact on society. You’ll graduate with strong analytical, research, and communication skills — the kind that employers across government, international organisations, NGOs, and the media actively look for. Many Surrey graduates go on to careers in roles such as:

• Policy Advisor or Public Affairs Consultant

• Political Analyst or Researcher

• Communications or Media Officer

• Government or NGO Project Manager

Here’s how Surrey helps you get there:

• Dedicated career support: Surrey’s award-winning Employability and Careers Centre offers one-to-one coaching, CV and interview workshops, and networking events to connect you with employers in politics, policy, and public affairs.

• Placement opportunities: Through the university’s renowned Professional Training Year, you can spend up to a year working with a government department, political consultancy, NGO, or research organisation — giving you a strong head start in the job market.

• Strong employment outcomes: Around 95% of Surrey graduates are in work or further study soon after graduation, with 87% securing graduate-level roles. Students who complete a placement year enjoy even higher success rates.

• Competitive salaries: Politics graduates from Surrey typically earn starting salaries of around £25,000–£30,000, with opportunities to progress into more senior roles that pay significantly more.

• Powerful industry links: Surrey’s strong partnerships with public sector bodies, NGOs, and private organisations — along with its active alumni network — mean you’ll have access to valuable placement, mentoring, and career opportunities.

• Global recognition: Surrey is ranked among the top UK universities for graduate outcomes and employability, and its degrees are widely respected by employers around the world.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduating, many students choose to continue their studies with a Master’s in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, or Social Research — either at Surrey or at other top universities worldwide. You could also progress to a PhD or MPhil in areas like political sociology, comparative politics, or governance, or pursue professional qualifications in public administration, global development, or policy analysis to deepen your expertise and expand your career options.