BSc Politics and International Relations

Studying Politics and International Relations at LSE means you won’t just be reading theory — you’ll be learning by doing. From day one, you’ll get the chance to test ideas, debate global issues, and use professional-level tools that prepare you for real-world careers. Being right in London also means you’re just a short walk from Parliament, government departments, embassies, NGOs, and global companies — so your classroom experience is directly linked to the world outside.

Here’s how LSE makes your learning practical and hands-on:

• Research internships – Apply for the Undergraduate Research Assistant Scheme and work directly with professors on live projects in areas like diplomacy, human rights, or global security.

• Internship funding – Through LSE’s Internship Fund, you can take up opportunities with charities, government bodies, or international organisations, even if they’re unpaid.

• Digital Skills Lab – Learn and practice with professional software such as SPSS, Stata, R, Python, SQL, and Power BI, which employers use for data and policy analysis.

• Behavioural Lab access – Experiment with cutting-edge research tools like iMotions, Gorilla, MATLAB, Tobii Pro Lab, and Qualtrics — the same platforms used in social science research worldwide.

• Collaborative learning – Courses such as LSE100 and International Relations: Theories, Concepts and Debates are built around group projects, problem-solving, and debates, giving you experience in teamwork and persuasive communication.

• Independent dissertation – In your final year, you can take on a dissertation, designing your own research question and building a full study with supervision — a great step if you’re considering postgraduate study or research careers.

• World-class library – The LSE Library (the British Library of Political and Economic Science) gives you access to one of the most comprehensive political and international relations collections anywhere.

• Career support in London – With LSE Careers, you’ll have guidance on CVs, interviews, and direct connections to employers, plus career fairs and events that bring recruiters onto campus.

Graduates of this programme go on to make an impact in areas that shape society and global affairs. Many move into careers in government, policy analysis, international organisations, or consulting, while others use their degree to enter the financial sector, research, or digital strategy roles. Thanks to the strength of the LSE brand and its global alumni network, you’ll find doors opening in London and around the world.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Tailored career support – LSE Careers gives you access to one-to-one guidance, practice interviews, employer networking events, and sector-specific panels. Many employers actively seek LSE graduates, particularly in government, NGOs, and finance.

• Employment stats & salaries – Around 75% of Politics & IR graduates are working or studying further within 15 months of finishing their degree. Starting salaries average around £35,000, with many graduates earning over £40,000 within five years.

• Real employer connections – You’ll benefit from LSE’s partnerships with international bodies, policy think tanks, government departments, and consultancy firms, all of which regularly take part in careers events on campus.

• Global recognition – LSE is ranked among the top 5 universities in the world for Politics & International Studies, so the degree carries exceptional weight wherever your career takes you.

• Graduate destinations – Alumni can be found in the financial sector, central and local government, policy institutes, teaching and academia, NGOs, and the tech/digital space.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re thinking of continuing your studies, many graduates progress to master’s degrees in International Relations, Global Politics, or Public Policy at LSE and other top universities. Others go on to PhD research or take professional qualifications in areas like development, political economy, or public administration. This degree is a strong foundation whether you want to specialise academically or broaden your career options internationally.