BSc Politics and Philosophy

At LSE, studying Politics and Philosophy goes far beyond the lecture hall. You won’t just learn abstract theories—you’ll constantly apply ideas to real-world debates, sharpen your reasoning through tutorials, and build confidence by tackling challenging questions head-on. Being right in the heart of London also means you’re surrounded by opportunities to connect with policy networks, cultural institutions, and some of the world’s leading thinkers.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Specialist research labs – You can use the Behavioural Lab, which is equipped with advanced software and technology to explore questions in political psychology, decision-making, and experimental philosophy.

• Digital learning tools – LSE provides computer rooms with specialist applications, plus the iRoam laptop service, so you’ll always have access to the tools you need for study and research.

• World-class library – The LSE Library (British Library of Political and Economic Science) is one of the richest social science collections anywhere, giving you access to rare archives, journals, and online resources.

• Work placements and projects – Through LSE Careers, you can gain hands-on experience with internships, volunteering, and project work, all designed to put your knowledge into action in real policy or community contexts.

• Virtual consultancy challenges – LSE partners with platforms like Practera, where students work in small teams on real projects for external organisations such as charities or creative businesses.

• Collaborative tutorials – Weekly small-group tutorials are built into your programme, giving you a space to debate ideas, test your arguments, and grow your critical thinking skills.

• Public events and guest speakers – LSE is famous for its lively programme of talks and panels. You’ll hear directly from politicians, philosophers, and public intellectuals who are shaping today’s debates.

Together, these experiences mean you’re not only studying the big questions of politics and philosophy—you’re also building the practical skills to analyse, debate, and make an impact in the real world.

Graduating from LSE’s BSc Politics and Philosophy opens doors to a wide variety of careers. Employers value the mix of analytical rigour and ethical reasoning that this programme builds. Whether you see yourself shaping policy, influencing public debate, or leading in global organisations, this degree gives you a strong foundation.

Many of our graduates step into roles such as:

• Policy Analyst in government, NGOs, or think-tanks

• Consultant in strategy or public sector work

• Analyst in banking, finance, or professional services

• Journalist or Media Professional, reporting on politics and society

And the outcomes speak for themselves:

• Career support at LSE: You’ll have access to LSE Careers, offering tailored one-to-one advice, employer networking events, CV workshops, and fairs that bring top firms and organisations to campus.

• Employment stats: Within 15 months of graduation, Politics and Philosophy graduates report a median salary of £35,000, moving into sectors like consultancy, government, finance, and media.

• Industry links: LSE’s global reputation ensures that organisations—ranging from consultancies and financial firms to government departments and international NGOs—actively recruit directly from campus.

• Long-term value: LSE graduates consistently rank among the UK’s top earners by their late 20s, reflecting both the degree’s prestige and the strength of its alumni network.

• Graduate outcomes: Alumni go on to careers in business, banking, central and local government, education, research, and journalism.

Further Academic Progression

If you want to keep studying after your degree, there are excellent options. Many graduates continue at LSE or other leading universities for Master’s programmes in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or Philosophy. Others take a Law Conversion Course to move into a legal career, or pursue a PhD to deepen their research. You could also specialise through postgraduate diplomas in areas like Public Administration, Development, or Data Analytics for Policy.