How long is the BA in Electoral Systems and Politics?

The BA in Electoral Systems and Politics runs for three years full-time at LSLPE, with part-time and accelerated routes and a year-two placement in Westminster or a think tank.

How is the BA in Electoral Systems and Politics delivered?

The BA in Electoral Systems and Politics is offered on-campus in central London, online, and by distance learning, all with the same seminars and dissertation supervision.

Is the BA in Electoral Systems and Politics recognised in the UK?

Yes, the BA in Electoral Systems and Politics is a UK Level 6 honours degree aligned with Political Studies Association benchmarks and British Election Study methodology.

What are the entry requirements for the BA in Electoral Systems and Politics?

You need BBB at A-level or a Level 3 Access to HE Diploma, GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C, IELTS 6.5 if applicable, and two academic references.

What are the fees and funding options for the BA in Electoral Systems and Politics?

Fees are confirmed at application, with instalment plans, employer-sponsorship guidance and international scholarship advice for students on the BA in Electoral Systems and Politics.

BA in Electoral Systems and Politics | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The BA in Electoral Systems and Politics is a three-year UK Level 6 honours degree combining political theory, comparative electoral studies, campaign management and applied research methods. The syllabus is aligned with Political Studies Association benchmarks and draws on the applied practice of the Electoral Commission, the British Election Study and campaigning organisations across the UK party system. Part-time and accelerated routes are available.

By graduation you will have modelled seat outcomes under different electoral systems, produced a campaign strategy document, run an election-night simulation for a chosen contest, and completed a final-year dissertation on a live UK or comparative electoral question. Your year-two placement will sit in a party HQ, a Parliamentary office, an elections-focused think tank or an Electoral Commission-adjacent partner.

Key Features

Three-year honours structure with year-two placement in Westminster or an elections-focused think tank.
Syllabus aligned with Political Studies Association benchmarks and British Election Study methodology.
Applied research modules using published UK, US and European electoral datasets.
Named programme tutor from year one and a dissertation supervisor from year two.
Three parallel study modes: on-campus in central London, online, and by distance learning.
Careers-service ties into party HQs, Parliamentary offices and campaigning organisations.

What You Will Learn

Electoral-system design: majoritarian, proportional and mixed rules with their consequences.
Party-system analysis and voter behaviour across the UK and comparable democracies.
Campaign strategy: message discipline, canvassing, targeting and get-out-the-vote.
Public-opinion research: polling, focus groups and MRP modelling.
Digital campaigning, targeted advertising and election-law compliance.
The role of the Electoral Commission and the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act.
Comparative electoral systems: UK, US, French, German, Australian and Commonwealth cases.
Independent research methods for a final-year dissertation.

Who This Course Is For

School-leavers with a strong interest in campaigns, elections and political analysis.
Working political staff and party organisers seeking a full UK honours credential.
Career changers moving from journalism, communications or NGO advocacy into political analysis.
International applicants pursuing UK electoral experience before entering home-country political work.

Career Pathways

Election Analyst
Parliamentary Researcher
Political Communications Officer
Political Analyst
Political Consultant
Public Affairs Officer
Government Relations Manager
Political Analyst at a broadcaster or newspaper

The LSLPE careers service holds year-round links with party HQs, Parliamentary offices, election-focused think tanks and public-affairs firms, and supports BA graduates from CV clinic through to final interview.

Entry Requirements

A-levels (or equivalent) at BBB or above, or a UK Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Two academic references and a personal statement outlining your interest in electoral politics.
International applicants receive dedicated visa and accommodation support from LSLPE admissions.

Why Study at LSLPE

The London School of Law, Politics and Economics teaches electoral politics in the same neighbourhood as Parliament, the party HQs of Westminster and the elections-focused think-tank cluster around Whitehall. Seminars are run in the case-room and select-committee tradition, and guest sessions come from working campaign staff and elections analysts.

Three parallel study modes let progressors, working practitioners and international applicants complete the BA without leaving employment, and the LSLPE careers service maintains active links with Westminster, the Electoral Commission-adjacent partners and public-affairs firms.

Apply for BA in Electoral Systems and Politics

Applications for the BA in Electoral Systems and Politics are open, with placement year confirmed at enrolment. Apply for the LSLPE Bachelor's programme, placement year in chambers, government or a think tank included, admissions responds within one working day. Enrol Now