How long is the BA in Political Science?

The BA in Political Science is a three-year full-time UK honours degree. Part-time and accelerated pathways for the BA in Political Science are also available, and all include a year-two placement.

In what modes can I study the BA in Political Science?

The BA in Political Science is delivered on-campus in central London, live online, and by distance learning. All three modes of the BA in Political Science share the same seminar and placement structure.

Is the BA in Political Science UK-recognised?

Yes. The BA in Political Science is a UK Level 6 honours degree aligned with Political Studies Association and BISA-informed themes, with a placement year in a think tank, Parliament or public-affairs firm.

What are the entry requirements for the BA in Political Science?

Applicants to the BA in Political Science need A-levels at BBB or above, or an equivalent Access route, plus GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C, IELTS 6.5 for non-native speakers, and two references.

How much does the BA in Political Science cost and is funding available?

Tuition for the BA in Political Science is confirmed in your written offer. Fee-in-instalment plans, employer sponsorship and international scholarship guidance are supported by LSLPE admissions.

BA in Political Science | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The BA in Political Science is a three-year UK Level 6 honours degree with part-time and accelerated routes, calibrated to the applied political-science practice of think tanks, government departments, party research units and international bodies. Foundational modules in political theory, comparative politics, international relations and applied research methods sit alongside optional specialisms, and the degree includes a year-two placement in a think tank, MP or peer's office, government-relations firm or NGO.

By graduation you will be running applied political-science research, drafting policy and campaign briefings, and defending an original dissertation in front of a panel drawn from Political Studies Association-adjacent researchers and practitioners.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with Political Studies Association (PSA), British International Studies Association (BISA) and Institute for Government (IfG)-informed themes.
Applied research modules across qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods.
Year-two placement in a think tank, MP or peer's office, government-relations firm or NGO.
Weekly seminars in the case-room and select-committee tradition with named tutor support.
Final-year capstone or dissertation supervised by practising political scientists.
Central London base within reach of Whitehall, Parliament, Chatham House and think-tank row.

What You Will Learn

Classical and modern political theory from Aristotle through to Rawls.
Comparative politics across advanced, emerging and post-authoritarian systems.
Formal analysis of parties, electoral systems and legislative behaviour.
Applied political-behaviour analysis using survey data and experimental methods.
International relations theory including realism, liberalism and constructivism.
Public administration and Whitehall-style policy-making.
Applied political-science research design and mixed-methods practice.
How to write a political-science research brief for a policy audience.

Who This Course Is For

School-leavers and career changers targeting political-analyst and policy careers.
Working professionals in party research or public affairs moving to full honours qualification.
International applicants planning a UK political-science degree with a placement.
Journalists and communications staff building an analytical honours base.
Applicants intending Master's-level research in political science or public policy.

Career Pathways

Political Analyst in a think tank or consultancy
Parliamentary Researcher in an MP or Peer's office
Public Affairs Consultant at a government-relations firm
Government Relations Manager in a corporate team
Foreign Policy Adviser support role in a government team
Election Analyst in a party or campaign consultancy
Policy Adviser trainee in Whitehall

The LSLPE careers service supports Bachelor's students with placement matching, Civil Service Fast Stream and think-tank application coaching.

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 setting out your interest in political science.
International applicants receive dedicated visa and accommodation support from LSLPE admissions.

Why Study at LSLPE

The London School of Law, Politics and Economics teaches political science as an applied research discipline in small, tutor-visible cohorts. Central London places Parliament, Whitehall, Chatham House and the LSE-adjacent think-tank corridor within a short tube ride, which matters for a degree whose seminar guests and placement partners live inside that corridor.

The LSLPE careers service refreshes curriculum alignment each year against PSA, BISA and Institute for Government-informed guidance.

Apply for BA in Political Science

Applications for the BA in Political Science are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply for the LSLPE Bachelor's programme with a placement year in a think tank, Parliament or public-affairs firm included. Enrol Now