Best UK Universities for Politics 2025 | QS Rankings

About Politics

Politics is the study of power, governance, political systems, and public policy. In the UK, politics programs are characterized by strong connections to government, think tanks, and international organizations. The UK's parliamentary democracy and global diplomatic role provide exceptional opportunities for understanding political processes and policy-making.

UK universities offer comprehensive politics programs covering political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and political economy. Students develop analytical skills, research abilities, and understanding of political institutions. Many programs include internships with government departments, MPs, or international organizations.

The QS World University Rankings 2025 for Politics evaluates institutions based on academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, and the H-index—providing a comprehensive view of each university's standing in this competitive field.

Career Prospects

Graduates in Politics enjoy diverse career prospects in government, public policy, international organizations, and political consultancy. The UK's extensive public sector and political scene offer excellent opportunities for qualified political scientists. Many graduates also find success in journalism, think tanks, and corporate sectors.

Popular career paths include:

Government Policy Advisor and Civil Servant
Political Researcher and Analyst
International Relations Specialist
Public Affairs and Lobbying Consultant
Political Journalist and Media Professional
NGO and Charity Policy Officer
Political Risk Analyst
Academic Researcher and Lecturer

The average starting salary for politics graduates in the UK varies by sector, with public sector roles often starting at £22,000-£28,000, while specialized positions in consulting and international organizations can exceed £35,000. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study for specialized roles in research or policy.

The growing complexity of public policy, international relations, and political communication continues to drive demand for politics graduates.

University	QS
University of Oxford	3
London School of Economics and Political Science	4
University of Cambridge	7
University College London	18
King's College London	28
University of Edinburgh	35
University of Warwick	51-100
The University of Manchester	51-100
University of Bristol	51-100
Durham University	51-100
University of Glasgow	51-100
University of Leeds	51-100
University of Nottingham	51-100
University of Sheffield	51-100
University of St Andrews	51-100
University of Birmingham	101-150
Cardiff University	101-150
University of Essex	101-150
Lancaster University	101-150
Queen Mary University of London	101-150
University of Southampton	101-150
Newcastle University	151-200
Queen’s University Belfast	151-200
University of Liverpool	151-200

University

University of Oxford

London School of Economics and Political Science

University of Cambridge

University College London

King's College London

University of Edinburgh

University of Warwick

51-100

The University of Manchester

51-100

University of Bristol