Understand the factors and forces that affect the lives of everyone, so you can change them for the better.
We’ve seen unprecedented events and influential figures turning politics on its head over the last decade. A pandemic, global conflicts, civil unrest and relentless news cycles have escalated some already chaotic times.
With our Politics BA, you’ll be able to make sense of the political players and factors shaping the world today. You’ll be able to cast a critical eye on political events and phenomena like Brexit and populism, as you become well-versed in core areas of political studies.
You also have the chance to study optional modules tailored to your interests, including the media and democratic politics, gender, race and culture, the far right, human rights, foreign policy, and the politics of the US and China.
As you sharpen your diverse skill set that includes data analysis, research and critical thinking, you’ll make yourself highly sought after within a broad range of careers. By the end of your course, you’ll become a better citizen, empowered with the skills and confidence to navigate the increasingly challenging political landscape we face.
“I feel very lucky to have got onto my course as it has given me so many opportunities: not only through a placement year, but guest speakers and parliament visits.”
Rebecca Yates, BA Politics and Parliamentary Studies
Why study at Leeds
A world-ranked School: Build your politics expertise in our highly-regarded School of Politics and International Studies.
Engage with expert tutors: Learn from influential academics who are helping to shape policy and hear from inspiring guest speakers.
Your path to Parliament: Pursue our Parliamentary Studies pathway with the opportunity to spend a year on placement in a political office, usually in Westminster.
Level up your research skills: Add an analytical focus to your degree with the opportunity to apply for a Quantitative Research Methods pathway, helping you develop advanced analytical skills that are in high demand by employers worldwide.
Study the politics of today: Explore the latest real-world challenges in a range of political subjects, shaped by world-leading research.
Benefit from unique experiences: Get the opportunity to study abroad and develop an international perspective or undertake a work placement to gain real-world industry experience.
Rankings and awards
Top 20 in the UK for Politics, The Complete University Guide 2026
University of Leeds is ranked 77th in the world, QS World University Rankings 2027
Where this degree could take you
Graduates from BA Politics and BA Politics and Parliamentary Studies have pursued a wide range of careers, including:
parliamentary advisors or researchers
civil servants
diplomats
advocacy workers
parliamentary assistants
lobbyists
special advisors to senior ministers
political researchers
local government officers
elected MPs
Careers support
Top 10 most targeted for 10 years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
1
2
3
4
5
