BSc Politics and International Relations

On this programme, you’ll learn about the theory and practice of politics in the contemporary world – comparing political ideologies and systems in different cultures and countries. You’ll also look at the role of politics and power in international relations and examine how the international community works in terms of rules, interests, institutions and customs.

Your time will be divided equally between politics and international relations and you can tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations. You’ll study alongside students from many countries – providing rich and diverse insights from different perspectives.

Our graduates embark on careers in the financial sector, central and local government, policy work, teaching, research and IT and digital technology.

If you wish to gain further insight into politics we suggest that you look at one or more of the following books:

The general character of politics

• J Colomer The Science of Politics: an introduction (Oxford University Press, 2011)
• R Goodin The Oxford Handbook of Political Science (Oxford University Press, 2009)
• I Katznelson and H Milner (eds.) Political Science: state of the discipline (New York: Wiley, 2002)

Political thought

Many classic texts of political thought are readily available in a variety of editions:

• Machiavelli The Prince
• J S Mill Considerations on Representative Government
• M Wollstonecraft A Vindication of the Rights of Women

Political analysis and political institutions

• W R Clark, M Golder and S Nadenichek Golder Principles of Comparative Politics (CQ Press, 2009)
• P Dunleavy and J Dryzek Theories of the Democratic State (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009)
• R Morton Analyzing Elections (Norton, 2006)
• E Ostrom, Governing the Commons: the evolution of institutions for collective action (Cambridge University Press, 1990/2015)

International relations

• C Alden and A Aron Foreign Policy Analysis: new approaches (Routledge, 2011)
• J Baylis, S Smith and P Owens (eds) The Globalization of World Politics: an introduction to international relations (6th edition, Oxford University Press, 2013)
• C Brown, with K Ainley Understanding International Relations (Macmillan, 2009)
• B Buzan and R Little International Systems in World History: remaking the study of international relations (Oxford University Press, 2000)
• R Jackson and G Sorensen An Introduction to International Relations: theories and approaches (5th edition, Oxford University Press, 2012)
• R Shilliam International Relations and Non-Western Thought: imperialism, colonialism and investigations of global modernity (Routledge, 2010)
• J Steans Gender & International Relations (Polity Press, 2013)
• T G Weiss and R Wilkinson (eds) International Organization and Global Governance (Routledge, 2014)
• J Young and J Kent International Relations since 1945: a global history (2nd ed, Oxford University Press, 2013)

You’ll take two compulsory courses in politics and one in international relations before choosing one course from options in international relations and from other departments.

Additionally, you’ll take LSE100.

Your second year includes two international relations courses (from five options) and two government options.

In the final year, you choose from different government and international relations course options. You’ll have the chance to complete a dissertation (in government or international relations) or take further courses – one of which can be an external option from outside the department.

The Department of Government is an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research on politics and government.

Within our department, we have 850 undergraduates, postgraduates and research students and more than 40 faculty staff – who come from 80 countries.

Our research focuses on six main areas:

• comparative politics
• conflict studies
• political behaviour and political psychology
• political economy and institutional analysis
• political theory
• public policy and public administration.

The department’s work covers national, sub-national and global politics – with a strong emphasis on public-facing research.

Teaching within the department draws on these strengths and our central role in a prestigious social science institution. As a student, you’ll learn from internationally renowned academics and study in the heart of London, close to the UK’s political heartland in Westminster and the Houses of Parliament.

Our students gain the knowledge and skills to become sharp-minded critical thinkers who apply diverse analytical perspectives to political issues and conflicts around the globe. We encourage students to reflect on what it means to be responsible for addressing urgent public problems and engage in these issues in practical ways to prepare for their future careers. Our graduates find fulfilling roles in government, financial and professional services, teaching and research.

Learn more about our programmes, research, public events and people.

Department of Government

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• an awareness of and genuine interest in current political issues
• a willingness to read extensively
• an ability to analyse data
• an ability to evaluate and challenge conventional views
• initiative
• good communication skills
• excellent time management
• intellectual curiosity
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard
• an equal interest in both politics and international relations.

The 2027/28 tuition fee for Home students hasn’t yet been set. As a guide, the 2026/27 fee for Home students is £9,790. The Home undergraduate fee is charged in line with the maximum fee determined by the UK Government and may increase in subsequent years, in line with government plans.

The 2027/28 tuition fee for Overseas students is currently under review and will be set in the Summer of 2026. As a guide, the 2026/27 fee for Overseas students is £30,700 per year.

The Overseas student undergraduate fee may rise in line with inflation in subsequent years. Once announced, the Overseas tuition fee will remain at the same amount for each subsequent year of your full-time study regardless of the length of your programme. This information applies to new Overseas undergraduate entrants starting their studies from 2027 onwards.

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a wide range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams. Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and feedback is normally given within two weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

Summative assessment varies from course to course but it may involve a written examination, assessed essays, a dissertation and in-class assessment.

Please note that assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. You’ll receive feedback on any summative coursework as part of the assessment for individual courses (except for final submitted dissertations). Feedback will normally be provided before the examination period.

See details of the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods.

Politics graduates have a range of skills and can fit into a variety of positions in modern life. Our former students have followed careers in business and banking, in law, in central and local government, in teaching and research, in public and university administration, and in journalism and television.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.