The 7 Best Political Science Universities in Europe

Are you looking to study political science? Political science is a popular and versatile undergraduate major that can lead to successful careers in law, business, finance, government, journalism, and academia. As you explore European politics, international relations, and political theory, you’ll develop key analytical, writing, and communication skills that will prepare you to succeed in graduate school. For those who seek a career in politics, government, or public policy, it’s important to consider the best political science universities in your studies.

In this blog, we’ll be exploring the best political science universities in Europe and share relevant insights into what makes each school unique. This blog aims to help you make an informed decision on which university best fits you and your needs.

• What Are the Best Universities for Political Science in Europe?
• What Is a Political Science Degree All About?
• What Are the Job Prospects for a Political Science Degree?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Universities for Political Science in Europe?

The following are the best political universities in Europe as of 2024:

1. University of Oxford

Acceptance rate: 22%

Average tuition cost: £9,250

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) is part of the Social Sciences Division at the University of Oxford, located in England. Renowned globally, the University of Oxford’s DPIR offers a world-class program in political science.

Oxford, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities worldwide, provides an intellectually stimulating environment for aspiring political scientists. Its tutorial system promotes personalized attention and deep exploration of political theory and international relations. Studying at Oxford grants access to top-tier faculty and extensive resources, making it one of the best political science universities in Europe.

If you’re interested in taking up Political Science at Oxford, you can choose from two joint-honours degrees: Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), and History and Politics (HP). Both degrees offer flexibility in selecting Politics papers.

Some notable alumni include:

• Bill Clinton, former President of the United States.
• Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former State Counsellor of Myanmar.
• Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India.

2. University College London

Acceptance rate: this institution does not disclose its acceptance rate

Average tuition cost: £9,000

University College London (UCL) is recognized as having one of the leading Political Science departments, not only in the UK but globally. It offers a uniquely stimulating environment for studying various fields of politics, including:

• international relations
• political theory
• public policy-making
• administration

The Department of Political Science serves as a bridge between UCL’s world-class research and the policy-making community, both in Britain and internationally. You will benefit from a wide range of weekly events, featuring distinguished external speakers and regular high-profile engagements with politicians and policymakers—making it one of the best political science universities.

Through class presentations, seminar discussions, and essay writing, you will develop the ability to present and defend arguments, conduct independent research, gather evidence, and form your own conclusions.

Notable alumni of UCL include:

• Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and a global icon of non-violent civil disobedience.
• Alexander Downer, former Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and former Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
• Dame Sarah Wollaston, former British MP and Chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee in the UK Parliament.

3. University of Cambridge

Acceptance rate: 21%

Average tuition cost: £9,250

The Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) at the University of Cambridge is responsible for research and teaching in political science, international relations, and public policy. It is part of the Faculty of Human, Social, and Political Science.

The University of Cambridge is currently ranked first in the UK for politics by both The Guardian and the Complete University Guide. It is also ranked among the top five for international relations and public policy. The Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) program at Cambridge is highly flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests or pursue a multidisciplinary approach, proving itself to be one of the best political science universities.

The course covers three core disciplines, taught by globally respected departments:

• Politics and International Relations. Examines political systems within and between countries, addressing issues like human rights, democracy, financial crises, and international conflict.
• Social Anthropology. Explores what it means to be human by studying social and cultural diversity, focusing on how people live, think, and interact worldwide.
• Sociology. Investigates the nature of modern societies and the processes shaping social life, examining institutions and topics such as power and inequality.

Depending on the track chosen, you may also take papers from other HSPS subjects or from other courses.

Some of Cambridge’s famous alumni are:

• Zakir Husain, former President of India and the first Muslim to hold the office.
• Dame Margaret Hodge, British Labour Party politician and former Minister of State for Culture and Tourism.
• Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and former Mayor of London.

4. London School of Economics and Political Science

Acceptance rate: 8%

Average tuition cost: £26,784

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a public research university in London, England, and a member of the University of London. 

The Department of Government at LSE is one of the largest political science departments in the UK, covering a broad spectrum of political studies. It offers a wide range of academic approaches, including:

• political theory
• political economy
• rational choice theory
• public policy
• Nationalism
• conflict studies
• comparative government
• history of institutions and policy

Many faculty members have specialized regional expertise in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The Department of Government is home to some of the world’s most respected experts in the study of politics—making it one of the best political science universities. Its expertise is organized around six key sub-disciplinary fields:

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

Both its research and educational programs reflect these strengths, producing influential work that has a global impact on policy.

Some of LSE’s renowned alumni are:

• John F. Kennedy, former President of the United States.
• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
• David Rockefeller, American banker, philanthropist, and former chairman of Chase Manhattan Corporation.

5. University of Manchester

Acceptance rate: this institution does not disclose its acceptance rate

Average tuition cost: £9,250

The Department of Political Science at Manchester University is one of the oldest and most prestigious programs, offering a rigorous political science major along with highly regarded Mock Trial and Model United Nations organizations. The program opportunities available are:

• Major in Political Science
• Minor in Political Science
• Concentration in Pre-Law
• Minor in International Studies

The political science program offers a systematic study of collective decision-making, power, and interest dynamics. Political scientists aim to explain human behavior by examining preferences, resources, institutional rules, norms, and socio-economic conditions. In the program, you will explore topics such as:

• foundations of political behavior
• major political philosophies
• ethical dimensions of politics and policy
• contemporary political systems
• relationships between nations

Some of Manchester’s notable alumni are:

• Chuka Umunna, former British Member of Parliament and former Shadow Business Secretary for the Labour Party.
• Lucy Powell, British Labour Party politician and current Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport.
• Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester and former Member of Parliament and Secretary of State for Health.

6. Catholic University of Leuven

Acceptance rate: this institution does not disclose its acceptance rate

Average tuition cost: £1,000

KU Leuven’s political science degree program addresses key international issues from a scientific perspective, preparing you for careers in political institutions, NGOs, and research organizations in the EU and beyond—making it one of the best political science universities.

KU Leuven will equip you with the theoretical and methodological skills necessary to study governance in a globalized world. You will learn to anticipate and tackle complex global challenges in:

• diplomacy
• peacebuilding
• conflict resolution
• international development
• environmental politics
• political economy

You will also explore regional political developments in Europe, North America, China, Russia, and Eurasia.

Some of KU Leuven’s notable alumni include:

• Herman Van Rompuy, former Prime Minister of Belgium and the first President of the European Council.
• Mark Eyskens, former Prime Minister of Belgium and former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Finance.
• Guy Verhofstadt, former Prime Minister of Belgium and current Member of the European Parliament, known for his work on European integration and reforms.

7. King’s College London

Acceptance rate: this institution does not disclose its acceptance rate

Average tuition cost: £9,250

The interaction of people, ideas, and institutions plays a crucial role in shaping political processes and government decision-making at global, national, regional, and local levels. King’s College London’s (KCL) Politics BA/BSc program will deepen your understanding of the relationship between government and society while exploring questions related to political order and decision-making.

KCL’s political science program offers a challenging and stimulating curriculum that covers international politics, comparative politics, and political theory, with a strong focus on developing your analytical and research skills. You will learn to think critically and independently about key political issues while acquiring a range of skills to support your intellectual, vocational, and personal growth.

KCL’s research-led curriculum promotes critical analysis and debate on contemporary international political and policy issues.

Some of its famous alumni are:

• Lord (David) Hannay of Chiswick, former British diplomat and member of the House of Lords, known for his work in international diplomacy and as a former British Ambassador to the United Nations and the European Union.
• Nadine Dorries, British Conservative Party politician who has served as the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and as a Member of Parliament.
• Priti Patel, British Conservative Party politician who has served as the Home Secretary and as a Member of Parliament, known for her roles in domestic policy and immigration.

What Is a Political Science Degree All About?

Political science is the study of government, public policies, and political behavior. It combines humanistic perspectives with scientific methods to examine political systems around the world.

Political science degrees, whether an associate degree or a Ph.D., fall under the umbrella of social sciences. While social sciences are often considered “soft” sciences compared to “hard” sciences like chemistry or physics, political science is increasingly becoming data-driven.

A bachelor’s degree in political science can be earned as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). The availability and specific requirements for each type of degree can vary between institutions. Generally, a BS in political science includes coursework in mathematics and statistics.

As a political science major, you will develop essential skills in writing, communication, analysis, and computer use that are vital for a liberal arts education. You will gain insights into the inner workings of political systems, the impact of political behavior, and the actions needed to drive political and social change.

Throughout your degree, you will analyze local, national, and international issues, such as social equity and climate change. You will explore how these topics relate to historical, current, and emerging political systems and processes.

What Are the Job Prospects for a Political Science Degree?

Political science majors have diverse career opportunities across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. While some pursue careers directly in politics and policy, others apply their skills in various fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for political scientists is projected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average. Here are some fields to consider:

Government and public administration

• Public policy analyst. Political science majors with strong critical thinking, writing, and research skills are well-suited for roles as policy analysts. They develop and present clear statements on public policy proposals, creating strong arguments for or against specific initiatives. Analysts use their knowledge of the political and legislative process to garner support and advance policy goals.
• Government official. Graduates can begin their careers in local government roles, such as city council positions, and advance to state or federal government roles, including becoming a senator. These positions involve public service, legislation, and representing constituents. Political science graduates are skilled in navigating governmental complexities to drive community change. Internships, campaign work, and civil service experience are valuable steps toward impactful political roles.

International relations

• Diplomat. Diplomats represent their nation’s interests and maintain peaceful relations with other countries. Political science graduates with a solid background in international relations can excel in diplomacy, starting as foreign service officers and potentially advancing to ambassadorial roles. Diplomats handle complex issues and serve as crucial links between their home country and the international community.
• International NGO worker. NGOs address a variety of causes, such as human rights, the environment, health, and education. Political science graduates can work for NGOs to advocate for change, manage programs, and mobilize resources to address global challenges. This role offers an opportunity to influence policy, collaborate with stakeholders, and champion important causes.

Law and legal field

• Lawyer. Political science students can become constitutional lawyers by attending law school. These lawyers interpret and apply constitutional principles to cases involving civil rights, public policy, and constitutional issues. They ensure that laws and government actions adhere to the constitution, protecting individual liberties and upholding societal foundations.
• Legal consultant. Legal consultants assist clients with complex legal matters and ensure regulatory compliance. Political science graduates provide strategic legal solutions, manage risks, and contribute to the success and integrity of corporations or government agencies.

Media and journalism

• Political journalist. With a deep understanding of politics and government structures, political science graduates can pursue careers in journalism. They deliver news and analysis that helps the public engage with political issues. Political journalists play a vital role in informing the public, holding those in power accountable, and shaping public discourse.
• Political analyst. Political analysts specialize in political systems, research, and data analysis. They provide insightful commentary on complex issues through news programs, op-eds, and panel discussions. Their expertise is crucial in helping the public and policymakers understand current events, enriching public debate and decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a political science degree to become a lawyer?

No.  On its own, a degree in political science is not enough to be a lawyer. Lawyers need to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and pass the Bar examination in order to practice law.

2. Do political science majors engage in quantitative research work?

Quantitative methods, including game theory and statistics, are widely used in the field. However, much of the research and many courses in the department also rely on qualitative methods, such as case studies, historical analysis, qualitative fieldwork, and normative analysis in political theory.

3. What’s the starting salary for political science graduates?

According to PayScale, political science majors can expect to start their careers earning an average of $77,000 in roles such as research analysts, program and account managers, and marketing professionals.

Takeaways

• If you’re planning to do an exchange study program in Europe,these are the best universities for a political science degree: University of Oxford, University College London, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Manchester, Catholic University of Leuven, and King’s College London.
• Political Science is not only a great pre-law, it’s also a gateway to many other fields such as media, journalism, academia, and governance.
• Excited to submit your application as an international student in Europe? Don’t fret! We’re here to help. AdmissionSight has more than a decade of experience in helping students enter their dream school.