Masters in Political Science in UK: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Masters in political science in UK explores comparative politics, public policy, international relations, and governance through seminars, research, and case analysis. Universities like Oxford, LSE, King’s College London, and Edinburgh typically charge £18,000–32,000 (₹19–34 L) yearly. Graduates often enter public service, diplomacy, think tanks, media, and policy research, earning £28,000–45,000 (₹30–48 L) early in their careers.

The masters in political science in UK and Political Economy provides a sound and core training in formal political science and in quantitative approaches to the political economy. Students acquire the profound knowledge and techniques to analyze political processes, institutional design and public policy making in liberal democracies and governments.

The streams offer courses in political economy, elections, legislature, executive governments, public policy, governmental development, and international political economy within the designated course  of a political science-oriented programme. The masters in political science from UK allows the students to get an overall idea of the workings of the political systems and the workings of the government. The core and developed knowledge that the students are imparted with give them a sound footing in their political careers.

Masters in political science in UK: Course Highlights

Why study Masters in political science in UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the best colleges and universities of the world. These universities are the forerunners in the fields of sciences, arts and other disciplines. They provide the aspirants with unlimited and world class facilities. Various subjects are taught by world renowned faculty and staff. Practical knowledge and hands-on experience makes these courses globally acknowledged.

• Quality Education :Universities for masters in political science in the UK, are amply available and offer course plans according to the needs and requirements of the students. There are a multitude of universities to choose from .These universities are highly recognized around the world. The quality of education provided by these universities are best in their league. 
• Career Opportunities: masters in political science in the UK, the  job opportunities for political science graduates are immense and every political organization looks for qualified and competent graduates to handle the workings of their politico-legal work front. 
• International exposure: working with the people and for the people is the prime scope for the Masters in Human Resource Management in the UK. And this primary aspect exposes the graduates to the various international platforms. 
• Support for international students: with the strategic knowledge provided by the universities the international students get excellent career opportunities and placements. The universities provide all round support to its international students.
• Cost effectiveness : with the availability scholarships and other privileges studying Masters in political science in the UK  fees are cost effective. 

Types of masters in political science in UK

The universities in the UK provide many types of masters degree in political science and they are taught and researched. 

• MSc in international relations
• MSc in diplomatic studies.
• MA in international relations
• MPhil in politics and international studies
• MA in peace and conflict studies
• Double masters in Asian and international affairs.
• MA in international law,ethics and politics.
• MSc in international relations management
• MA in political and legal theory
• MSc East Asian Relations.
• MA in international relations
• Global security Mres
• MA Human rights

And many other masters are available in political science in the universities of UK

Best universities for masters in political science in UK

1. University of Lancaster: provides a four year course in MA international relations and is considered to be one of the best universities in the UK. Ranked 132 nd in the world, it is an excellent choice for the study of political science.
2. University of York : this university also provides a 4 years course in political science ranked 151st in the world. The university provides scholarships and privileges to its students and placements as well.
3. University of St Andrews: The university provides students with a MA in political science. Ranked  91st in the world.
4. University of Warwick: MA in political science . Ranked  61st in the world . This university provides all the facilities for the progression of careers of its students.
5. University of Nottingham: provides an MA in political science with a course duration of one year. Ranked 103 rd in the world.

University requirements for masters in political science in UK

The universities providing Masters in political science in the UK have specific and certain mandatory requirements for native and international students , these requirements are as follows,

• Educational qualifications: an undergraduate degree in any related discipline with a 50 to 55% and having a UG degree in any related subject with a 2.2 or any similar qualification is required for the study of masters in human resource management in the UK.
• Standardized tests: proficiency in the English language is must for admission in any university in the UK. The students who do not have English as their first language need to pass certain tests. The IELTS score of 6.0 is an absolute requisite and a score of 5.5 in all the other components is mandatory. Equivalent test scores like the TOEFL and PTE are also accepted.
• English language proficiency test: a score of 6.0 is mandatory for the IELTS and other equivalent tests.
• Technical requirements: the technical requirements vary from university to university but generally a UG degree in any relevant or cognate discipline is required for admission.

Courses and curriculum vary according to the guidelines provided by the universities and also the structure and steps taken for the completion of the course varies from university to university. The opportunities provide to students also vary accordingly,

Course curriculum in masters in political science in UK

The students who graduate in political science from the universities of UK gain an unparalleled knowledge and become experts in the field of politics the important aspects of government and politics, political theory, and international studies are all taught with diligence to the students of masters in political science in the UK. Teaching is based on the contemporary politico-legal systems offered to students on need and merit basis the graduates are trained in the high standards and are taught how to  critically analyze, and understand and use of  research methods and techniques in politics. The students are taught about the various aspects of political theory and the practical application of these theories into the modern world of politics. The courses are designed in a way in which the student gets the complete knowledge of governments, policies and the workings of law in the various forms of government.

International relations play a very important role in the study of politics. The international political arena offers a vast career opportunity for the graduate and hence understanding the international forefront of politics is essential.

Research into the workings of the various forms of governments and also researching the various political  theories is a very important part of political studies.

Eligibility criteria for masters in political science in UK

There are a lot of eligibility criteria's for the masters in human resource management in UK universities,

• 50 to 55 % in any relevant subject or discipline.
• English proficiency test
• Universities have different criteria's.
• Declaration of Criminal records if any

Admission Requirements for masters in political science in UK

• Documents required: the admission process requires some important documents, those are listed below,
• Official transcripts and their scanned copies
• Proof of identification- Copy of passport
• Resume/ CV- detailing previous work experience and internships
• Proof of funds
• Optional GRE/ GMAT score
• Personal statement- Outlining why you wish to study the course
• LOR
• Interview- May be conducted by some popular universities.
• Scores of English proficiency test scores like PTE, TOEFL, IELTS.
• Completed application forms: all universities require completed online application forms with all details that are asked for.
• Transcripts: official transcripts and their copies are a mandatory submission for all UK universities.
• Standardized test scores: all standardized test scores like IELTS or equivalent are required.
• English language proficiency: For international students whose first language is not English , English proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS are required.
• Additional application materials: Some universities also ask applicants to submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a CV or resume.
• Proof of identity: A copy of a passport or other government-issued identification as proof of identity is required.
• Financial support documents: International students sometimes  need to submit financial support documents such as bank statements or a letter from a sponsor or guardian.

Exam requirements for masters in political science in the UK

The study of political in the UK has certain exam requirements for the students who are applying to these universities, English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL are required for the admission. GRE and GMAT scores are required.

Visa Requirements and work experience:

Along with the completion of the entry requirements there are other requirements too like the Visa requirements and documentation. For UK student visa processing time is around 3 weeks . Below  is a list of documents required to apply for  UK Tier-4 Visa:

• Passport details
• A recent passport size photograph
• Acceptance letter from a recognized UK institution
• Certificate of English language proficiency
• Proof of sufficient funds: 1,015 GBP (outside London) or 1,265 GBP (London)
• Proof of funds can be demonstrated with the help of bank statements, loan statements or scholarship letters.

Admission process for masters in political science in UK:

1. Research Universities and Check the requirements: researching universities and comparing the courses offered along with the compatibility with the applicant is absolutely necessary.
2. Complete the application form: the online application forms have to be completed with diligence.
3. Submit the required documents: all necessary documents should be submitted properly and with proof.
4. Submit additional application materials: if the university asks for additional documents like CV, recommendations and other such documents should be submitted.
5. Decision: after the application process is completed the university takes a certain amount of time to revert and let the students know about the admission. The decision is solely taken by the university upon certain criteria.

Cost of studying masters in political science in UK

There are many costs involved with studying masters in political science in UK has several stages,

The costs vary according to the universities the programmers they offer, the pre arrival costs include the program application fees,5000 to 10,000INR . Visa application fee around 35000 INR. IELTS fee, airfare and health insurance should be taken into consideration.

Different universities charge different fees and have varying fee structures.  The living costs and food costs should all be considered and researched. Thus the costs will depend on the varied situational program and different fee structures offered by the universities. 

Scholarship and Financial Aid for masters in political science in UK

There are different programs and scholarships given to students both in country and internationally, Kenneth Lindsay scholarships J.N.Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship, Mature students scholarship at university of Leicester, South Asia post graduate excellence award, University of Dundee Alumni Scholarship etc.

• Check with the university you plan to attend: the university websites must be read with care and understood, any queries can be put forth and the universities will answer accordingly. 
• Look for external scholarships: many organizations and also many philanthropic organizations offer scholarships to students , these can be researched and then applied to.
• Apply for graduate research programs: many universities offer graduate programs and student exchange programs which offer good opportunities for students .
• Consider working part-time or doing an internship: students can acquire extra money by doing extra jobs or part time jobs to fulfill their monetary requirements.

Career Opportunities after masters in political science in UK

The scope and opportunity for graduates of this discipline are immense and varied, the field for political science  graduates is huge and gaining momentum at an unimaginable pace in the modern governmental systems. The salaries vary from company to company. There is no dearth of job opportunities for political science graduates  in the UK and worldwide and governments and organizations are always on the lookout for good and potential graduates. The average income for a graduate is £25,014

After the completion of the degree the graduate can find several job opportunities in the UK and around the world as well. The Masters in political science degree in the UK is one of the best and globally acclaimed.