Politics graduate destinations

A Politics degree provides graduates with skills needed in a broad range of careers, especially those where knowledge of analytical and research methods, and an understanding of complex political issues, are required.

Data obtained from

  • Single and joint honours Politics courses (BA and BSc)
  • Graduates from the UK 

Responses were received from 70 UK graduates from 2019/20; this is a response rate of 53.4%

Destinations

Most important activityPercentage of graduates
Paid work for an employer 65.7%
Self-employment/freelancing 1.4%
Running my own business 1.4%
Developing a creative, artistic or professional portfolio 1.4%
Voluntary/unpaid work for an employer 1.4%
Engaged in a course of study, training or research 17.1%
Taking time out to travel 0%
Caring for someone 1.4%
Retired 0%
Unemployed and looking for work 8.6%
Doing something else 1.4%

Sector information

The transferable skills Politics graduates from Bristol gain mean that they are highly attractive to employers across all the sectors. Those who do not wish to enter a profession directly related to Politics may choose to enter careers that do not require a specific degree. At present around 70% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline.

Employment sectorNumber of graduates
Accounting, bookkeeping and auditing activities; tax consultancy 6
Advertising agencies 3
Public relation and communication activities 3
Publishing of newspapers 2
Other sectors (23 sectors) 31

Employers and occupations

Examples of employers

  • KPMG LLP
  • CIL Management Consultants
  • Atkins
  • North Bristol NHS Trust
  • Hill and Knowlton Strategies

Examples of occupations

  • Analyst
  • Communications Officer
  • Digital Marketing Executive
  • Journalist
  • Sales Development Representative

Further study

Qualification typePercentage of graduates

Higher degree, mainly by research (e.g. PhD, DPhil, MPhil, MRes)

0%

Higher degree, mainly by taught course (e.g. MA, MSc, MBA)

81.3%

Postgraduate diploma or certificate (including PGCE/PGDE)

0%

Professional qualification

6.3%

Undergraduate degree (including integrated master’s degrees) (e.g. BA, BSc, MBChB, MEng)

0%
Other undergraduate diploma or certificate not specified above 0%
Other qualification 6.3%
Not aiming for a formal qualification 0%

My current role is related to my degree as it focuses on social justice and improving society. Studying Politics and some modules of Sociology helped crystalise why I wanted a job in the charity sector. My final year involved a lot of presentations, as well as writing proposals and reports - all extremely useful skills.

Rosie, Corporate Partnerships Manager, The Prince's Trust (BSc Politics, 2009)

Connect with alumni

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