Political Science is the comparative study of power and politics from the local, state, national and international perspective. This includes understanding political thoughts, ideologies, institutions, policies, processes and behaviours, while also understanding groups, class, government, diplomacy, legislation, strategy and conflict.

Political Science is a broad field that covers topics like national and global politics, comparative politics, political philosophy, law, international relations and many more and it connects with other disciplines including economics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, communications, journalism and social policy and thus ensures holistic and interdisciplinary learning.

Studying Political Science is the first step towards understanding and having a say in ones’ rights and responsibilities as a citizen. A degree in the discipline will enable students to learn of rapidly changing political and economic forces in a global perspective and they will develop an understanding of political behaviour and communication, public opinion and voting, and regional issues. Additionally, students will develop intellectual, practical and language skills.

Study levels:

The one thing that sets apart the scope of Political Science is its versality in every part of the world.

There are many Political Science courses that students can pursue right from the undergraduate level and like any academic discipline, it can be further explored through postgraduate and doctorate courses. These are:

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
• Bachelor of Science in Political Science
• Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Security
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and World Politics
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Rights
• Bachelor’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies
• Bachelors of Science in Politics and Economics
• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy
• Master of Arts in Political Science
• Master of Arts in Security Policy Studies
• Master of Arts in International Relations
• Master of Arts in Public Administration
• Master of Arts in Transnational Governance
• Master of Science in Politics and Society
• Master’s Degree in Conflict and Terrorism Studies
• Master of Arts in Political Analysis and Public Policy
• Ph.D. in Political Science
• Ph.D. in Diplomacy and International Affairs

Specialisations:

The scope of Political Science is expansive and specialisations offer advanced studies from varied perspectives in a wide range of topics ranging from the analysis of national political institutions to the interplay between social structures and political development and individual political behaviour. These areas of specialisation include:

• Comparative Government and Politics
• International Relations
• Political Theory
• Public Policy and Administration
• Domestic Politics and Governance
• Political Economy
• Political Methodology
• Development Politics
• Political Consulting
• Democracy and Elections
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• National and Regional Politics
• Global Politics
• Political Processes and Institutions
• Political Thought
• Political Philosophy

Employability:

Political Science is one of the most versatile social sciences degrees, opening up many career opportunities for graduates in areas such as civil service and bureaucracy, political leaderships, intergovernmental organisations, activists and advocacy groups, embassies and high commissions, media, NGOs, political consultancies and political parties, public relations agencies and higher education.

Job roles include:

• Diplomat
• Foreign service officer
• Government official
• Lawyer
• Political scientist
• Judge
• Hearing officer
• Paralegal
• Legal assistant
• Public relations manager
• Arbitrator
• Mediator
• Conciliator
• Lecturer/ Professor