A politics and international relations degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge to work within the system and change peoples lives. You will combine the theory and the real world aspects of politics, looking at local, national and global political decisions and their impact. If you understand politics, you understand how the world works, and how to change it for the better.
It is so important to understand how the world works and how to change it (if you want to). Politics and International Relations at Edge Hill University gives you a real chance to do both of those things. In this feature we highlight some of the jobs you could pursue with a degree in politics and international relations.
Why choose a job in politics and international relations?
Employers are increasingly looking for graduates who understand political and geopolitical realities. The world of politics is operating in an environment of continuous change making it an increasingly important, interesting and attractive subject to study at degree level. The skills covered in politics and international relations degrees are highly transferable too, opening up a wide range of opportunities across the globe.
Careers in politics and international relations
There is a range of potential careers across the globe for politics and international relations graduates. Studying politics and international relations does not mean you will solely become a politician.
Career areas you could enter include:
- Political analyst/consultant
- Diplomat
- Political campaign manager
- Policy writer
- Elections expert
- Government adviser
- Speechwriter
- Caseworker
- Copywriter
- Parliamentary adviser
- Events specialist
- Lobbyist
- Political journalist
- Human rights advocate
- International development consultant
- International aid worker
- International trade specialist
- Public relations specialist
- Charity Manager
- Academic researcher/lecturer
Edge Hill graduates have gone on to work in a range of different roles such and have worked for MPs, for charities (in public affairs roles), for the Houses of Parliament, in journalism, in public relations and for trade bodies. Some have gone into teaching and others have taken on further study and aspire to be the political researchers of the future.
“Politics is a fast-paced environment our lectures and seminars were tailored to what was going on in contemporary politics, I would say that this certainly helped prepare me for employment. My lecturers were so inspiring and allowed us to gain practical skills and confidence which was the final push that gave me the self-assurance to pursue my current career.”
Lydia Brannan-Doran
Edge Hill University Politics Alumni
Senior Executive Officer, Office of Cat Smith MP for Lancaster & Fleetwood
Typical employers
Graduates of politics and international relations degrees are very desirable for employers and can work with a wide range of sectors including working for MPs and other elected officials, the civil service, local and national government, law firms, public affairs and within public relations, research, and accountancy and banking organisations
Knowing about the world outside the UK is very useful career wise. And when you consider that on our Politics and International Relations degree you can also learn a language, you could access even more career options.
With further study, you might also go into teaching, or pursue a career in academia.
Skills for your CV
Graduating with a politics and international relations degree will enhance your CV with many transferable and practical skills, including:
- Speech writing
- Advanced communication skills
- High level of attention to detail
- Referencing skills
- Time management
- Project skills
- Presentation skills
- Research skills
- Policy report writing
- Problem solving skills
- Literature review writing
- Planning skills
- Evaluation skills
- Working independently or as part of a group
Politics and International Relations at Edge Hill University
Networking opportunities. Plenty of lively debates. Field trips to party conferences and political events. Edge Hill gives you a real-world experience of the political landscape. Graduate with the skills and knowledge to work within the system and change people’s lives. If you understand politics, you understand how the world works, and how to change it for the better. Find out more about our BSc (Hons) Politics & International Relations degree and gain the tools to understand the world and make a change within it.
“Aside from the actual content learnt in our BSc (Hons) Politics & International Relations degree, it is a great subject to take if you want to get involved in ‘real world’ politics. If you’re not completely sure of your career path, politics teaches a lot of ‘soft skills’ transferable and applicable to a wide range of industries and occupations.”
Dr Steven Daniels
Lecturer in Politics
September 26, 2024
