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

Use Bristol Connects and LinkedIn to find out what others from your course are doing now and how they can help you.

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