Politics Department Ranking in UK

The study of Politics is crucial for understanding how power is distributed, exercised, and contested in societies, both at national and global levels. Political science provides students with the tools to analyze political institutions, public policies, and the behaviors of individuals and groups within political systems. In the United Kingdom, several prestigious universities offer highly regarded programs in Politics, combining a strong academic foundation with opportunities for practical application and research.

According to the Guardian University League Table for 2010, the top 10 universities for Politics in the UK include some of the most distinguished academic institutions in the world, with the University of Oxford, the University of St Andrews, and the University of Cambridge leading the list.

At the top of the rankings, the University of Oxford stands as the clear leader in the field of Politics, offering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of political systems, theories, and institutions. The Department of Politics and International Relations at Oxford is known for its depth of research and its focus on political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and political economy. Oxford’s reputation in this field is reinforced by its long history of political scholarship, and the university has produced a significant number of influential political thinkers and leaders throughout history, from Thomas Hobbes to Margaret Thatcher. The university’s Politics program offers students an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge political research while exploring a wide range of topics, including global governance, human rights, security studies, and political philosophy.

Oxford’s approach to teaching is characterized by the tutorial system, which provides students with personalized academic guidance and mentoring from world-renowned experts in the field. This one-on-one or small-group teaching format allows students to develop critical thinking and analytical skills while engaging deeply with the material. Students are encouraged to explore political theory, practice, and history in a rigorous and reflective way, with the flexibility to specialize in their areas of interest. Oxford’s global reputation for excellence, its wealth of resources, and its thriving intellectual community make it an ideal environment for aspiring political scientists.

Following Oxford in second place is the University of St Andrews, another institution renowned for its strong Politics program. St Andrews has a reputation for academic rigor and is known for offering a highly interdisciplinary approach to the study of politics. The university’s International Relations and Politics department is recognized for its focus on global political dynamics, political theory, and the complexities of international relations. St Andrews offers a unique environment where political science is taught alongside history, economics, philosophy, and law, providing students with a broad understanding of the social sciences and the theoretical frameworks needed to understand political processes.

The Department of International Relations at St Andrews is particularly well-regarded for its research output, especially in areas such as security studies, international political economy, and political theory. The university also offers students the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research, allowing them to gain insight into how political issues intersect with global economic, social, and cultural forces. The close-knit academic community at St Andrews fosters intellectual curiosity and debate, and the university’s commitment to high-quality research ensures that students are exposed to the latest political ideas and theories.

In third place is the University of Cambridge, which is also renowned for its excellence in Politics and International Relations. Cambridge’s Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) is one of the leading departments in the country, known for its diverse and rigorous approach to political science. Cambridge’s Politics program provides students with a deep understanding of political theory, comparative politics, and international relations, and it also offers opportunities for students to engage with research at the cutting edge of political science. The university is home to numerous research centers that specialize in topics such as democracy, political behavior, international conflict, and political economy, offering students a wealth of resources and opportunities for academic growth.

Cambridge’s teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, and small-group supervision, which allows students to receive personalized attention and feedback from faculty members. The university’s interdisciplinary approach to political science, where political studies are integrated with history, philosophy, sociology, and economics, ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the political world. Cambridge’s rich academic traditions and its commitment to producing world-class research make it a highly attractive option for students seeking a robust education in politics.

In fourth place is King’s College London (KCL), one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the UK. KCL’s Department of Political Economy and its Department of War Studies both contribute to the university’s strong reputation in the field of politics. KCL offers a broad spectrum of political science courses, ranging from political theory and policy analysis to international relations and global security. The university’s Political Science program benefits from its strategic location in London, giving students access to political institutions, think tanks, and international organizations, and offering opportunities for internships and networking that are unparalleled elsewhere.

KCL’s emphasis on political economy is particularly notable, as the university explores the relationship between politics and economics in shaping public policy, governance, and global institutions. KCL’s expertise in international relations and global security issues, particularly through its Department of War Studies, makes it an ideal place for students interested in the politics of conflict, diplomacy, and peacebuilding. The university’s location in the heart of the UK’s political and cultural capital further enhances its offerings, giving students an ideal setting for both academic and extracurricular activities.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), ranked fifth, is another world-leading institution for the study of Politics. LSE’s Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in the world, and the university is renowned for its focus on the social sciences, including politics, economics, and sociology. LSE offers a broad and intellectually stimulating curriculum that covers areas such as political theory, comparative politics, political economy, and international relations. The university’s reputation for producing influential thinkers in the field of political science is reflected in its outstanding research output and its ability to attract faculty members who are at the forefront of global political debates.

LSE’s teaching combines theory with practical application, and students are encouraged to critically analyze political systems, ideologies, and policies. The university’s close connections with political institutions, the media, and international organizations provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and work placements. LSE’s central location in London, combined with its global reputation for political science, makes it an attractive option for students seeking to understand the complexities of modern politics from an academic and practical perspective.

In sixth place is the University of Warwick, which is known for its strong focus on political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. Warwick’s Department of Politics and International Studies offers a range of specialized programs in political science, including courses in global political economy, public policy, and international security. The university’s interdisciplinary approach combines politics with sociology, economics, and history, allowing students to gain a well-rounded education in the social sciences. Warwick is also noted for its research output in areas such as governance, political behavior, and the relationship between politics and economics.

Warwick’s commitment to international and comparative political studies, alongside its focus on research-led teaching, makes it an excellent choice for students interested in exploring contemporary political issues. The university’s campus environment fosters intellectual exchange, and Warwick’s strong ties with industry and governmental organizations provide students with practical experience that enhances their academic learning.

In seventh place, the University of Birmingham is recognized for its strong political science program, which covers political theory, comparative politics, and public policy. The university’s Department of Political Science and International Studies is one of the largest in the country, offering a wide range of modules that enable students to tailor their studies according to their interests. Birmingham’s research in political science is highly regarded, particularly in the areas of political behavior, comparative politics, and international development.

The university’s emphasis on research-based teaching ensures that students are exposed to the latest ideas and debates in political science. Birmingham’s location in the heart of the UK provides students with access to a range of political institutions, making it an excellent place for those interested in studying the dynamics of British politics and governance.

University College London (UCL), ranked eighth, offers a diverse and multidisciplinary approach to the study of politics. UCL’s Department of Political Science is known for its focus on comparative politics, political theory, and international relations. The university’s political science programs encourage students to engage with political issues at local, national, and international levels, and UCL’s strong research output ensures that students are taught by experts at the forefront of their fields.

The University of York, ranked ninth, offers a highly regarded political science program with strengths in political theory, comparative politics, and European politics. The university’s Department of Politics and International Relations is known for its research on democratic theory, political institutions, and the politics of conflict, while the University of Durham, ranked tenth, offers a program that emphasizes international relations, political theory, and environmental politics. Both universities offer students opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and practical experience in political research and analysis.

Ranking of Top Politics Department in the UK by Guardian University League Table:

League Table 2010 (top 10 list, out of 68 institutions):
1 Oxford
2 St Andrews
3 Cambridge
4 KCL
5 LSE
6 Warwick
7 Birmingham
8 UCL
9 York
10 Durham

League Table 2004:
1 Oxford
2 Cambridge
3 Warwick
4 King's Col, London
5 London Schl of Economics
6 Queen Mary, London
7 East London
8 Birmingham
9 Bradford
10 Bristol
11 Nottingham
12 University College London
13 Schl of Oriental & African Studies
14 York
15 Exeter
16 Keele
17 Salford
18 Essex
19 Westminster
20 Nottingham Trent
21 Durham
22 Leeds
23 Middlesex
24 Brunel
25 Sheffield
26 Manchester
27 Bath
28 Sussex
29 Wales, Aberystwyth
30 Edinburgh
31 Hull
32 Southampton
33 Goldsmiths Col
34 Reading
35 St Andrews
36 Lancaster
37 Aston
38 Kent at Canterbury
39 Leicester
40 Coventry
41 Loughborough
42 De Montfort
43 Oxford Brookes
44 Wolverhampton
45 Glasgow
46 Kingston
47 Lincoln
48 Newcastle
49 Dundee
50 West of England
51 Ulster
52 Cardiff
53 East Anglia
54 Plymouth
55 Central England
56 Stirling
57 Royal Holloway
58 Manchester Metropolitan
59 Strathclyde
60 Queen's Belfast
61 Wales, Swansea
62 Aberdeen
63 Greenwich
64 Liverpool John Moores
65 Staffordshire
66 Portsmouth
67 Huddersfield
68 Liverpool
69 Glamorgan
70 South Bank
71 APU
72 Gloucestershire
73 Univ Col Northampton
74 Northumbria Univ at Newcastle