Queen's University Belfast - Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

BA in Politics

The academic study of politics is concerned with the sources of conflict, cooperation, power and decision-making within and between societies, how differences are expressed through ideology and organisation, and how, if at all, disagreements and problems are resolved.

You will develop an in-depth understanding of politics, political theory, how states are governed, and the place of citizens in politics.

Politics is a very dynamic subject area, and Queen’s Politics and International Relations staff study such topical issues as democratic innovations (e.g. citizens’ assemblies), environmental politics, migration, political parties, Brexit, populism, freedom, equality, conflict, and security.

Politics Degree Highlights

Global Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to spend part of the course studying in other European universities, through our Erasmus program, and also in the USA and Canada.

Industry Links

The School offers a range of employment placements where students can gain real-world work experience, which is invaluable in terms of employment after graduation. Given that Belfast is a regional capital with devolved powers, we can offer students placements in the high-profile political and related institutions on our doorstep – for example, the Department of Justice, Equality Commission, and Police Ombudsman’s Office, or BBC Northern Ireland.

Student Experience

Northern Ireland's post-conflict society offers a globally significant location for studying key political themes.

Career Development

Studying for a Politics degree at Queen‘s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers and academic institutions.

Internship: students in their final year have the opportunity to secure a semester-long internship, giving them hands-on experience in political issues and policymaking.

Placement: unique to the BA Politics programme is the opportunity in the final year to undertake a part-time placement within a local organisation to gain direct experience in policy-making and political decision-making.

Queen’s is ranked in the top 170 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022).

Internationally Renowned Experts

With over 30 staff at the cutting edge of research and publication, the politics unit is the largest in Ireland and one of the largest in the UK and Ireland, with specialisms in Irish and British politics, political theory, sustainable development, the politics of film and literature, gender, democratic innovations, European Union politics, ethnic conflict, and international relations.

Professor David Phinnemore is an expert on EU Treaty reform and EU enlargement, which led to his secondment as an advisor to the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Professor John Garry is an internationally recognised expert in the areas of citizens’ political attitudes and voting behaviour. His research has informed governments both in Belfast and Dublin on offering ordinary citizens the chance to have greater input in policymaking.

Student Experience

Our uniquely supportive pastoral care / personal tutor system is equalled only by the academic guidance available.

Queen’s is the 25th most international university in the world and has staff and students from over 80 countries.

Politics at Queen's is ranked in the top 200 in the world (QS World Rankings by subject 2023).

Further Study Opportunities

For those wishing to pursue further study after their first degree, the School provides a range of MA programmes, each of which can be taken either full-time (one year) or part-time (two years). See the School website for information.