MA Politics
About this course
MA (Hons) in Politics, a politics and international relations degree examining the theory and practice of governmental institutions and societal conflicts. Core topics include Data Analysis. The fourth year concludes the degree structure for this undergraduate programme. The first year introduces foundational concepts through Politics and International Relations 1A: Concepts and Debates, Politics and International Relations 1B: The Global Dimension, and Political Thinkers, an introductory political theory course. The second year advances learning with Comparative Politics in a Globalised World and Introduction to Political Data Analysis. The third year offers extensive study across British politics, populism, human rights, gender, African politics, the Middle East, the media and democracy, technology and politics, and nationalism.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: from A*A*A* to AAA (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 34 points with 655 at HL
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 29%: 101 offers from 349 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 22 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 84%
- Learning opportunities: 71%
- Assessment and feedback: 60%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 72%
- Learning resources: 85%
- Student voice: 61%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 22 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 25%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 46%
- South East: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 37%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 70 students who started
- A levels: 86%
- Baccalaureate: 6%
- Other HE qualification: 3%
- No formal qualifications: 6%
Modules
- Politics and International Relations 1A: Concepts and Debates
- Politics and International Relations 1B: The Global Dimension
- Political Thinkers, an introductory political theory course
- Comparative Politics in a Globalised World
- Introduction to Political Data Analysis
- British politics
- populism
- human rights
- gender
- African politics
- the Middle East
- the media and democracy
- technology and politics
- nationalism
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Politics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £52,000. The £37,500 median after five years is £3,500 more than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of MA Politics at University of Edinburgh do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Politics at University of Edinburgh?
84% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Politics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 197 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Politics at University of Edinburgh?
29% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 101 offers from 349 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Politics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Politics at University of Edinburgh?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.