A Level Politics builds powerful skills: critical analysis, evaluation of evidence, structured argument, and clear writing—plus a working knowledge of UK, US, and global political systems.

If you’re studying Edexcel A Level Politics with us, you might be wondering: what doors can it open after your exams?

Why A Level Politics Is So Valued

Universities and employers value Politics because it proves you can digest complex information, compare viewpoints, and communicate persuasively. It’s an essay-based subject that suits a wide range of degree paths and careers where judgement, research, and communication matter.

University Degrees That Welcome A Level Politics

With A Level Politics, typical degree options include:

• Politics or International Relations (single or joint honours)
• PPE (Politics, Philosophy & Economics)
• Law (LLB) or Politics & Law
• History, War Studies, or International Development
• Sociology, Social Policy, or Criminology
• Economics or Public Policy (often best paired with Maths/Economics)
• Journalism, Media & Communications
• Languages & International Relations (for diplomacy/overseas careers)

Always check entry requirements for your target universities—some courses prefer specific subject combinations (e.g., Maths for Economics/PPE).

Careers Directly Related to Politics

• Civil Service & Public Administration (including Fast Stream schemes)
• Parliamentary Researcher/Caseworker; Political Party or Campaign Staff
• Policy Analyst/Officer (think tanks, charities, public sector, trade bodies)
• Public Affairs/Lobbying & Government Relations
• Local Government Officer or Councils Policy Teams
• International Organisations/NGOs (e.g., humanitarian, development, rights)
• Diplomatic Service/Foreign Office (via degree and competitive entry)

Careers Where Politics Gives You an Edge

Politics isn’t only for “politics jobs”. The skillset transfers well to:

• Law (solicitor/barrister—via a Law degree or conversion)
• Journalism, Broadcasting, and Editorial roles
• PR, Communications, Public Information, and Copywriting
• Digital Campaigning, Data & Insights, and Marketing
• Management/Strategy Consulting and Public-Sector Consulting
• Charity/Non-profit Programme Management and Advocacy
• Intelligence/Defense Analysis (subject to vetting and degree pathways)
• Teaching (via a relevant degree and teacher training)

What If You’re Not Going to University?

A Level Politics can support higher/degree apprenticeships and entry-level roles, for example:

• Civil Service, Local Government, or Public Services apprenticeships
• Public Relations/Communications or Digital Marketing apprenticeships
• Social Research Assistant or Policy Support roles
• Legal Services (e.g., Paralegal apprenticeships)
• Business Administration, Project Support, or Compliance

Building a Strong Subject Mix

Combine Politics with other essay subjects (History, English Literature, Philosophy) for humanities routes; add Maths/Economics for PPE, Economics, or quantitative policy; or pair with a language for diplomacy/IR pathways.

Super-Curriculars That Stand Out

• Debate club, Model United Nations, or Youth Parliament involvement
• Write for a school blog/newspaper; start a policy or current-affairs blog
• Volunteer with your local councillor/MP, charity, or community campaign
• Short courses/MOOCs in international relations, public policy, or economics

Next Steps

Think about where your interests lie—policy, law, journalism, international affairs—and plan your subject choices and experience to match. If you’d like help mapping options to your goals, we’re happy to chat.