Why Study Political Science?

In a world characterized by geopolitical instability, global humanitarian challenges, and shifting balances of international power, we need leaders who can make a positive impact more than ever. That’s where political science comes in.

Why political science? Studying political science is understanding how states and their governments interact with each other and their people. Classically, political science has been seen as a way to examines sovereign power, the structures of governments and administrative bodies, and how laws and policies are made.

But nowadays, it’s impossible to truly grasp the full meaning of these concepts without understanding technology and its integral role in their evolution. If you want to drive change on a global scale, a modern degree in political science that embraces tech’s place in today’s world is an excellent place to start.

Political science for the globalized age of tech

IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs is launching a new program that will create the real influencers of tomorrow.

The Bachelor in Political Science is designed to reflect the modern realities of the discipline. It will empower students to tackle critical societal issues like education, welfare, climate change, and public health. Critically, the program recognizes how deeply entrenched emerging tech like AI, big data and govtech is in today’s geopolitical space.

It blends cutting-edge theory with highly relevant, practical problem-solving, specialized tracks to focus your study, and incredible opportunities to work on real issues with our global partners. What’s more, the program takes students across Spain to study for the first two years in historic Segovia, then two more in the international hub, Madrid.

Career paths with a political science degree

Despite popular misconception, the main point of a political science qualification isn’t to go into party politics — though it could certainly help in that regard. There are many ways to make the world a better place, and they can all start with a political science degree.

Our tech-focused Bachelor in Political Science will give you a profile that demonstrates policy expertise, a profound grasp of the geopolitical and social landscape, and proficient use of innovative tools to examine and tackle key issues. With the practical experience to develop strategic solutions and the data skills to back up your ideas, you’ll open doors to a wide variety of roles:

1. Policy analyst

Public policy isn’t just about politics. Its impact is very keenly felt in highly regulated industries like energy, telecommunications, transport, or aerospace. Policy analysts help public, private, or international organizations understand the implications of new developments in policymaking within the sector. They can drive compliance strategy and ensure companies streamline operations following up-to-date regulatory parameters.

2. Politician

We can’t talk about political science careers without mentioning politicians. They’re in a position to shape the futures of communities, regions, and even countries, bearing the responsibility of representing the people who elected them. So, their daily responsibilities feature a mix of creating new legislation, negotiating across the political spectrum, and communicating persuasively to the public and mass media alike. A political career can be powerful as a platform for driving meaningful change, and a political science degree is a great way to prepare for these challenges.

3. Professional in a multilateral/international organization

Multilateral, nongovernmental organizations such as the World Health Organization, the International Labour Organization or the International Energy Agency can be influential advocates for change. By working with them, you can help develop and implement policies with a global reach. What’s more, you’d engage stakeholders all over the world on the critical challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, inequality, or conflict resolution.

4. PR consultant

Public opinion matters. It can sway policy, demonstrating clearly to power brokers what the will of the majority is. In PR consultancy, you’d steer communication strategies to inform the public and mass-media agencies, shaping perception and influencing outcomes.

5. Advocacy

Specialists for advocacy groups such as Amnesty International spearhead global campaigns for social, environmental or political causes. Through lobbying and persuasion, raising awareness and engaging with the public, advocacy specialists can be quiet but highly influential drivers of change.

6. Think tank researcher

A political science degree can impart the global vision, expertise, and understanding required to inform public policy research and analysis for a think tank, newspaper, or academic institution. Work like this can shape public debate and inform policy-making by providing evidence-based insights on critical issues.

7. Defense/Intelligence analyst

The need for informed analysis of security threats and national security matters has never been so critical. Defense and intelligence analysts do vital work supporting governments and security agencies as they seek to protect the public and maintain peace on the international stage.

8. Policy specialist

Sectoral policy specialists examine existing public policies and provide strategic advice on possible new initiatives. In-depth research and policy writing focused on a particular sector, such as health or the environment, is essential to the role and leads to actions that improve conditions for people on the regional, national, and international stage.

9. Corporate sustainability advisor

Corporate sustainability has never been more important. Advisors in this field create strategies to ensure their organization is environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

Equipped for impact

Sound policy can positively impact the people and marginalized groups who need it most. If you want to build bridges between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, steering policy-making with empathy, knowledge and hands-on skill, check out IE University’s new Bachelor in Political Science.