Systems and institutions at the local, national, and international levels play an important role in maintaining and improving societies. Political science examines the theories and practices of politics and governance. Students typically develop humanistic, analytical, and empirical skills that can help them understand and address contemporary public issues.
Below are top European universities with established political science offerings.
Top Political Science Schools in Europe
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford uses tutorial-based teaching alongside lectures and classes. Undergraduate tutorials generally involve a tutor and a small number of students, allowing for close academic discussion. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Oxford ranked second globally and first in the United Kingdom for politics and international studies.
Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations supports undergraduate and graduate study. Undergraduates can study politics through the Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA or the History and Politics BA, both of which are three-year, full-time degrees. Graduate options include the MPhil in International Relations, MSc in Political Theory Research, MSc in Politics Research, DPhil in Politics, and DPhil in International Relations. These programs combine the study of political institutions and ideas with research-methods training.
2. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge offers interdisciplinary opportunities to study politics through its Department of Politics and International Studies and related faculties. Undergraduate students can examine major political and social issues, including international conflict, democracy, inequality, public policy, and the global economy.
Current undergraduate routes include the Human, Social, and Political Sciences BA and the History and Politics BA, both of which are three-year, full-time degrees. Human, Social, and Political Sciences includes politics and international relations, social anthropology, and sociology, with opportunities to specialize in one or two subjects. At the postgraduate level, the MPhil in Politics and International Studies is a nine-month program. The nine-month MPhil in Public Policy, formerly housed in the Department of Politics and International Studies, is now taught by the Bennett School of Public Policy. Cambridge also offers a Ph.D. in Politics and International Studies on full-time and part-time bases.
3. ETH Zurich
The Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences at ETH Zurich examines social and political developments in a world increasingly shaped by science and technology. The department contributes to bachelor’s and master’s education and also provides opportunities for doctoral study.
Its bachelor’s degree is the six-semester, 180-credit Bachelor of Arts ETH in Public Policy (Professional Officer), which is operated jointly with the Military Academy at ETH Zurich. This is not a general-admission political science degree: enrollment is restricted to professional-officer candidates employed by the Swiss Army who also satisfy the military and academic admission requirements. Specialized master’s programs listed by ETH Zurich include Comparative and International Studies, History and Philosophy of Knowledge, Science Didactics, and Science, Technology and Policy. Comparative and International Studies is a four-semester, 120-ECTS, English-taught political science program. The other programs have different disciplinary focuses, languages, durations, and admission requirements.
4. University College London
University College London, or UCL, is a major research university with undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and doctoral opportunities in political science. UCL was ranked joint eighth in the QS World University Rankings 2027, marking its 15th consecutive year in the overall global top 10.
UCL Political Science offers the Politics, Philosophy and Economics BSc and the Political Science and International Relations BSc at the undergraduate level. Current postgraduate programs include the Human Rights MA, Legal and Political Theory MA, Democracy and Comparative Politics MSc, Global Governance and Ethics MSc, International Public Policy MSc, Political Economy MSc, Public Policy MSc, Security Studies MSc, and Public Management and Leadership MPA. The department also offers an MPhil/Ph.D. in Political Science. Most students complete the doctoral program in four years, although completion in three years is possible.
5. London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science, or LSE, specializes in the social sciences. Its Department of Government offers undergraduate, master’s, and MRes/Ph.D. study in politics and government. LSE’s Government subject area was ranked fifth in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Current Department of Government undergraduate programs include the BSc Politics, BSc Politics and Economics, BSc Politics and International Relations, and BSc Politics and Philosophy. LSE also offers the BSc History and Politics through the Department of International History. Government master’s programs include the MSc Political Science pathways in Conflict Studies and Comparative Politics, Global Politics, Political Science and Political Economy, and Political Behaviour, as well as the MSc Political Theory, MSc Public Policy and Administration, and MSc Regulation. The MSc Politics and Communication remains available through the Department of Media and Communications. Available study modes and durations vary by program, so applicants should consult the individual program page.
6. University of Edinburgh
The School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh offers undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research programs. Its courses examine political, social, economic, and technological systems and the challenges facing contemporary societies.
Social Work is not the university’s only undergraduate option in this area. Current programs include the MA Politics, MA International Relations, MA Government, Policy and Society, MA Politics, Philosophy and Economics, and several single and joint degrees with quantitative-methods options. The university also offers a Law and International Relations LLB. Taught postgraduate options include the MSc Global Environment, Politics and Society, MSc International and European Politics, MSc International Development, and MSc International Relations. Research students can pursue a Ph.D. in Politics and several related fields.
7. LMU Munich
The Geschwister Scholl Institute of Political Science at LMU Munich covers political theory, political systems, international relations, European politics and governance, public policy, and political methodology through its teaching and research.
The institute’s Political Science BA is a six-semester program taught mainly in German, although many modules are available in English. German proficiency is required. The degree consists of a 120-ECTS political science major and a 60-ECTS minor. The four-semester Political Science MA is taught in English and covers Democratic Politics and Governance, Global and European Politics, and Public Policy and Public Administration. LMU also offers individually supervised doctorates in political science leading to the Dr. rer. soc. degree. The individual doctorate has no compulsory standard curriculum or fixed completion period.
We hope you found this article on political science schools in Europe informative and helpful. For more information, see our guide to Programs in Europe for International Students!
