No matter what level you're choosing to learn politics at, there are always going to be places considered prime locations to surround yourself with like-minded learners.
Why study politics A level, for example, in a place where nobody else is interested when you can study it in an environment full of people with the same drive as you?
And, of course, arguably the best place in the whole of the United Kingdom to study politics is the country's capital, home to the houses of parliament, the royal family, and just about all the significant political centres of the nation: London.
Where are the best places to learn politics in London at A level?
There are many well-regarded and reputable places in London where you can study politics at A level, each offering slight differences in course composition, teaching style, and the like.
One such reputable name you may already be familiar with is the City of Westminster College, which offers one of the more highly regarded political courses for A-level students. This course is one of the best in the country you can have on your statement when applying for politics at university, as well as a generally excellent foundation for any politics course you should pursue beyond this.
What did you learn in politics A level?
Politics A level is similar to the early stages of a politics degree, and the former tends to lead quite nicely into the latter. A politics A-level course will often contain elements focusing on systems of government, international relations, and political theory as central elements. However, the exact specifics of these areas and the things surrounding them may vary.
As well as this, a politics A level will give you a much better idea of how you will learn politics at a degree level. It will also let you make a more informed decision as to whether or not you want to commit to the full degree course.
Politics in London as an A level is even better for this, as it places you right at the British Isles' political centre, letting you fully experience the most first-hand elements of UK politics.
How do you study for a politics degree in London?
As well as for A-levels, when it comes to how to learn about politics, UK universities, especially those in London, more than have you covered. Many universities in London and the surrounding area are more than capable of offering you some of the best university degrees in politics that UK universities have to offer. After all, if you want to learn UK politics, where better to go than the heart of UK politics?
As with all university degrees, applying to a degree at a London university for politics involves finding a course you like, going through the application process, and then achieving the grades they require to qualify. The first part of this process can often be the most daunting, as the rest is relatively formulaic and self-explanatory.
Therefore, the first part of this is to decide where you want to study politics in London, and this choice can be based on many different things.
For example, you might choose a particular course because you like the part of the city it is in. Or you might decide because you like the style of the course and teaching at the university.
These are equally valid reasons to choose a degree, as there is no single right way to go about the university process.
What do you learn in a politics degree?
As with politics A level, a politics degree will usually cover three main areas: political theory, systems of government, and international relations. All three of these are connected, and if you have done an A level in politics, you will likely be familiar with all three.
Most courses will combine these three, with the difference between universities and courses typically being which areas they focus on the most.
Fortunately, with the number of universities with excellent political departments in London, you should be able to find a politics or political science degree that suits your preferences with relative ease.
What is the best Uni for politics in London?
There are a lot of very well-regarded universities in London with equally well-regarded courses in politics. Choosing the best university for politics would probably come down to the two frontrunners in the field, the London School of Economics (or LSE) and King's College London. Both of these are comfortably considered among the best in the country, rubbing shoulders with Oxford, Cambridge, and St Andrews at the top of the university tables.
Although the former two offer a less comprehensive selection of courses than either London uni or St Andrews. Regarding entry requirements, an offer from King's College London will often be slightly higher than one from the London School of Economics. Still, they will generally have reasonably high grade expectations for prospective students.
What are the best Unis for politics and international relations UK-wide?
Uni in London isn't your only option for top-of-the-line education in politics, political science, politics, and international relations. However, the London School of Economics and King's College London strongly claim the top spot, especially on a more specific course such as politics and international relations.
Oxford and Cambridge can be disregarded from the running quickly thanks to their most politically oriented courses being history with politics, both universities focusing more on academics than the more practical skill degrees.
The other Uni that competes with the two London Unis would have to be St Andrews University in Scotland, which not only has an enormous selection of courses (more even than the combined total of the courses from the London School of Economics and King's College London combined!) but also some of the best standards of course quality and teaching anywhere in the UK.
Universities such as Bath, Warwick, and Durham all make solid claims for being near the top of the list, but these three are generally considered slightly lesser when compared to the top three.
Except specific courses at St Andrew's, studying politics or political science, or any variation thereof.
Your best bet for the highest quality degree with the most respect from potential employers will come from one of these London Unis.
How is politics in London different to other Unis?
Fundamentally, being in the country's political epicentre will naturally shape and mould the nature of your course if you choose to study in London, as well as your experiences outside the course.
You will be able to witness and be involved first-hand in much of the political goings-on that makes the modern United Kingdom political climate what it is and be surrounded by the people closest to the action. London also tends to be much more of an international hub and cultural melting pot than any other city in the United Kingdom.
This brings you the benefits of more first-hand experience with a much more comprehensive array of people and perspectives than you would otherwise be able to get at university.
What is university life like in London?
The most essential part of your university choice outside of the course is whether the city's student life will suit you. If you intend to spend three or more years studying full-time in a city, you want to be sure that city life will suit your person, no matter what course you choose.
Fortunately, London has something to offer for pretty much everyone. It's not exactly the cheapest city for students in the country, but as a trade-off for this, it has a thriving student life with a vast array of just about everything you could need, all linked together by solid public transport.
Making for a university experience, you can't get anywhere else in the country if the constant activity of the beating heart of Great Britain appeals to you.
To sum it all up, studying politics at any level in London is one of not only the best places you can choose to study the subject but also one of the most instantly recognisable that will carry with it a weight and prestige that will make whatever accreditation you get to your name take you further and higher than just about any other. It is a city and a subject that will bring you great things if you commit to it!
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