When it comes to places to learn politics in the UK, many places come to mind first and foremost. London, perhaps first, is the nation's political centre with many reputable universities. Then perhaps St Andrews, a university with politics degrees held by many as some of the finest in the world, or perhaps Oxford and Cambridge, universities that need no introduction. However, one university that perhaps does not receive the same recognition as these but perhaps deserves it is Manchester.
One of the tremendous industrial epicentres of the UK in years gone by, Manchester still finds itself very relevant and modern today.
This brings with it a world-class university, which is doubtless one of the best in the country in terms of overall university experience. It is a bustling city and a great university, yet it seems hardly the same recognition it deserves, especially regarding political degrees.
Why should I take a Manchester politics course?
But, studying politics or any political science course at Manchester University is one of the best places outside of London you can do it, without a doubt.
Perhaps the most obvious indication of this is that the politics department at Manchester is quite huge, with a vast breadth of experience amongst staff and students.
Politics courses are one of the degrees that benefit the most from a wide range of experience amongst their staff, with a common factor among any establishment making a bid to be the best university for politics being a large department with staff from all backgrounds and experiences.
Why is a large university politics department good?
Political courses and courses in political science will always be the type of degree where opinion is constantly evolving, developing, and being challenged.
Unlike a very technical degree such as physics or engineering, if you choose to study politics at university, you will find yourself faced with a course where your ability to think critically about ideas from multiple angles will be called into question far more frequently than your ability to count beans.
As such, politics university courses where the department has an immense wealth of talent to draw ideas and educational material will always be the best. And Manchester University just so happens to have one of the largest departments in the country. Over 45 active staff members, split between five different research fields and specialisms.
The depth and breadth of knowledge and expertise are enough to comfortably keep Manchester in the conversation for the best UK university for political people to study.
What do courses in political science involve?
Political courses tend to comprise three main elements of study: political theory, systems of government, and international relations. Many universities will offer a single course focusing on these and perhaps combined courses, such as a politics and history degree combining the two.
These three elements are all closely connected, and any specialised degree you study in the field, from comparative politics to global political economy or environmental politics, will contain elements of these three areas.
What sets Manchester University apart from many of its contemporaries, however, is that you will be given a good understanding of these on whatever course you choose, no matter how much you choose to specialise in your final years. You can also choose from the outset to have a course focusing more closely on these areas.
For example, if you want a political theory centre to your course, your politics at the University of Manchester experience might lead you onto a philosophy and political theory course or even one of their other two political theory courses. With both a standard and research-centric route available for such courses.
How do I know which political studies course will be suitable for me?
Ultimately, this process can differ from student to student significantly, and there is no true correct answer to how you should choose which degree.
However, the most crucial factor is your enjoyment of the subject material.
It can be tempting to choose your degree based upon which one will keep the most doors of employment open to you once you obtain your degree. Still, most of these political degrees tend to hold roughly equivalent weight in most relevant fields, so having a degree you enjoyed will lead you to better results and a more enjoyable time at university.
What is studying in Manchester for a university like?
Wherever you choose to go to university, your city of choice will significantly impact your experience. Studying politics in Manchester will be different to studying for a degree in, for example, Edinburgh or Bristol.
Much of this will come down to things outside the course, less tangible elements that can only be understood through exploring the city and getting to know it as a resident.
Since wherever you choose to study will be your home for at least three years of your course, this is a critical choice to make!
What is student accommodation like at Manchester University?
As would be the case at any university in the country, one of the most essential parts of the city as a student is the cost of living there. This takes the shape most significantly of student accommodation, with Manchester being no exception and having a plentiful array of options to decide from as a student.
Both through the university and privately, there are a good many options you can choose from in varying budgets. Most of them are located reasonably centrally and relatively close to each other, meaning the student body is relatively close together. You will likely be within touching distance of your coursemates and friends while in your student accommodation.
What is student life like in Manchester?
Outside of the accommodation and the course, the two most important aspects to consider when looking at whether Manchester University will be the right place for you to study a politics degree or political science degree is what the Manchester learning community is like as an environment to surround yourself with for learning politics, and what the student life itself is actually like.
The former is evident, with the significance of a good community of people with a similar drive and passion for the course being of immense value.
Fortunately, Manchester has an excellent community for learning, especially about politics, as one of the most significant politics courses in the country; the general atmosphere among students and staff on the course is both focused and friendly.
Giving rise to a community with passion and support networks is ideal for any learner. It's an environment where anyone can thrive and flourish and the perfect place to further your political study and research.
As for the student life side of things, this is certainly not an area Manchester lacks. Manchester has always been a city with an excellent reputation for student culture and a veritable wealth of things for the student body to engage with. A thriving music scene, a near-endless wealth of clubs and societies, and a nightlife scene to rival mainstays like Bristol and London.
As we all know, half the reason to attend university is for the experience of living as a student for a few years. And in a city like Manchester, you can be sure you will get the true, authentic student experience the way it was always supposed to be.
Where can courses in political science at Manchester take you?
So, the final question becomes, what else makes Manchester University such an excellent place to pursue a politics degree? Well, if all the above reasons weren't enough, the most notable thing to lean into is that much of life is about who you know rather than what you know.
The connections you can forge in Manchester are probably second only to those you would find in London.
As such a massive course with a wide variety of people who will go on to do many things (as will you, as a Manchester graduate!), you will likely end up with many lifelong bonds that can open more doors for you than any piece of paper ever can.
So when all is said and done, Is a politics degree from Manchester uni worth doing? In no uncertain terms, yes, it is. There is a vast array of reasons and benefits as to why choosing Manchester if you find it to be the right fit for you will lead you to a great degree, invaluable connections and life skills, and a university experience that you will look back on for the rest of your life with the fondest of memories.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
