BA Political Science: Syllabus, Subjects, Jobs, Books

  • Updated on  
  • January 24, 2024
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ba political science

If you feel intrigued by the global political landscape and want to understand the nitty-gritty of the political economy and international relations, then a career in Political Science might be well suited for you. A degree in Political Science opens your horizon to a plethora of opportunities in politics, legislation, government portfolios, diplomacy, and many more. Being a branch that studies different political systems, governmental issues, and political conduct, with a BA in Political Science degree, you can cater to a range of job profiles with a strong understanding of the subject.

This Blog Includes:
  1. BA Political Science Course Highlights
  2. What is BA Political Science?
  3. BA Political Science Syllabus
  4. BA Political Science Eligibility
  5. B.A. in Political Science Skills Required
  6. BA in Political Science: Books
  7. Top Universities for Pursuing BA Political Science
  8. BA Political Science: Admission Process
  9. B.A. in Political Science Fees
  10. BA Political Science Jobs
  11. Future Prospects after BA in Political Science 
  12. BA Political Science Scope
  13. FAQs

BA Political Science Course Highlights

Course LevelUndergraduate
Duration of the course3 years
Number of UniversitiesOver 300
Admission ProcessMerit-Based
The average Fees per SemesterINR 5,000 to INR 80,000
Average Starting SalaryINR 10,000 to INR 30,000 per month
Examination TypeSemester wise

What is BA Political Science?

Bachelor of Arts or BA Political Science is a 3-4 year long undergraduate degree program that deals with the study of theory and practice of politics and understanding of various political systems prevalent in the world. Covering global and comparative politics, the course is designed to instil in you in-depth knowledge of forms of governance. Focusing on polishing your skills in critical thinking and developing research skills to help you become better at analyzing global political trends. The course curriculum is divided into 6 semesters with each semester emphasizing core topics while pacing forward towards learning advanced concepts in the fast-changing field. The core components of the Political Science syllabus include:

  • Global Political Scenario
  • Forms of Governance
  • History of Politics
  • Comparative Politics
  • Political Analysis
  • Comparative Politics
  • Foreign Policy 
  • Social Justice 

BA Political Science Syllabus

Semester 1Semester 2
Understanding Political TheoryPolitical Theory – Concepts and Debate
Constitutional Government and DemocracyPolitical Process in India
Semester 3Semester 4
Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics.Political Process and Institutions in Comparative Perspective
Perspectives on Public AdministrationPublic Policy and Administration in India
Perspectives on International Relations and World HistoryGlobal Politics
Semester 5Semester 6
Classical Political PhilosophyModern Political Philosophy
Modern India Political ThoughtIndian Political Thoughts

BA Political Science Subjects

  • Political Theory
  • Comparative Politics
  • International Relations
  • Public Administration
  • Indian Political Thought
  • Constitutional Government and Democracy in India
  • Public Policy
  • Global Politics
  • Politics
  • Classical Political Philosophy
  • Corporate Governance
  • Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective
  • International Affairs
  • Law
  • Foreign Policy
  • Human Rights
  • Indian Polity
  • Sociology

BA Political Science Entrance Exams

Even though BA in Political Science admits students based on merit, some institutes prefer to take students through entrance exams. Here’s a list of all the tests conducted for the same, along with their tentative application period and exam dates:

Exam NameApplication Period (Tentative)Exam Date (Tentative)
CUETFebruary-March 202415 – 31 May 2024
NPATDecember 2023-May 2024January 2024 – May 2024
TISS BATTo be announcedTo be Announced
IPU CETMarch-April 2024April 2024
JNUEETo be AnnouncedTo be Announced

BA Political Science Eligibility

If you are planning to study abroad, the eligibility criteria vary for different universities. But the basic criteria require you to have completed high school education. Besides having research skills and an eye to analyze data, you should have a love for reading diverse texts.

Given below are the detailed eligibility criteria for BA in Political Science: 

  • Complete a 10+2 qualification from a recognized board of education with a minimum required percentile or grade.
  • English Language Proficiency Test – IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. In some cases, this can be waived off if the applicant can prove that English was an MOI in the previous institution. 
  • Some international universities may ask for proof of specific language skills.

Note: These are some general eligibility requirements and any specific prerequisites can be confirmed on the specific university or college website.

B.A. in Political Science Skills Required

Communication SkillsWriting Skills
Research SkillsAnalytical Skills

BA in Political Science: Books

Here are some books that you can expect or refer to during your Bachelors course in Political Science:

  • Western Political Thought by Shefali Jha
  • An Introduction to Political Theory by Gauba
  • Politics in India by Rajni Kothari
  • The Globalization of World Politics by Steve Smith
  • Political Theory by Andrew Haywood
  • Political Theory: An Introduction by Rajeev Bhargava

Top Universities for Pursuing BA Political Science

If you’re planning a career in the political arena, be it national or international policy, then start by studying abroad at one of the world’s best universities for a BA in Political Science. This aid you with an adept understanding of different approaches and a critical understanding of the ongoing issues in world politics laying a solid foundation for a better future.

Below-listed is some of the popular institutions offering Political Science Courses:

Also Read

BA Political Science: Admission Process

For most institutes, the admission process for BA in Political Science is the same. Here are some general steps:

  1. Students get admission to this course if they clear the cut-off marks specified by the university.
  2. The application forms generally come out in May or June each year.
  3. You can apply to your chosen university online or offline (if available).
  4. Fill and submit the completed application form well before the deadline.
  5. Post class 12 board exams, the universities release their cut-off lists for the course. If you clear the cut-off, you can apply to enrol in the Bachelor’s program in Political Science at the institute of your choice.

B.A. in Political Science Fees

The average annual tuition fees for Bachelor in Political Science is around INR 5,000-80,000. It varies for both government and private institutions.

BA Political Science Jobs

Job ProfilesAverage Annual Salary
Budget AnalystINR 6,50,000
Public Relations and Fundraising ManagerINR 5,87,228
Political ScientistINR 6,00,000
Political Campaign ManagerINR 6,13,183
Market ResearcherINR 3,56,195

Future Prospects after BA in Political Science 

After completing their bachelor’s in Political Science, students can opt to study an MA in Political Science or choose to specialize in Government and International Politics, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Public Policy, Global Studies, Public Administration, International Economics and Commercial Diplomacy, International Relations, E-Governance and Public Policy.

With a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, you can build a strong base to expand into other fields like Civil Services, Law, Political Scientist, Social Service, Journalism, Marketing, Teaching, etc. Some of the prominent career options for individuals aspiring to build a solid career in Political Science are: 

  • Lobbyist
  • Policy Analyst 
  • Political Scientist 
  • Political Consultant
  • Intelligence Analyst 
  • Journalist or Political Correspondent 
  • Public Relations Specialist

BA Political Science Scope

  • After earning a BA in Political Science, one may decide to continue their study. There are other academic alternatives available, such as the MA in Political Science and the MA in International Relations.
  • In addition to the conventional M.A. possibilities, law study offers an alternative. Politics majors who want to continue their education in law have the option of enrolling in a three-year LLB program.
  • There are other options available as well, such as an MBA, following the course. There are other specializations available for the MBA as well. These include an MBA in Finance, an MBA in Human Resources, and an MBA in Marketing.

FAQs

Is a BA in Political Science right for me?

Whether you’re passionate about current events, international relations, or the inner workings of government, a BA in Political Science can offer a solid foundation for exploring your interests. The key is to research the specific program you’re considering and see what elective options they offer. Many universities also have advisors who can help you tailor your coursework to your interests and career goals.

I’m overwhelmed by the syllabus! Which core subjects are essential and what should I prioritize first?

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the syllabus when starting a new program, especially one like Political Science which covers such a broad range of topics. But don’t worry, covering subjects like Political Theory, Constitutional Law and Government, International Relations, Public Policy, and Research Methods can help prioritize your curriculum.

Beyond academia, what kind of jobs can I get with a BA in Political Science?

1. Government and Public Policy: Policy analyst, campaign manager, legislative assistant, diplomat, international development specialist.
2. Law and Legal Services: Paralegal, lawyer, compliance officer, lobbyist, corporate social responsibility specialist.
3. Business and Consulting: Market research analyst, management consultant, human resources specialist, public relations specialist, corporate strategist.
4. Nonprofit and Advocacy: Grant writer, program coordinator, community organizer, policy advocate, fundraising manager.
5. Media and Communications: Journalist, editor, reporter, public relations specialist, social media manager, content creator.

With global politics changing constantly, studying BA in Political Science is a fast-paced option for students wanting to build a career in Social Science and study the organization and government of society. If you want to help in choosing the right university which would best suit your career objectives, then you can reach out to us at Leverage Edu. Thank you for reading!

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