What skills do I need before starting a politics degree?
Before starting a politics degree, it helps to have strong reading, writing, critical-thinking and research skills. You should be willing to assess evidence, compare viewpoints, build clear arguments and discuss controversial issues respectfully. Interest in current affairs and basic organisation or time-management skills are also useful; prior study of politics is not always required.
Key points
- Practise reading academic or reputable news sources and summarising their arguments and evidence.
- Develop essay writing, referencing, source evaluation and independent research skills.
- Stay open to perspectives that differ from your own and distinguish evidence from opinion.
- Check the specific course entry requirements, as preferred subjects and qualifications vary.