Explore Political Science
Political Science examines power, institutions and public decision-making. This subject guide introduces the questions, methods and practical work that help learners understand the field before choosing a formal course of study.
A strong starting point is to connect political theory with comparative politics. The first develops a foundation for reasoning; the second provides a setting in which to test ideas. Keep a learning journal that records assumptions, sources and questions that remain unresolved.
Four areas to investigate
Political theory
Connect political theory to the study of power, institutions and public decision-making. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Comparative politics
Connect comparative politics to the study of power, institutions and public decision-making. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Public policy
Connect public policy to the study of power, institutions and public decision-making. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
International relations
Connect international relations to the study of power, institutions and public decision-making. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Learn through inquiry
Compare two policy responses with attention to institutional context and evidence quality.
Begin with a question narrow enough to investigate. Decide what evidence would support an answer, document the method and explain what further work would be needed.