Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science aims to provide the solid training necessary for understanding political phenomena. 

The areas of political science taught at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences are: history of political ideas, public policies, comparative political science, political sociology, international relations and studies focused on developing countries.

Political science also requires interdisciplinary knowledge, mainly deriving from sociology and history, philosophy, economics and law. It uses the investigative techniques and methodological tools of the social sciences.

Organiser
Faculty of Social and Political Sciences

Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science

ECTS Credits
180

Duration
6 semesters

Teaching Language
French 

Enrolment Deadline
30 April. If you require a visa to study in Switzerland: 28 February.

Further information
Applications
Course description
Timetables

At UNIL, the following Master's programmes are open without further conditions to holders of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science: 

• Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science
• Master of Arts (MA) in Public Management and Policy
• Master of Arts (MA) in Sciences and Practices of Education
• Master of Arts (MA) in Tourism Studies
• Master of Arts (MA) in Digital Humanities
• Master of Law (MLaw) in Criminology & Security

Studying with the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences offers a wide range of options. As a result, graduates in Political Sciences work in a variety of areas, in numerous professional sectors.

Except for a few specialist areas that require qualifications in a particular field, graduates may move into sectors that do not necessarily have a direct link with their discipline.

Career prospects depend partly on the choice of Master’s course.

Areas of activity

• Research in public or private-sector organisations, often in multidisciplinary groups
• Local, national or international public authorities and intergovernmental organisations: project management, coordination and advice to authorities
• Written and audiovisual information, and media
• Surveys and market research
• Cultural areas, for example, event management firms and publishing houses: event organisation and communications, management of cultural institutions, etc.
• Human resources, marketing, advertising and public relations
• Diplomacy, international organisations and international sporting organisations
• Political parties, trade unions, lobbying organisations, national or international think tanks

In figures

Every two years, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS) conducts a survey on graduate employment, one year after students have completed their course. View the results for Political Science graduates online:

• “Premier emploi après les études” (“First job after graduating”) survey on employment among Swiss university graduates
• De l’UNIL à la vie active (From UNIL to working life) – results of the survey for UNIL graduates specifically

Examples of positions

• Trade union secretary, SSP union, health sector