Undergraduate study

We'll provide you with the practical support and skills you need to launch a successful career. We host a range of initiatives to help you achieve your career goals. They include:

Career modules:

Get career-ready with our dedicated career support. Each undergraduate course includes practical modules to prepare you for the job market. We offer guidance on career planning, job searching, interviewing, and professional development.

Graduate talks:

Connect with our successful alumni. Join us for regular talks where our graduates share their career journeys and insights. 

Our graduate talks have showcased speakers from diverse career paths. They include:

• Head of Public Policy, The British Academy
• Communications Specialist, United Nations Industrial Development Organization
• Senior Consultant, Centre for Strategy and Evaluation Services
• Head of International Aviation Safety, Department for Transport
• Senior Management, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
• Senior Policy Adviser, Department for Business and Trade
• Policy Advisor, Strategy and Business Engagement, Department for Business and Trade

Placements and internship opportunities:

Launch your career with our placement and internship program. The university's dedicated Placements Team and the Department of Government will work with you to secure valuable opportunities and gain practical work experience.

Our students have previously completed successful placements in a range of settings, including:

• The Welsh Government, Cardiff
• Embassy of Mexico, London
• Ministry of Social Solidarity, Egypt
• Embassy of Indonesia, London
• Essex County Council
• Radio Free Europe
• Office of Meg Hillier MP
• Embassy of Czechia, Brussels
• FleishmannHillard, Brussels

University career support for life:

Need career guidance? Our University Careers Team offer workshops, talks, and personalised support to help you craft your CV, LinkedIn profile, and much more.

Get career support for life. Every Essex graduate can access career support for life, no matter where you are in your career journey.

In the Department of Government we're committed to helping you achieve your academic goals. Our comprehensive teaching and support includes:

Your course structure, module choice and teaching time:

Your teaching time and course structure depend on your course and module choice and will vary throughout your studies. All classes in the Department are scheduled between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday. Each module will typically have 2 contact hours per week.

Enhanced focus on data skills:

Level-up your data skills with a special award. Data analysis is essential for career success in politics and international relations. Voter targeting, polling, media and communications strategy, and policy formulation all rely on advanced data skills.

If you want enhanced data skills you can gain a Q-Step award. This prestigious award is only available to select universities and Departments - including the Department of Government!

Study Abroad:

Gain a global perspective with our Study Abroad program. You will have the opportunity to live, work, and study abroad in a wide range of partner institutions across the world. Previous students have studied in universities in Italy, Spain, USA, Japan, and Australia.

Dedicated personal tutors:

Benefit from personalised support with a personal tutor. Your dedicated tutor will guide you throughout your undergraduate degree, offering regular meetings and tailored support and advice. You can meet in person, remotely, in a group setting, or individually - whichever suits you best!

Academic support hours:

Get extra help when you need it. Our module lecturers and class teachers offer additional support sessions throughout the year. They can give you extra support in the area that you need it most.

Senior Advisors and Peer Mentors:

Get personalised guidance from our Senior Advisors. Our experienced Senior Advisors are available to offer tailored advice on your study path, career trajectory, and postgraduate options.

Get friendly support from a peer mentor. Our peer mentorship program connects you with experienced students who can offer guidance and advice. You can also become a mentor later in your studies.

Wider University support for your studies:

Need extra help with your studies? Our Skills for Success team offers a range of online and in-person resources to support you. Whether you need help with writing, support with research skills, or English language assistance, the Skills for Success team will help you.

The Department of Government has been a powerhouse of political research since the 1960s. Our longstanding history, recognised expertise and high-profile alumni, make this Department a distinguished destination in which world-renowned experts research and teach.

Our work is often used to inform:

• USA Political Instability task force
• USA Department of Defense
• The USA Army Research Office
• UK Cabinet Office’s Risk Assessment Unit
• German Ministry Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
• ReStart Ukraine Initiative 
• International Organisation for Migration
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• UN Police and UN Women
• Government of Liberia
• Government of Colombia
• UK National Ocean Decade Committee
• UN Peacekeeping missions

Our staff often feature in high-profile media outlets and their research has featured in many fascinating articles, including:

• Government will have to take heed if Covid calls time on more UK pubs, The Guardian
• Too little. Too late. Too slow. But could COP yet turn the tide on climate change?, The Financial Times
• Revealed: The Met is the least trusted police force in England, The Daily Mail
• AI-enhanced images a ‘threat to democratic processes’, experts warn, The Guardian
• Northern Ireland Is Experiencing Its Worst Violence in Years. What’s Behind the Unrest?, Time Magazine
• How a far-right takeover in Europe may impact US politics, CNN

The Department of Government is a lively and inclusive community. Our members come from across the world to study, teach, and research here. With over 20 countries represented, we provide a political home to all.

To support the broad needs of our community, we provide a variety of resources, including:

Peer Mentors:

Get support from a fellow student. Our mentorship program pairs you with experienced students who can offer friendly one-to-one guidance and advice. You can also become a mentor later in your studies.

Extra support for first generation students:

Are you a first-generation student? The Department of Government host a support program for students from non-university families. You can join a series of informal events to build your confidence and help you adjust to university life in a friendly environment.

Student Representatives:

Your voice matters. We empower students to shape their education. Our Student Representative scheme provides a platform for you to share feedback and influence your courses directly.

All students within the Department are welcome to apply to become a Student Representative. The role will develop your skills and build your experience in leadership, project administration, communication, and program evaluation.

Resources for international students:

Feel at home with international student support. We offer assistance with fees, funding, visas, language classes, and more. Join our diverse international community and connect with fellow students from around the world.

Wider University student support:

Access the help you need. The University of Essex provides a range of support via the Student Services Hub. Whether you need help accessing healthcare, support with your mental health, or you’re worried about finances, we have a team ready to assist you.

The Department of Government thrives upon bold debate and genuine community engagement. That's why we host a busy calendar of social and academic events. These include:

Student clubs and societies:

Join a vibrant community of over 120 student societies and clubs. Find friends, explore your interests, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

Our societies include a Politics Society and many more political and representation societies. From the Conservative Society to the Socialist Worker Student Society, you'll find something for all political persuasions.

The Student Union:

Get involved with the Student Union (SU). Enjoy exciting events, from fireworks to nightlife, and access valuable support services, including volunteering opportunities and friendly advice.

The Regius Lecture:

Discover ground-breaking political science research. Our annual Regius Lecture features world-class scholars presenting their latest findings. This prestigious event attracts faculty, students, alumni, policymakers, and the public, to showcase the very best political research.

The Colchester campus at the University of Essex is a lively place to live, work and socialise. The campus is renowned for its beautiful parkland setting, modern facilities, and friendly atmosphere.

Key features of the Colchester campus:

• Stunning parkland: The campus is surrounded by beautiful green spaces, perfect for studying, relaxing, or socialising.
• Modern facilities: The campus boasts state-of-the-art buildings, including libraries, lecture halls, laboratories, and student accommodation.
• Active student life: A thriving student community with over 120 student societies and clubs to join, offering a wide range of activities and interests.
• Supportive environment: The University provides a range of support services, including academic advice, lifetime career guidance and comprehensive wellbeing resources.

Affordable and guaranteed accommodation:

Enjoy guaranteed on-campus accommodation for your first year. Choose from a variety of options to suit your budget and preferences. Our dedicated Accommodation Team provides expert guidance throughout your studies, assisting with both on-campus and off-campus living arrangements, and offering extra support to international students.

A commuter friendly campus:

Commuting to Essex can be a smart choice. If you live locally, you can save on accommodation costs while enjoying easy access to our well-equipped Colchester campus. You can benefit from:

• A convenient location: It's situated in Colchester, a town with good transport links to London and other major cities.
• Good public transport: There are regular bus and train services to the university, making commuting relatively easy.
• Campus facilities: The university offers a range of facilities for commuting students, including parking, lockers, and on-campus study spaces.
• Support services: The university provides support services for commuting students, such as advice on travel and accommodation.

Proximity to Colchester City and London:

Explore the best of both worlds. The University of Essex is just a short bus ride from the vibrant city of Colchester, the first capital of Roman Britain. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with shops, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions. London is easily accessible by train in under an hour.

Affordable living and travel made easy. Take advantage of our discounted travel schemes, cycling facilities, and car parking options to explore the area conveniently and affordably.