Political Scientist
40AI USED FOR40%moving to78%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM SOCIAL SCIENCES →
Political Scientist
Political scientists study how government works, how people vote, what happens between countries, and why people make the political choices they do. They help shape policy and understand the world.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior International Relations AnalystIn this entry-level role, you will assist in research and analysis, supporting senior specialists in their projects and gaining valuable experience in the field.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level International Relations SpecialistAt this stage, you will take on more responsibility, leading projects and contributing to policy development while mentoring junior staff.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior International Relations ConsultantIn this peak career role, you will lead major initiatives, influence policy at the highest levels, and represent your organisation in critical negotiations.£55,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Politics and International RelationsThe London School of Economics and Political Science · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓International Relations and Social AnthropologyUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Human, Social, and Political SciencesUniversity of Cambridge · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,000 median
🎓International RelationsThe University of Leeds · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓International Relations and Middle East StudiesUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Politics and International RelationsThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
All Social Sciences courses as cards →
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Politics and International RelationsThe London School of Economics and Political Science · DegreeInternational Relations and Social AnthropologyUniversity of St Andrews · DegreeHuman, Social, and Political SciencesUniversity of Cambridge · DegreeInternational RelationsThe University of Leeds · DegreeInternational Relations and Middle East StudiesUniversity of St Andrews · DegreePolitics and International RelationsThe University of Surrey · Degree