Politics and Psychology

Politics and psychology is a combination with genuine intellectual depth, connecting the macro-level study of power and political systems with the micro-level science of individual thought, emotion, and behaviour. Politics confronts the big questions: how should society be organised, who holds power and why, what drives political conflict and cooperation, and how do democratic systems function or fail? Psychology provides a complementary lens, examining the cognitive biases, emotional dynamics, social identities, and motivational forces that shape how individuals perceive and respond to political life.

Together the two disciplines allow you to analyse political phenomena from both structural and individual angles.

At Dundee this four-year full-time programme provides an overview of British political institutions and contemporary political challenges alongside examination of the ideas and theories that underpin political thought. Optional modules allow you to explore areas including Russian, Irish, and Middle Eastern politics, nationalism, political theory, and human rights and humanitarian intervention, giving you substantial scope to follow your interests as your studies develop. The psychology component introduces you to the major areas of the discipline and develops your understanding of how cognitive, social, and developmental psychology intersect with political behaviour, public opinion, leadership, and collective action.

A year abroad is embedded in the programme.

Graduates pursue careers in government and public policy, the civil service, journalism, think tanks, NGOs, research, political consulting, campaigning, and education. The psychological dimension of the degree is also valuable in roles concerned with behaviour change, public communication, and the design of effective policy interventions. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in politics, psychology, or political psychology.