How to Get Into Teaching with a Politics Degree
A Politics degree offers an excellent springboard into teaching, thanks to its emphasis on communication, critical thinking, and civic understanding. Whether you’re passionate about educating the next generation or want to share your love for current affairs, teaching offers a meaningful and versatile career path.
What Can You Teach with a Politics Degree?
Most Common Teaching Subjects:
- Citizenship
- Politics (A-level or IB)
- History
- Religious Studies or Philosophy (with some additional interest/training)
- Sociology or PSHE (in broader humanities departments)
Many teachers with Politics degrees also go into primary teaching, especially if they enjoy working with younger children and teaching across the curriculum.
Pathways into Teaching
Secondary Teaching (Politics, History, etc.)
To become a qualified secondary school teacher in England or Wales, you typically need:
- A degree (in Politics or related subject)
- A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)
PGCE Route:
- 1-year full-time or 2-year part-time postgraduate course
- Mix of university-based training + school placements
- Apply via: Get Into Teaching (Gov.uk)
Alternative: School Direct, Teach First or SCITT
- On-the-job training based in a school
- Earn a salary while gaining QTS
- Often more immersive and practical than traditional PGCE
Primary Teaching
- You can apply for Primary PGCE regardless of degree subject
- Politics grads often excel in primary roles due to their strong communication and critical thinking skills
- Emphasis on broad curriculum, including humanities and PSHE
International Teaching
- PGCEi (International) – great for teaching in British international schools abroad
- TEFL/TESOL – if you’re interested in English language teaching, especially in Asia, Latin America, or Europe
- IB schools worldwide often look for Humanities teachers with political science backgrounds
Skills Politics Graduates Bring to Teaching
- Deep understanding of government, institutions, and global affairs
- Strong debating, reasoning, and critical analysis
- Communication and writing skills
- Cultural awareness – especially valuable for citizenship and PSHE
Salaries & Career Progression
| Role | Starting Salary (UK) |
|---|---|
| Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) | ~£30,000 (rising to ~£36,000 in London) |
| Experienced Teacher | £40,000–£50,000 |
| Head of Department / SLT | £50,000–£80,000+ |
Additional leadership roles, international positions, or moving into teacher training/ed policy can offer further progression.
Getting Experience
To strengthen your application:
- Volunteer in schools (e.g. tutor, teaching assistant, citizenship workshops)
- Join mentoring schemes like IntoUniversity or Tutor The Nation
- Apply for Student Ambassador or education outreach roles at university
Alternative Education Roles
If classroom teaching isn’t quite your thing, a Politics degree also opens up roles in:
- Museum/heritage education
- NGO or youth work
- Education policy or consultancy
- Citizenship education programmes
- Educational publishing or curriculum development
Final Tips
- You don’t need a teaching degree to start – just your BA and motivation
- Look into funded PGCEs and bursaries for high-demand subjects
- Consider Teach First for a fast-track leadership pathway