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Specialist tracks in political science: building expertise in sectoral policy

Political science touches every aspect of our daily lives, so its teaching has to be up-to-date for a world where digital innovation has disrupted the political process. Our Bachelor in Political Science does just that; its specialist tracks prepare students to make a mark in the sector they’re most passionate about.

The geopolitical landscape is so changeable and volatile right now. For anybody looking to make a contribution in this area, political science is the place to start. But it’s important to recognize that the digital age requires a modern approach. To effectively educate ambitious future change-makers, we need a program that is highly practical as well as academically rigorous, and our Bachelor in Political Science fits the bill. 

Such a program also has to provide specialist training to allow concentrated focus on the areas where students are most keen to generate positive impact. That’s where the specialist tracks in the Bachelor in Political Science come in. 

Three highly relevant specialist tracks

When they reach the fourth year of the program, students start to specialize in the specific policy area of their choice, deepening their expertise and building practical experience. They also undertake a professional residency that emphasizes work-integrated learning, gaining exposure to their preferred sector’s day-to-day realities.

The Bachelor in Political Science specialist tracks reflect three areas where political science can make a critical difference. They include: 

  • Health, Education and Welfare; 
  • Energy, Climate and Environment; and
  • Science and Technology. 

Let’s take a deeper look at each.

Health, Education and Welfare

For students looking to address pressing social issues related to education, global health, social inequality, migration, taxes, welfare and more, this track puts them at the forefront of shaping effective policies.

This is a complex area where the effect of social policies may not be immediately apparent. But the mechanisms that drive education and welfare systems—and global responses to health crises or pandemics—are vital in determining the quality of life for countless millions. Similarly, solutions to challenges arising in critical issues like migration, inequality and social justice could spark economic development globally.

Students who choose this track will be able to seek diverse roles at private, public or third-sector organizations. Using their profound understanding of the sector’s policy-making environment, they’ll design and implement successful change mechanisms.

But whether they work in politics, academia, think tanks or NGOs, or as consultants or lobbyists, graduates of the Health, Education and Welfare specialization track will create positive impact in the lives of people around the world.

Energy, Climate and Environment

Humanity must address several pressing issues, but the most urgent have to be sustainable energy and the climate crisis. The Energy, Climate and Environment specialization track places students at the nexus of energy policy, green transition and climate change. Students gain the knowledge to develop meaningful policies that mitigate climate change and promote environmental sustainability. 

Additionally, the environmental challenges we grapple with today can seem overwhelming in scale. But it’s in learning more about topics like energy production and resource consumption that lasting solutions will be found. For example, students in this track explore the importance of ESG in the public and private sectors, mastering policy-making to safeguard agriculture and water and food security.

This is an area where visionary and innovative expertise is desperately needed, and various roles exist that allow these graduates to advance climate action through green policy:

  • Sustainability or environmental policy advisors
  • Energy consultants 
  • Climate change analysts
  • Energy policy researchers

Science and Technology

At IE University, we believe that scientific and technological advancements can serve the greater good if they correctly address societal needs. Public policy in these areas is the bridge between those needs and practical solutions. So, ensuring that policymakers understand and anticipate the risks and ethical implications of tech development is critical.

That’s what the Science and Technology track is all about. When informed by the right skills, knowledge and experience, policy action can decentralize the advantages of scientific and tech development to everybody. 

This track covers a broad range of disciplines, exploring everything from AI to patents, data management and cybersecurity in the search for sustainable and equitable progress. So it’s no surprise that students who choose this track can make their mark in numerous roles. Whether they become data or cybersecurity analysts, public affairs consultants or advisors in regulatory matters and international policy, they will be equipped to drive innovation.

A lifetime of impact

The Bachelor in Political Science is designed to foster professional excellence. Whichever specialization track our students choose, we’re sure that their impact will be felt on the global stage. 

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Daniela García Castañondo, from Madrid, is a 2023 graduate of IE University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. She completed an exchange program at San Diego University in 2022. A skilled marketing professional, Daniela excels in client-focused, fast-paced environments, using data-driven strategies and creative solutions to drive business growth and brand engagement. Known for her organization and adaptability, she brings strong communication and time management skills to every project.

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