B.Sc. Political Science

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Social Sciences > Department of Political Science > B.Sc. Political Science

If you are curious about how governments function, how policies are made, why nations behave the way they do, and how power influences society, the Bachelor of Science in Political Science offers you a deep and engaging pathway into the study of politics and governance. The programme explores political behaviour, political institutions, international relations, public policy, political theory, comparative politics, and development studies.

You will learn how political systems operate, how public decisions are shaped, how conflicts arise and are resolved, and how political ideas influence society. The programme equips you with strong analytical, research, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to understand and address political, social, and economic challenges in Nigeria and beyond.

At OOU, Political Science prepares you to think critically, engage constructively with political issues, and contribute meaningfully to governance, public service, diplomacy, and community development.

Course Overview

The B.Sc. Political Science programme offers you a broad understanding of political institutions, public policy, international affairs, political economy, political behaviour, and governance processes. You will examine how political actors interact, how societies organise power, and how national and global issues impact development.

The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students. Throughout your training, you will study political theory, Nigerian government and politics, comparative political systems, international relations, public administration, research methods, and political analysis. You will also develop practical skills through field studies, simulations, and applied research in governance and public policy.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum is based on the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). It combines political theory, empirical analysis, policy studies, and international dynamics to help you understand the political forces shaping society.

At this introductory stage, you build a foundation in political ideas, systems, and academic skills.

  1. Introduction to Political Science
  2. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  3. Logic and Philosophy
  4. Introduction to Computer Studies
  5. Communication in English
  6. The Use of Library
  7. Nigerian Government and Politics I
  8. Basic Statistics
  9. Introduction to Public Administration

These courses introduce you to the structure of politics and prepare you for advanced political analysis.

You explore comparative politics, political thought, and the workings of public institutions in greater depth.

  1. Political Ideologies
  2. Nigerian Government and Politics II
  3. Comparative Politics
  4. Foundations of Political Economy
  5. Public Policy and Decision-Making
  6. Political Thought I
  7. Political Analysis
  8. Entrepreneurship Studies
  9. Introduction to International Relations

These courses build your analytical and interpretive skills, enabling you to understand political behaviour and institutions.

This level focuses on governance, diplomacy, development, and applied political research. You also undertake the SIWES programme.

  1. Political Thought II
  2. Government and Administration of Urban Systems
  3. International Politics
  4. Research Methods in Political Science
  5. Development Administration
  6. The Military and Politics
  7. Political Behaviour
  8. Political Parties and Elections
  9. SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme)

You gain deeper insight into real-world governance, political processes, and international relations.

In your final year, you specialise further in political analysis and complete your research project.

  1. International Law and Diplomacy
  2. Contemporary Political Analysis
  3. Comparative Federalism
  4. Politics of Development and Underdevelopment
  5. Conflict and Peace Studies
  6. Public Administration and Civil Service Systems
  7. Project Work / Dissertation
  8. Advanced Topics in Political Science

By graduation, you will be equipped to analyse political systems and contribute to governance, diplomacy, policy-making, and political communication.

Entry Requirements

To gain admission into the B.Sc. Political Science programme, you must meet the approved UTME or Direct Entry requirements.

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. You must have five credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects in not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, Government or History, and two other acceptable subjects from the Social Sciences or Arts.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language, Government/History, and two other relevant subjects
  3. Achieve a competitive score and meet the departmental cut-off
  4. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise
  5. Demonstrate interest in politics, public affairs, governance, or international relations

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Five O’Level credit passes, including English Language, Mathematics, and Government/History
  2. A-Level passes in Government and one other relevant subject
    OR An ND, NCE, or equivalent qualification in Political Science, Public Administration, Social Studies, International Relations, or related fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit

All applicants must also satisfy the University’s screening and verification requirements and submit valid academic transcripts where applicable.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Political Science at Olabisi Onabanjo University gives you a comprehensive understanding of how political systems work and how decisions that shape society are made. The programme equips you to analyse political events, understand governance processes, and contribute to public service, policy-making, and international engagement. You will benefit from:

  1. A rich curriculum aligned with CCMAS, covering political theory, governance, public policy, political economy, and international relations
  2. Lecturers with expertise in comparative politics, international politics, public administration, and Nigerian political systems
  3. Practical exposure through SIWES, simulations, policy analysis exercises, and field studies
  4. A learning environment that encourages critical thinking, political debate, leadership, and civic responsibility
  5. Training in research, data interpretation, writing, and political analysis, preparing you for multiple professional paths
  6. Opportunities for engagement in student politics, debates, and civic activities that sharpen your communication and leadership skills
  7. A strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations, Public Policy, or Diplomacy

At OOU, you are prepared to become an informed, responsible, and analytical citizen capable of contributing meaningfully to society and governance.

Research Project

Your final-year research project gives you the opportunity to apply political science concepts to real political, social, or governance problems. This project allows you to explore a topic that reflects your interests or responds to contemporary issues. Your research may focus on:

  1. Electoral systems and political behaviour
  2. Public policy analysis
  3. Governance and corruption studies
  4. International relations and diplomacy
  5. Conflict resolution and peace studies
  6. Political communication and media influence
  7. Comparative political systems
  8. Development and underdevelopment
  9. Civil–military relations
  10. Public administration and organisational systems

During the project, you will:

  1. Formulate a research question or problem linked to political issues
  2. Conduct a literature review and develop a theoretical framework
  3. Collect data using surveys, interviews, content analysis, or case studies
  4. Analyse your findings critically and present well-balanced conclusions
  5. Write and defend a structured dissertation before an academic panel

This research experience prepares you for professional roles in governance, public policy, diplomacy, intelligence, and academic research.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Political Science, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory, required, and elective courses in the programme
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry
  3. Maintain a minimum CGPA of 1.00
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Hons) Political Science, a qualification recognised for its relevance to governance, policy-making, international affairs, public service, and political analysis.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Political Science prepares you for diverse and impactful careers in public service, governance, diplomacy, policy analysis, international development, and communication sectors. Your training equips you to understand political systems, analyse complex issues, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Possible Job Roles Include:

  1. Policy Analyst
  2. Legislative Aide
  3. Diplomatic/Foreign Service Officer
  4. Public Administrator
  5. Political Researcher
  6. Public Relations Officer
  7. Governance and Development Consultant
  8. Electoral Officer
  9. Conflict Resolution Officer
  10. Intelligence or Security Analyst
  11. Community Development Officer
  12. Political Journalist or Commentator
  13. Civil Society and NGO Programme Officer
  14. Human Rights Advocate

Where You May Work:

  1. Government ministries, departments, and agencies
  2. National Assembly, House of Assembly, and other legislative bodies
  3. Embassies, consulates, and international organisations
  4. NGOs and civil society organisations
  5. Research institutes and policy centres
  6. Media houses and political communication platforms
  7. Public administration and governance institutions
  8. Development agencies and think tanks
  9. Security and intelligence agencies
  10. Academic and educational institutions

This degree also prepares you for postgraduate study in Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations, Public Policy, Conflict and Peace Studies, or Development Studies.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as your first-choice institution.
  2. Choose Political Science as your preferred programme.
  3. Sit for the UTME with English Language, Government/History, and two other relevant subjects.
  4. Have at least five O’Level credits, including English Language, Mathematics, and Government/History.
  5. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the required departmental cut-off.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Possess A-Level passes in Government and one other related subject OR hold an ND/NCE in Political Science, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related field with at least Merit or Lower Credit.
  2. Have five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
  3. Upload your academic transcripts and other required documents on the OOU Admissions Portal.
  4. Complete all University and departmental screening procedures.

Course Coordinator

The B.Sc. Political Science programme is managed by a team of dedicated political theorists, governance experts, and international relations scholars within the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  6. Faculty = Social Sciences
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Social Science, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities