Political Scientist Legal, Social & Cultural Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Political Scientist Do?
Political scientists study political behaviour, activity and systems, including the elements that fall therein. Their study of the field ranges from the origins and evolution of various political systems to topical matters such as decision-making processes, political behaviour, political trends, society, and power perspectives. They advise governments and institutional organisations on governance matters.
Resource recommendations may include affiliate links. Learn more
Where Do I Start?
Scientific Research Methodology
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Political Scientist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
-
EssentialScientific Research Methodology knowledge
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
-
EssentialGovernment Policy Implementation knowledge
The procedures related to the application of government policies at all levels of public administration.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialPolitical Science knowledge
The systems of government, the methodology concerning the analysis of political activity and behaviour, and the theory and practice of influencing people and acquiring governance.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialGovernment Policy knowledge
The political activities, plans, and intentions of a government for a legislative session for concrete causes.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialPolitics knowledge
The method, process and study of influencing people, gaining control over a community or society, and the distribution of power within a community and between societies.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialStatistics knowledge
The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialPolitical Ideologies knowledge
The various political ideologies that represent a set of ethical ideas, principles, symbols, myths and doctrines, followed by individuals, groups, classes or institutions and offer an explanation on how a …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialApply Scientific Methods skill
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialApply Statistical Analysis Techniques skill
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPerform Scientific Research skill
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialReport Analysis Results skill
Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well …
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 27 displayed)
-
OptionalPolitical Campaigning knowledge
The procedures involved in conducting a succesful political campaign, such as the specific research methods, promotional tools, liaising with the public, and other strategic aspects concerning the organising and conducting …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalPolitical Parties knowledge
The ideas and principles that political parties stand for and the politicians representing them.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalElection Law knowledge
The regulations concerning the procedures during elections, such as voting regulations, campaign regulations, which procedures candidates must follow, how votes are counted, and other electoral procedures.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalForeign Affairs knowledge
The operations of a foreign affairs department in a government or public organisation and its regulations.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalEconomics knowledge
Economic principles and practices, financial and commodity markets, banking and the analysis of financial data.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalInternational Law knowledge
The binding rules and regulations in the relations between states and nations, and legal systems dealing with countries rather than private citizens.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalSociology knowledge
The group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalAdvise Legislators skill
Give advice on various government and legislative duties, such as policy creation and the inner workings of a governmental department, to government officials in legislative positions, such as members of …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAdvise On Foreign Affairs Policies skill
Advise governments or other public organisations on the development and implementation of foreign affairs policies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAdvise On Legislative Acts skill
Advise officials in a legislature on the propositioning of new bills and the consideration of items of legislation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAdvise On Public Relations skill
Advise business or public organisations on public relations management and strategies in order to ensure efficient communication with target audiences, and proper conveying of information.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAnalyse Foreign Affairs Policies skill
Analyse the existing policies for the handling of foreign affairs within a government or public organisation in order to evaluate them and search for improvements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalApply Teaching Strategies skill
Employ various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating arguments when necessary. Use …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAssess Risk Factors skill
Determine the influence of economical, political and cultural risk factors and additional issues.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalConduct Public Surveys skill
Conduct the procedures of a public survey from the initial formulation and compilation of the questions, identifying the target audience, managing the survey method and operations, managing the processing of …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalConduct Qualitative Research skill
Gather relevant information by applying systematic methods, such as interviews, focus groups, text analysis, observations and case studies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalConduct Quantitative Research skill
Execute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalDevelop Professional Network skill
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalDevelop Scientific Theories skill
Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalMaintain Relationships With Government Agencies skill
Establish and maintain cordial working relationships with peers in different governmental agencies.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalObserve New Developments In Foreign Countries skill
Observe political, economic and societal developments in the assigned country, gather and report relevant information to the relevant institution.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPerform Public Relations skill
Perform public relations (PR) by managing the spread of information between an individual or an organisation and the public.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalProvide Technical Expertise skill
Provide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalWrite Research Proposals skill
Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalWrite Scientific Papers skill
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAnalyse Election Procedures skill
Analyse the proceedings during elections and campaigns in order to monitor the voting behaviour of the public, identify ways in which the election campaign can be improved for politicians, and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalTeach Political Science skill
Instruct students in the theory and practice of political science, and more specifically in topics such as politics, political systems, and history of politics.
Course recommendations coming soon.