Deciding Your Path: Law vs. Political Science Courses

As India is the world’s largest democracy, there is a constant need for professionals who possess sound knowledge in areas of law and political science. A career in law equips students with an understanding of the rules and regulations that govern the behaviour of individuals, institutions, and the government. On the contrary, a career in political science provides students with the understanding and skills needed to formulate policies against social inequalities, discrimination, and prevailing injustices. In this blog, we will explore these two career avenues and understand the fundamental distinctions between them.

Law vs. Political Science: Course Duration

The most common undergraduate (UG) programmes in the field of law are Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (BA LLB) and Integrated Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws (BBA LLB). Both of these UG law degrees have a duration of 5 years, split into 10 semesters. Additionally, students have the option to enrol in a Master of Laws (MA LLM) postgraduate programme, which spans over 2 years.

Conversely, undergraduate programs in political science include a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Political Science and International Relations. Both of these programmes have a 3-year duration, divided into 6 semesters. Furthermore, students can opt for a Master's degree (MA) in Political Science and International Relations, which is a 2-year programme, comprising 4 semesters.

Law vs. Political Science: Course Curriculum

The primary focus of the law curriculum is on the legal system, principles of justice, legal rights and responsibilities, and the application of laws in resolving disputes and maintaining order in society. The core subjects included in a law course curriculum are as follows:

• Constitutional Law
• Legal Methods and Legal Systems
• Jurisprudence
• Contracts and Specific Relief
• Torts and Consumer Protection Laws
• Family Law
• Criminal Law
• Property Law
• Administrative Law
• Environmental Law
• Human Rights Law
• Labour and Industrial Law
• Taxation Law
• Corporate and commercial law
• Intellectual property law

The curriculum of political science courses emphasises understanding political concepts, government structures, international relations, and public policies. The curriculum also covers topics such as analysing the behaviour of individuals and institutions in the political realm. The core subjects included in a political science curriculum are as follows:

• Political Theory
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Indian Political System
• Public Administration
• Political Ideologies
• Research Methodology in Political Science
• Political Philosophy
• Public Policy Analysis
• Human rights and international law
• Globalisation and world politics
• Gender and politics
• Environmental Politics
• Political Economy
• Diplomacy and foreign policy

Law vs. Political Science: Career Opportunities

As law students study the legal systems, rules, and regulations, they can pursue their careers as lawyers, judges, legal advisors, or legal consultants. Upon graduation, students can work in private legal firms, represent clients in legal matters, offer legal advice, or work within the government legal system. Let us see some of the common career pathways in the field of law:

• Attorney/Practitioner (Private Practice): Attorneys or practitioners offer legal counsel to clients related to a wide spectrum of legal issues, such as litigation, contract matters, and legal consultations.
• Public Interest Attorney: Public interest attorneys extend legal assistance to individuals who lack the means to afford it, dedicate themselves to advancing social justice causes, and advocate for neglected communities.
• Magistrate: Magistrates oversee legal proceedings, render legal judgments, and administer justice within the judicial system.
• Corporate Counsel: Corporate Counsels work as in-house lawyers for companies, advising on corporate legal matters, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
• Government Legal Advisor: Government Legal Advisors provide legal counsel to government agencies, draft legislation, and ensure legal compliance within the public sector.

On the contrary, students pursuing a degree in political science gain expertise in the areas of political systems, governance, international affairs, and public policies. This extensive knowledge paves the way for lucrative careers in politics, government, international relations, diplomacy, journalism, and advocacy. Here are some prevalent career avenues within the field of political science:

• Political Researcher: Political researchers delve into the study and analysis of political trends, policies, and governmental activities, often working for government agencies, think tanks, or research institutions.
• Political Strategist: Political strategists offer guidance to political campaigns, candidates, or parties, providing insights into strategy development, messaging, and campaign administration.
• Public Policy Analyst: Public Policy Analysts evaluate public policies, propose reforms, and analyse their impact on society for government agencies, advocacy groups, or research institutions.
• International Relations Specialist: International Relations Specialists work in diplomacy, foreign service, or international organisations to address global political issues and promote international cooperation.
• Public Relations Specialist: Public Relations Specialists manage communication and outreach strategies for political campaigns, government agencies, or advocacy organisations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the significance of law and politics is paramount in India. While law imparts knowledge of the legal framework, fostering a deep understanding of regulations, political science equips students to shape policies addressing social disparities and injustices. Both of these fields offer diverse career prospects, with law graduates becoming lawyers, judges, and legal advisors. In contrast, political science graduates can work as political analysts, consultants, and public policy experts. The fields of law and political science offer valuable and impactful career avenues, with each field contributing to the betterment of Indian society and its governance. Therefore, students must align their career goals, interests, and skills before making the right decision!