10 Free Political Science Courses You Can Take Online
- Sam Booth Jacobsen
- Apr 1
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 3
Curious about politics, leadership, diplomacy, and international relations? 🗳️🌍🤝
You don’t need a formal political science degree to dive into the field. Whether you're pursuing political science careers, preparing for a degree, or just exploring how political science is a science grounded in data, law, and theory—there are amazing political science opportunities online you can access for free.
From diplomacy to political branding, these beginner-friendly courses offer valuable insight into political science jobs and the forces shaping global power. Best of all, they’re flexible and free to audit (with optional paid certificates available).
Ready to build your knowledge and your resume? Let’s explore 10 political science courses online that will inspire you to think critically, engage globally, and maybe even launch a new career path. 🏛️

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1. Moral Foundations of Politics – Yale University (Coursera)
📚 Try it here: Moral Politics Course
Dive deep into the philosophical underpinnings of modern politics with Yale professor Ian Shapiro. This course examines the ideas of John Locke, Karl Marx, and John Stuart Mill, and asks: What makes a government legitimate?
What You’ll Learn:
Classic theories of democracy, socialism, and utilitarianism
How moral reasoning shapes political ideologies
Applications of political theory to contemporary global issues
🌟 Perfect for: Aspiring policy analysts, students considering a political science degree.
🤝 Best part: Helps you understand why political science is a science based in moral reasoning and structured debate.
🎯 Explore the moral side of power—start now!
2. Math for Policymakers: Math for Democracy (Coursera)
🧮 Try it here: Math for Democracy
Math and politics may seem worlds apart, but quantitative reasoning is essential in policymaking. This course shows you how data, statistics, and numbers shape elections, legislation, and public discourse.
What You’ll Learn:
How to analyze election results and polling data
Use of probability and statistics in public policy
The role of math in democratic decision-making
🌟 Perfect for: Those exploring data-driven political science jobs.
🤝 Best part: Reveals how math powers modern political systems.
📊 Empower your political understanding with math—enroll today!
3. Political Leadership: Influence and Power (Udemy)
👥 Try it here: Political Leadership Course
Leadership is about more than titles—it’s about vision, strategy, and communication. This free Udemy course explores what makes an effective political leader, from grassroots activists to global heads of state.
What You’ll Learn:
Types of leadership styles and their political impacts
Persuasion, negotiation, and conflict resolution
How to influence policy and mobilize people
🌟 Perfect for: Future politicians, organizers, or diplomats.
🤝 Best part: Develops communication skills for real political science careers.
🔥 Lead with purpose—start learning today!
4. Chinese Politics: From Mao to Now – The University of Hong Kong (Coursera)
🇨🇳 Try it here: Chinese Politics Course
Understand one of the world’s most influential political systems with this comprehensive overview of Chinese politics. From Mao Zedong’s rise to modern governance under Xi Jinping, this course is essential for anyone interested in global power dynamics.
What You’ll Learn:
The evolution of the Chinese Communist Party
China’s political institutions and policy decisions
Global implications of China’s rise in the 21st century
🌟 Perfect for: Students in international relations or global policy.
🤝 Best part: Offers deep insight into China for political science opportunities abroad.
🌍 Expand your global perspective—explore Chinese politics now!
5. Global Diplomacy: The United Nations in the World (Coursera)
🌐 Try it here: Global Diplomacy Course
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how diplomacy shapes global peace, conflict resolution, and cooperation. Learn about the United Nations, international law, and diplomatic negotiations from University of London experts.
What You’ll Learn:
The structure and functions of the UN
Key concepts in diplomatic communication and negotiation
Real-world case studies of international conflict and resolution
🌟 Perfect for: Anyone pursuing a political science degree in international studies.
🤝 Best part: Builds real-world knowledge useful in NGO, UN, or government roles.
🤝 Step into global diplomacy—join the course today!
6. Political Branding – Crafting a Political Image (Udemy)
📢 Try it here: Political Branding Course
In the age of media and digital influence, branding isn’t just for businesses—it’s crucial for politicians, parties, and movements. Learn how logos, slogans, and media strategy shape public opinion.
What You’ll Learn:
How to build a memorable political brand
Social media strategies for political engagement
Understanding audience psychology and messaging
🌟 Perfect for: Marketers, campaign volunteers, and digital creators.
🤝 Best part: A vital tool for political science students interested in media and outreach.
📣 Create impactful political messaging—start branding now!
7. Citizenship and the Rule of Law – University of London (Coursera)
⚖️ Try it here: Citizenship & Rule of Law
Explore what it means to be a citizen in a democratic society. This course breaks down rights, responsibilities, and the legal structures that protect individual freedoms and ensure justice.
What You’ll Learn:
Foundations of constitutional law and civic engagement
How legal systems uphold democracy and human rights
The role of active citizenship in creating change
🌟 Perfect for: Future lawyers or activists.
🤝 Best part: A powerful primer on political science jobs in law, advocacy, and governance.
🗳️ Understand your civic power—enroll now!
8. Politicising the Personal – Intersectionality and Activism (Udemy)
📝 Try it here: Politicising the Personal Course
Explore how personal experiences intersect with political structures. This course delves into feminist theory, identity politics, and activism, helping you understand how individual voices contribute to social change.
What You’ll Learn:
Introduction to intersectionality and identity
The role of activism and storytelling in political movements
Analyzing media, power, and personal narratives
🌟 Perfect for: Anyone interested in equity and inclusion.
🤝 Best part: Expands the scope of political science careers into culture and activism.
🗣️ Amplify personal power for social change—start learning now!
9. Global Energy and Climate Policy – University of London (Coursera)
🌱 Try it here: Global Energy Course
Climate change is one of the most pressing political challenges today. Understand how energy policy, international law, and climate diplomacy shape the global response to environmental crises.
What You’ll Learn:
Political and legal frameworks for climate action
The energy transition and renewable policy
How governments, NGOs, and corporations shape environmental outcomes
🌟 Perfect for: Students of environmental politics.
🤝 Best part: A great stepping stone into political science opportunities in sustainability.
🌍 Engage in climate policy—start your course now!
10. Arbitration in International Disputes – Leiden University (Coursera)
⚖️ Try it here: Arbitration Course
Dive into international law and conflict resolution with this in-depth look at arbitration, a key tool for resolving international commercial and political disputes.
What You’ll Learn:
The legal process of arbitration and mediation
Case studies of international disputes
The role of international courts and legal bodies
🌟 Perfect for: Students considering a legal or diplomatic political science career.
🤝 Best part: Builds negotiation and legal literacy essential for high-stakes diplomacy.
⚖️ Master conflict resolution—enroll now!
Final Thoughts: Why Political Science Matters 🎓
Political science is a science—analyzing systems, behavior, law, and public outcomes. It’s about understanding the forces that shape our lives and taking action. These free online courses give you the tools to think critically, participate meaningfully, and grow as a global citizen. They also give you the knowledge and practical skills to build a political science career, launch new civic projects, or simply become a more informed and empowered citizen.
Next Steps?
No matter your background, there’s a course here that aligns with your goals.
✅ Want to earn credentials?
✅ Explore new jobs in politics, advocacy, or diplomacy?
✅ Curious about whether political science is for you?
You’re in the right place.
💡 Choose a course, dedicate a little time each day, and start transforming your knowledge into power.
🔥 Try it now! Visit The Changing Booth for more online learning opportunities and activities! 🚀
🎓 Build a Broader Learning Path
If political science sparks your curiosity, why stop there? These free online courses can deepen your understanding of people, power, and expression:
🧠 10 Fascinating Online Psychology Courses You Can Take for Free — Explore the inner workings of human behavior, decision-making, and emotion.
🗣️ 10 Public Speaking Courses You Can Take Online — Learn how to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently — a vital skill in any civic or political field.
✍️ 7 Online Creative Writing Courses for Aspiring Authors — Develop your voice and narrative power to share powerful messages and stories.
Combine disciplines to become a more thoughtful, persuasive, and informed global citizen 🌍📚
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