Politics Essay Competition

The Minds Underground™ Politics Essay Competition is aimed at students in Year 12 (though younger applicants are welcome). The competition provides students with an opportunity to engage in the state of contemporary debate, attempt university-level research, hone their writing & argumentative skills and prepare for university interviews. Entrants must choose 1 question to answer.

Submission Deadline: 3rd April 2024.

View Competition Guidelines

2024 Politics Competition Questions

01.

What is the biggest political problem of our time?

02.

What does success mean in a political system?

03.

Should private schools be abolished?


Politics Summer School

Are you in Year 11/12 & Thinking of Pursuing Politics at Degree Level/ Oxbridge?

We offer a range of exciting opportunities for students aspiring to a degree in Politics at a leading university:

  • Research Projects in exciting current fields with subject experts

  • Weekly debate club to hone critical discussion and argument building skills

  • Politics Summer School for university/ Oxbridge applicants

  • Long-term Oxbridge Politics/ PPE mentoring: Boosting knowledge beyond the curriculum, preparing for personal statement and interviews - visit our on-curriculum site, U2 Tuition for more information: https://www.u2tuition.com/university-applications

  • Interested in a Politics competition Mentor? Looking for specialist support researching & writing? Our Oxbridge-educated masterminds are here to help! Sessions from £75/h + VAT. Enquire here

Past Questions

01.

What is the point of international relations as a discipline? By artificially dividing politics between the international and domestic are we losing something?

The crux of this question is the divide between domestic and international politics. Does the latter have its own district logics and political forms that necessitates a separate discipline with its own concepts? Whatever side you come down to on this question, make sure that you directly address it.

02.

Is our society based on an irresolvable conflict of interests?

There is no right or wrong answer to this, but it is useful to take clear position on it. You can then add nuance and empirical examples.

03.

Does the politics of global warming show that the nation state is an outdated political artefact?

There are two parts to this. Does global warming necessitate a new form of politics? Is the nation state able to address this?

N.B. You may be interested in undertaking one of MU’s online masterclasses with our subject experts to give you ideas and help direct your research. Check out the examples below!