Sociology and Politics (Placement Year)

Why study Sociology and Politics at Lancaster?

• Learn from respected academics who shape public policy through their advisory work, public and policy engagement, and media appearances

• Discover the advanced theories used by sociologists and politics experts to interpret contemporary social and political issues at local, national and international levels

• Develop advanced skills in critical thinking, data analysis, communication and research design

• Network with external partners, policymakers and guest speakers who can provide valuable insights into the key political and social issues of the moment

• Join the only university to have both a parliamentary studies module, run in conjunction with UK Parliament, and a dedicated Politics Policy School with the HM Government Open Innovation team

• Take advantage of our annual internship opportunities, where you can work on live research projects with NGOs, think tanks and charities

How is Sociology taught at Lancaster University?

On this course, you’ll be encouraged to study social issues in a connected way – looking at problems from multiple perspectives and exploring how local experiences are shaped by wider social processes.

We bring our ongoing research directly into the classroom to engage you with contemporary debates, methods and findings as they are being developed. You will explore big ideas, not as abstract issues, but as lived experiences that are governed, contested, and researched in specific social contexts.

What topics will I cover in Politics at Lancaster University?

You’ll be taught by academics who regularly collaborate with government bodies such as UK Parliament, on important issues such as racial injustice, voter rights, and migration. You’ll develop a deep understanding of politics across the globe.

Key themes could include:

• The crisis in democracy - Discover why trust in democracy is falling, what it means for our political system and what we can do about it.

• Global issues - Explore the politics surrounding areas such as migration and border control, AI, and climate change and their effect on economies.

• Voting behaviour and political movements - Find out why some people vote for extremist parties, some choose to take part in protests and direct actions and others choose not to engage with politics at all.

• Power, politics and public policy - Critically engage with foundational ideas and debates in policymaking, democracy, equality and justice for real-world application of these ideas.

• Global capitalism and economic inequality - Explore the impact of globalization on economic inequality, social justice, and labour rights.

You will learn through interactive sessions such as policy labs and mock select committees, citizens assembly and PMQs. You will have the opportunity to meet politicians and engage with local issues.

How will I develop my professional experience at Lancaster University?

You will learn through real-life case studies, gain vital data analysis and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to evaluate the impact of potential solutions.

You will have the opportunity to hear from external partners, policymakers and guest speakers who can provide valuable insights into the key political issues of the moment.

Through our parliamentary studies module you may meet MPs, parliamentary officials and policy experts to explore how Parliament makes policy. Our Policy School is run in collaboration with HM Government’s Open Innovation Team and provides hands-on experience of policymaking.

Your Placement Year

Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years. You'll spend your third year in a graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate.