International Relations and Sociology

Are you ready to see the world differently and critically explore how societal structures influence global dynamics?

Course outline

Our BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology at Aston University provides a comprehensive understanding of the major political and social issues faced by governments across the world. You will become an expert critical thinker, equipped with the skills and knowledge to understand and address inequalities, social constraints, societal dynamics and global issues.

You will be taught by research-active staff who are experts in their respective fields and who constantly update their teaching based on research findings.

Opting for the placement year will provide you with invaluable real-world experience, boosting your employability. Whether you choose to work, teach or study abroad, you will benefit from Aston University’s extensive global connections with employers, schools and universities.

Key benefits

• Power up your future – Develop the skills employers around the globe look for. Gain an edge in a fast-changing world and thrive in your career with Aston Power Skills.

• Excellent prospects - Ranked 5th in the UK for ‘graduate prospects – on track’ (Sociology; Complete University Guide, 2025)

• Safe in our hands - Ranked 4th in the UK (International Relations) and 9th in the UK (Sociology) for ‘student-to-staff ratio’ (Guardian, 2025)

• Here for you. 96% of students felt positive about the academic support they received (Sociology; National Student Survey, 2024).

• Running smoothly. 96% of students felt positive about the organisation and management of their course (Sociology; National Student Survey, 2024).

• Earn more – Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £35,400 five years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2024)

• Gold standard teaching – Aston University was awarded Gold – the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Where can this degree take me?

The transferable skills that our international relations and sociology programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:

• Account manager

• Business development consultant

• Communications officer

• Domestic abuse support worker

• Governance support officer

• Graduate buyer

• HR senior associate

• Intensive family support worker

• Management trainee

• Paralegal

• Police officer

• Probation officer

• Project manager

• Research officer

• Teacher

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies and public sector organisations such as Allianz, Birmingham City Council, Department for Education, Deloitte, IBM, Refugee and Migrant Centre, and West Midlands Police.