Social Sciences (Politics) (R23-POL)

This is one of several specialist routes available in our BA (Honours) Social Sciences. You'll study core modules in social science and sociology, giving you a firm grounding in ideas central to the social sciences. This will be combined with exploring the fundamentals of political theory and examining the debates and conflicts inherent in a modern democracy. You’ll have an opportunity to focus on either international politics or contemporary political ideas. On completion of your degree, you’ll be able to apply political and social theories and analytical techniques to a variety of topics that affect individuals and society.

Key features of the course

• Specialise in politics within a broad interdisciplinary social science degree.

• Focus on either international politics or contemporary political ideas.

• Enhance your employability with valued skills, including analysing and evaluating evidence, and communicating specialist ideas and information to different audiences.

• Gain a degree applicable to a wide range of professions, including international agencies and government bodies, businesses and non-governmental organisations.

Course Modules

This social sciences degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

At Stage 1, you'll begin with a broad introductory module covering the key concepts and theories in the social sciences and addressing topics from criminology, economics, geography, politics, international studies, and sociology. You will then progress to exploring important global challenges: the climate crisis, legacies of colonialism and enslavement, and digital technology. You’ll investigate how social science helps us understands those challenges and how you can respond to them as an active citizen.

At Stage 2, you’ll explore how the social world is being transformed by the internet and digital technology. In your politics module, you'll discover how political ideas, institutions and processes help govern our world.

At Stage 3, you’ll choose from a range of social science modules. You’ll complete your degree by either investigating the key areas of change and major problems in international relations, or addressing how political ideas affect the world, especially in relation to the topics of the state, citizenship and political change.