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Politics and Social Policy

Course details
  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 13 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Stirling Campus

Course summary

Politics permeates every aspect of our lives – shaping our opinions, informing our decisions and helping us to understand what motivates people.

When you study Politics at the University of Stirling, you’ll increase your awareness of the different political systems, ideologies and policies that impact people’s lives regionally, nationally and globally. We’re ranked among the best universities for Politics in Scotland, and are highly regarded for our strong, research-led approach to teaching.

A Politics degree helps you develop the intellectual, communication and analytical skills employers are looking for. You’ll open the door to a wide range of career opportunities – from politics itself, to connected arenas such as commerce, civil service, journalism, law and teaching. There are also plenty of opportunities to broaden your horizons by studying abroad during your course, including through our Politics-specific partnership with the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

Enhance your understanding of how the world works, and gain the skills you need to play your part in shaping it with a Politics degree from the University of Stirling.

From diversity and inequality to education and health, you’ll explore a vast range of topics foundational to every society. Not only will you gain an in-depth knowledge of how societies work, you’ll also learn how major social issues can be addressed through effective policies.


The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) expects employment in social and welfare roles in the UK to grow by 11% between 2024 and 2030, creating around 149,000 additional jobs.

our course will cover:

  • crucial questions about diversity, discrimination and inequality in the 21st century;

  • how societies around the world try to address social challenges;

  • how policies can be used to bring change to vital areas like health and education;

  • how to collect and analyse data – and how your research can lead to change;

  • a wide range of optional topics – including disability and society, housing, or crime and justice.

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
LL24
Institution code:
S75
Campus name:
Stirling Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Typical qualification requirements

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Obtain IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill or equivalent.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements there are English language courses which can help you prepare for your degree: https://www.stir.ac.uk/international/international-students/pre-sessional-english-language-courses/https://www.stir.ac.uk/international/international-students/english-language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The minimum grade requirements apply to specific categories of 'widening access' applicants domiciled in Scotland who may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Stirling website

International entry requirements

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not available

Historical entry grades data is not currently available for University of Stirling - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
Scotland£1820

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Scottish students can apply to the Student Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.

Students from the rest of the UK can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

Fee information for International and EU students, can be found on the course webpage:
https://www.stir.ac.uk/courses/

The University of Stirling offers a range of scholarships, further information can be found on our website: https://www.stir.ac.uk/scholarships/

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