Politics, International Relations and Sociology

Our BA in Politics, International Relations and Sociology gives you the scope and the space to explore how power works, how society is shaped and re-shaped, and look at who is driving that change.

It’s an exciting degree that gives you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills like analytical thinking and clear and precise communication, that will benefit and open up a range of different careers.

Diving deep into the field of politics and international relations, you’ll look closely at how governments work, examine and debate ideas like freedom, democracy and justice, and consider how states and non-state actors engage and interact on the global stage.

This degree takes you from local and national institutions to politics at the global level where you’ll explore themes of justice, governance, security, gender, conflict, populism and more. Here in Cardiff, you’ll also have the distinctive advantage, because of our location and strong connections, to gain an insight into Welsh politics and the workings of Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament.

Your sociology focus will allow you to make sense of how we live and examine social life in groups, institutions and societies. You’ll develop the critical tools to analyse social conduct from all aspects – from face-to-face interactions to how economic forces shape and are shaped by global society. Through a variety of approaches, we’ll help you learn the methods and ideas to make your own contribution to understanding and improving society.

Politics, international relations and sociology are complimentary subjects and will give you a deep insight into contemporary issues, ideas and events. Our programme will challenge you to think about the world, your place in it, and your role in changing it.

Our graduates find roles and build careers in varied fields, from the civil service to NGOs, diplomacy to journalism, charity to international business and development – in the UK and around the world.

Distinctive Features of the Programme
Links to political institutions – Benefit from links to Westminster parliament, Senedd Cymru, the European Union and NATO.

Sociology in context – Explore sociology in a range of contexts such as globalisation, education, social media, culture and consumption and ethnic relations.

A current and global focus – Choose modules ranging from cyber security and nuclear politics to climate change and feminism.

Careers across continents – Recent graduates have found roles in social research, public policy, global development, local government, international business, diplomacy, government intelligence and journalism.

Placements for experience – Opportunities to undertake a placement, with the support of a dedicated team.