Politics and Sociology

Are you intrigued by socio-political issues and how we can build a better future for the next generation? Politics and Sociology BSc at Keele examines how societies have formed, and the influential role of politics within these communities. Uncover these two disciplines to understand the world we live in, adopting a forward-thinking approach to analyse and investigate the most pressing and urgent challenges in a contemporary world, preparing you for a wide range of careers.

Why choose this course?

• No.1 in the West Midlands for Politics (Guardian University Guide, 2026)

• Politics ranked Top 10 in England (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)*

• Global Top 300 for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2022)

• A chance to broaden your horizons and study abroad at a partner university

• Opportunity to gain professional experience with a placement year

On our Politics and Sociology degree, you will investigate social issues and global political matters, enabling you to develop a theoretical understanding of contemporary challenges that impact politics and society. Delve into topics such as political systems, law, governance, gender, class and race, and build an awareness of real-world problems and complex scenarios. You'll consider the past, present and future, and the ways in which key decision making has or can have both positive and negative impacts on society. With an understanding of roles and responsibilities within society, you will become equipped to solve problems, engage in critical review and think creatively, all of which are crucial for employment.

This programme focuses on the nature of power and how we can overcome inequalities, exploring personal opinions and contemporary debates as a social activist. You will learn to communicate effectively, becoming a confident speaker and leader, preparing you for a range of careers. As you progress through your degree, you will examine the social and political actors involved at the individual, local, national and global level in relation to international challenges. You'll consider how we can build a better future and influence social change, with the opportunity to complete a 'Dissertation in Politics' or an 'Independent Study Project in Sociology' in your final year through optional module choices.

*We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges).

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.