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Politics and Sociology

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time with time abroad
  • 28/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Our BA in Politics and Sociology offers an unmatched blend of academic excellence, global engagement, and practical experience. Unique opportunities like participating in international Model NATO simulations in Washington DC, London, or Lisbon provide hands-on experience in diplomacy and decision-making. With trips to Westminster and interactive learning, this degree equips you with critical skills and a global perspective, preparing you for impactful careers in policy, government, NGOs, or further study.

This degree provides the knowledge and skills to critically engage with key issues facing contemporary societies including globalisation; the changing nature of work and the family; gender roles and sexuality; multiculturalism; and the impact of the media and information technologies.

Politics looks at how power is exercised, how political decisions are made, and who these decisions are made by. On this programme you will learn about campaigns, elections, protest movements, policy issues and political ideals. You will explore different political arguments, rival theories and alternative explanations, whilst developing your skills in analytical and critical enquiry, debating and self-motivation.

Reasons to study this course

  • Study a combination of academic theory with practical learning to develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, and communication, all essential for careers in government, NGOs, policy, and further study.

  • Engage in Model NATO events globally, enhancing diplomacy and crisis-management skills. The opportunity to complete a Professional Development module enables you to apply your learning in practice to significantly boost your employability.

  • Choose from diverse optional modules, tailoring your studies to align with your career aspirations, broadening your expertise in both political science and sociology.

  • Learn from renowned academics offering insights into global policy debates and providing a dynamic learning environment to support your academic and professional growth.

  • Gain global perspectives and cross-cultural skills by studying at an overseas university, enhancing your employability and broadening your academic and personal horizons.

Modules

For information on modules please visit our website.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

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:
LL23
Institution code:
B32
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

Not accepted

A level

AAB
3 A Levels required. General Studies not accepted

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are all considered on a case by case basis.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

32 points
The entry requirements are 6,6,5 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Accepted in place of a non-required A level with the equivalent grade.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Accepted in place of A levels with the following grade equivalencies: D2 = A*; D3 = A; M2 = B. Combinations of A levels and Principle subjects are accepted. NB required subjects must be offered (see A level Section)

T Level

All subjects considered; Standard offer: Distinction overall with A in the Core Component.

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 historic entry grades range shown below includes students admitted with alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes. These are typically 1 or 2 grades below the standard offer. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.

Learn more on the University of Birmingham website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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 enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

The Government has yet to confirm the tuition fees payable by Home students for 2026/27 and subsequent years. The provisional tuition fee shown above relates to the academic year 2025/26. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees without delay.

For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.

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