Program Overview

---

Social and Political Sciences BSc

The Social and Political Sciences BSc is an interdisciplinary degree that combines the study of society with the cultural and political processes that shape human experience. As a student on this course, you will study the organisation and structure of society and consider the changing nature of human action. You will also explore the theories that structure our political systems and the social forces that shape political life.

Course Overview

This course is taught by the School of Sociology and Social Policy and the School of Politics and International Studies. It provides a flexible approach, allowing you to construct your own course in line with your interests and skills. You will gain expertise in analysis, research, critical reading, and writing, and develop an understanding of key topics in social and political sciences.

Course Highlights

• Study in a world-ranked school with influential academics who are helping to shape policy.
• Explore the latest real-world challenges across a range of social and political subjects and gain a global understanding of them.
• Learn from inspiring guest speakers and have the opportunity to study abroad or undertake a work placement to gain practical experience.
• Prepare for your future with careers and employability support.

Why Choose Leeds for Social and Political Sciences?

• Join a diverse and welcoming global learning community.
• Work together with students and staff as you grapple with the grand challenges faced by human societies.
• Benefit from inclusive learning spaces aligned with the themes of research centres in gender, racism, and disability.
• Explore different ways to present your knowledge through alternative methods of assessment.

Course Details and Modules

The course is structured around a 'core' module pathway that guarantees a platform of learning and training, complemented by a wide range of optional modules. This enables you to develop your interests in specialist areas. You will have the opportunity to study abroad or undertake a work placement, which will help you develop your skills and give you an insight into working life in a particular organisation or sector.

Year 1 Compulsory Modules

• Comparative Politics (20 credits): Introduces key concepts in the comparative study of politics and government.
• International Politics (20 credits): Covers key international issues, including war, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation.
• Making Sense of Society: Reading Social Theory (20 credits): Introduces core concepts and theoretical approaches in sociology.
• Formations of Coloniality and Modernity (20 credits): Explores coloniality and modernity, including their key themes and debates.

Year 1 Discovery Modules

You will also choose 40 credits of discovery modules.

Year 2 Compulsory Modules

• Sociology and Social Policy Research Methods (20 credits): Covers different approaches to social research, including research design and ethical issues.
• You will choose 20 credits from options such as Theories of International Relations, Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century, or Justice, Community and Conflict.
• You will also choose 20 credits from options such as Key Debates in Social Policy or Central Problems in Sociology.

Year 2 Optional Modules

You will choose 60 credits of optional modules across a range of different topics.

Year 3 Compulsory Modules

• Dissertation (40 credits): An extensive piece of written work involving research into a topic of your choice.
• Research Skills for your Dissertation (20 credits): Helps you find a topic for your dissertation and develop the skills to carry it out.

Year 3 Optional Modules

You will choose 60-80 credits of optional modules, depending on your dissertation choice, across different topics.

Learning and Teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including seminars, workshops, and independent study, to help you gain a diverse set of skills. You will also have a personal tutor for guidance and support.

Assessment

Modules will use a variety of assessment methods, including traditional exams, essays, case study-based projects, policy briefs, group presentations, and project proposals. In your final year, you will also submit a dissertation project.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAB. We do not require A-level Sociology or Politics for this course.
• GCSE: Grade 4/C or above in Mathematics.
• Access to HE Diploma: Complete 60 credits with 45 credits at level 3, including 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or higher.
• BTEC: DDD.
• Cambridge Pre-U: D3, D3, M2.
• International Baccalaureate: 35 overall (6,5,5 higher).
• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level): H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3.
• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers: AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers or A in Advanced Higher and AABBB in Highers or AAAABB in Highers.
• T-Levels: We will consider T-levels in appropriate subjects as they become available.

Alternative Entry

We are committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background. Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme that accepts applications from individuals who might be from low-income households or have had their studies disrupted.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information, contact the School of Sociology and Social Policy Undergraduate Admissions Team.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.

Fees

• UK: £9,790.
• International: £26,500 (per year).

Additional Cost Information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study. Read more about living costs and budgeting.

Scholarships and Financial Support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates secure employment with some of the biggest UK companies in human resources, communications management, broadcasting, and advertising. They are also ideally equipped to work in the public and third sector, including in the Civil Service, teaching, youth work, fostering/children's services, probation services, social work, prison service, housing, and homelessness prevention.

Graduate Destinations

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for postgraduate study across a range of disciplines. Our recent graduates have gone on to study sociology, social policy, teacher training, journalism, occupational therapy, human resources, marketing, social work, criminal justice studies, and social research.

Careers Support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

On this course, you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year, or to take a work placement year with organisations across the public, private, and voluntary sectors in the UK or overseas.

Related Courses

• International Development BA
• International Relations BA
• Politics BA
• Social Science (foundation year) BA
• Sociology BA