Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology Programme

The BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology programme at Aston University provides a comprehensive understanding of the major political and social issues faced by governments across the world. This programme equips students with the skills and knowledge to understand and address inequalities, social constraints, societal dynamics, and global issues.

Programme Overview

Our BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology degree at Aston University will equip you with the expertise and practical insights needed to understand and address real-life political and sociological challenges facing our society in the 21st century. You will benefit from applied learning, research-informed teaching, and authentic assessment. As a student on this programme, you will be one of the first to know about advancements in topical research by staff across the department, even before it is published.

Course Objectives

The programme objectives include:

1. Providing an excellent learning experience that draws on the research and expertise of Aston University academic staff.
2. Providing key skills for lifelong learning.
3. Providing an understanding of the theories, values, structures, relationships, and decision-making procedures of government and society at regional, national, and international or global levels.
4. Developing the use of different methods of political analysis drawing on history, political philosophy, and the social sciences.
5. Enabling students to think critically about events and ideas, particularly with an international or supranational dimension.
6. Providing a gamut of intellectual tools for addressing a wide range of questions of public concern.
7. Providing a good understanding of the history of sociological thought, and sociological theories and methods.
8. Providing the ability to analyse and understand social problems, social change, and social structures.
9. Developing familiarity with key concepts in sociological theories.
10. Developing familiarity with key issues in contemporary societies.

Modules

The programme consists of the following modules:

• Year 1: Introduction to the Concepts and Methods of International Relations, Introduction to the European Union, Introduction to Social Theory, Becoming a Social Scientist, and optional modules such as The Making of the Modern World or Whats Trending (Current Affairs in Politics and International Relations).
• Year 2: International Relations: Theories, Critical Approaches to Security Studies, Research Methods, Advanced Research Methods, and optional modules such as West European Politics and Society, North American Politics and Society, or Security Studies: Theories and Issues.
• Placement Year (optional): Integrated Placement Year.
• Final Year: Dissertation (Sociology) or Research Skills and International Relations Dissertation, and optional modules such as African Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present Day, The American Presidency, or EuroSim: Learning Negotiation through Simulation Games.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the programme include:

• A Levels: BBC (standard offer), BCC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B), or BCC (contextual offer).
• BTEC: Extended Diploma DDM (standard offer).
• IB: 29 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,4 in 3 higher level subjects.
• Access: QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3, including 15 credits at distinction and the rest at merit or distinction.
• T Levels: Accepted qualifications include Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, Digital Production, Design and Production, Education and Childcare, Onsite Construction, Building Services Engineering for Construction, Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Health, Healthcare Science, Science, Accounting, Finance, Management and Administration, Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, and Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing.
• GCSEs: Maths grade C/4, English Language or English Literature grade C/4.

Fees and Scholarships

The course fees for the programme are:

• UK students (2026/27): Annual tuition fees ｣9,535, during placement year ｣1,250.
• International students (2026/27): Annual tuition fees ｣22,575, during placement year ｣2,500. Aston University provides a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments.

Career Prospects

The BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology programme will prepare students for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors. Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average ｣38,100 five years after graduating. The transferable skills provided by the programme mean that graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles, including account manager, business development consultant, communications officer, domestic abuse support worker, governance support officer, graduate buyer, HR senior associate, intensive family support worker, management trainee, paralegal, police officer, probation officer, project manager, research officer, and teacher.