Program Overview

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Introduction to the Politics and Sociology Program

The Politics and Sociology program at Cardiff University is a three-year, full-time course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of politics and sociology. The program is designed to equip students with a variety of transferable skills and knowledge that are beneficial for their future careers.

Why Study this Course

This course allows students to explore sociology in various contexts, such as globalization, education, social media, culture, and consumption. Students will also benefit from links to political institutions, including Westminster Parliament, Senedd Cymru, the European Union, and NATO. The program provides opportunities for students to experience politics in action, study Britain and beyond, and undertake placement opportunities with the help of a dedicated Employability and Placement manager.

Subject Areas

The program covers two subject areas:

• Politics and international relations
• Social sciences

Course Details

UCAS Code

The UCAS code for this program is LL32.

Next Intake

The next intake for this program is September 2026.

Duration

The program lasts for three years.

Mode

The program is offered full-time.

Entry Requirements

The program accepts a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications, subject to entry requirements.

• Typical A-level offers are ABB-BBC.
• Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer.
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.
• Baccalaureate Wales: From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3), which will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate).

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Tuition fees depend on the student's fee status, which could be home, island, or overseas.

Fees for Home Status

• Year one: È9,535
• Year two: È9,535
• Year three: È9,535

Fees for Overseas Status

• Year one: È24,700
• Year two: È24,700
• Year three: È24,700

Additional Costs

Students should be prepared to invest in some key textbooks and cover the costs of basic printing and photocopying.

Course Specific Equipment

Students do not need any specific equipment to study on this program, but access to a laptop computer would be advantageous.

Course Structure

The program consists of 120 credits per year, with the final degree classification based on the grades achieved in years two and three.

Year One

Year one is a foundation year, providing students with the skills for advanced study and an overview of the two subjects.

• Core modules for year one include:
  • Introduction to Social Science Research
  • Key Ideas in Social Science
  • Introduction to Sociology
• Optional modules for year one include:
  • Introduction to Political Science
  • Introduction to International Relations
  • Introduction to Political Thought
  • Introduction to Government

Year Two

Students take 60 credits in Politics and 60 credits in Sociology.

• Core modules for year two include:
  • Contemporary Inequalities
  • Social Research Methods
• Optional modules for year two include a wide range of topics, such as International Relations of the Cold War, Digital Technologies and Global Politics, and EU Politics.

Year Three

Students again take 60 credits in Politics and 60 credits in Sociology, with the option to study a 40-credit dissertation.

• Optional modules for year three include topics like International Politics in the Nuclear Age, Africa in International Thought and Practice, and Popular Culture and World Politics.

Learning and Assessment

The program uses a mixture of lectures, seminars, independent study, and self-directed learning.

How Will I Be Supported?

A personal tutor will guide students for the duration of their studies, and the Schools involved in delivering this degree offer a challenging course of modules, supported by a friendly atmosphere and excellent student-staff relations.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Assessment methods vary from module to module but include a mixture of exams, coursework, essays, practical work, presentations, and individual and group projects.

Careers and Placements

The program provides opportunities for students to develop skills that are valuable in a range of careers, including management training opportunities, public service, and private sectors.

Career Prospects

Graduates from the School of Social Sciences and the School of Law and Politics have gone on to work in various fields, including the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales, the Department for Education, and the UK Border Agency.

Placements

The School of Social Sciences has a dedicated Placements Manager who can offer advice on available work placements, internships, work experience, and opportunities to enhance students' CVs and broaden their horizons.