Politics and Sociology BA Hons

At Lancaster, studying Politics and Sociology isn’t just about reading books or listening to lectures — it’s about putting your ideas into practice. From your very first year, you’ll be learning through projects, group work, real-world case studies, and opportunities to connect with organisations outside the university. The programme is designed to give you the skills to research, analyse, and actively engage with politics and society, so by the time you graduate, you’ll have both academic knowledge and hands-on experience.

Here are some of the ways you’ll gain practical skills and experience:

• Research Training by Doing – In modules like Skills for Researching Social and Cultural Life, you’ll carry out interviews, analyse media, design small studies, and get feedback on your own projects.

• Real-World Policy Engagement – On the Real World Policy Making – Theory and Practice module, you’ll take part in a Lent Term placement, working on live policy challenges.

• Dissertation with Impact – Your final-year dissertation can include fieldwork or collaboration with external organisations, letting you investigate a topic that matters to you and contribute new insights.

• Internships with the Richardson Institute – Through the Richardson Institute Internship Programme (RIIP), you’ll work in small teams with NGOs, charities, think tanks, or faith groups on real research projects.

• Field Trips & Creative Projects – Some courses include visits, such as trips to Lancaster Castle, or creative assessments where you might produce short films to explore political and social issues.

• Hands-on with Data – Modules like Research Methods in Politics give you the chance to analyse live datasets, design your own research questions, and test them with real evidence.

• Faculty Internship Scheme – Beyond subject-specific projects, the wider Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences offers internships to help you gain workplace experience.

• Outstanding Resources – You’ll have access to Lancaster’s award-winning Library, digital studios, and study spaces, giving you the tools and support to succeed in your academic and professional development.

A degree in Politics and Sociology at Lancaster opens the door to a wide range of careers where you can shape policy, influence debate, or understand how societies really work. Many graduates step into roles such as policy advisor, social researcher, journalist, or public affairs officer, while others find opportunities across government, NGOs, and the private sector. Thanks to Lancaster’s focus on employability and hands-on learning, you’ll graduate with both academic knowledge and practical skills that employers are actively looking for.

Here’s how Lancaster helps you build that future:

• Careers Support Built In – Lancaster’s Careers and Employability Service offers personalised advice, CV and interview coaching, and access to internships. You can also complete the Lancaster Award, which showcases your extra-curricular skills to future employers.

• Placement Opportunities – By choosing the placement year option, you’ll spend 9–12 months in a graduate-level role, gaining valuable work experience and building a professional network before you even finish your degree.

• Real Industry Links – The Richardson Institute Internship Programme gives you the chance to work with NGOs, charities, think tanks, and research organisations on live projects — turning classroom knowledge into impact.

• Strong Employment Outcomes – Around 93% of Lancaster Sociology graduates are working or in further study within 15 months, with Politics graduates typically earning £26,500 in that same period.

• Respected Degree Value – Lancaster is consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities and is one of the most targeted by graduate employers, giving your degree long-term recognition.

• Graduate Success Stories – Alumni have gone on to careers in government departments, international organisations, publishing, and communications — showing just how flexible and rewarding this degree can be.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to take your studies further, Lancaster offers a strong pathway into Master’s programmes in Public Policy, International Relations, Peace & Conflict Studies, and Sociology, as well as opportunities for PhD research. Some graduates also choose professional routes such as law, journalism, or public administration to specialise their expertise.