Enter OTP
If you’re curious about how politics shapes society — and how society, in turn, shapes politics — this degree is a perfect fit. At Newcastle, the BA Politics and Sociology gives you the chance to explore both disciplines equally, so you’ll graduate with a well-rounded understanding of the forces driving today’s world, and the skills to research, debate, and create change.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Building Your Foundation
In your first year, you’ll dive into the big ideas that define both politics and sociology. Modules like Power and Inequality: How to Study Global Politics … and Change the World and The Sociological Imagination will help you see everyday issues — from social media to elections — through a more critical lens. You’ll also gain an introduction to research skills that will underpin your degree.
Year 2: Expanding Your Perspective
Your second year takes you deeper into the mechanics of societies and political systems. Core modules such as Researching Social Life equip you with hands-on methods to investigate real-world issues, while optional modules let you explore areas like Politics of the Middle East, International Institutions, or Social Theory. This is the year you start connecting theory to practice and sharpening your analytical toolkit.
Year 3: Shaping Your Expertise
By final year, you’ll have the freedom to specialise in what excites you most. You can choose from a wide range of optional modules, study abroad for a semester, or take part in community-based research that makes a real impact. The highlight is your dissertation, where you’ll carry out independent research on a topic you care about, guided by expert academics.
Focus Areas
Politics and sociology in equal measure; research methods and fieldwork; global and social issues; independent dissertation or community-based projects.
Learning Outcomes
Strong critical thinking and communication skills; the ability to carry out qualitative and quantitative research; confidence in presenting arguments clearly; preparation for careers in policy, research, NGOs, media, and more.
Professional Alignment
While not tied to a specific accrediting body, the programme is designed to meet professional standards across government, NGOs, charities, and international organisations — and Newcastle’s strong employer links ensure your degree stays relevant.
Reputation
Newcastle is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities, recognised for world-class teaching and research. Both Politics and Sociology are consistently ranked highly in UK and global subject league tables, and graduates benefit from the university’s strong reputation with employers.
At Newcastle, studying Politics and Sociology is much more than lectures and essays — it’s about experiencing how the issues you care about play out in the real world. From your very first year, you’ll be encouraged to connect theory with practice, whether that’s through community-based projects, research activities, or engaging with policy debates that shape everyday life. The degree is designed so that you don’t just learn about politics and society — you actively explore them using the University’s specialist resources and professional opportunities.
To give you a clear picture, here’s how experiential learning is built into this programme:
Policy and Community Projects – You’ll have opportunities to work with external organisations, contributing to real research and reports that impact local communities and policymakers.
Fieldwork and Case Studies – Modules include applied investigations where you study social issues directly, analysing case studies drawn from UK and international contexts.
Research Training – Gain hands-on experience in survey design, interviews, and statistical analysis through Newcastle’s advanced social science research training.
Digital Tools and Methods – You’ll learn to use specialist software for qualitative and quantitative research, preparing you for careers where data analysis is essential.
Library and Archive Access – The Philip Robinson Library houses one of the UK’s most comprehensive social sciences collections, while the University’s Special Collections and Archives let you work directly with original materials.
Professional Placement Option – You can choose a placement year with an employer, giving you direct work experience in government departments, NGOs, think tanks, or research organisations.
Study Abroad – Opportunities exist to spend a semester or year overseas, broadening your international perspective on politics and society.
You’ll be supported throughout by the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, which integrates teaching with active research institutes such as the Institute for Social Science and the Newcastle University Policy Academy. These connections mean your learning is always informed by the latest global debates.
A degree in Politics and Sociology from Newcastle opens the door to a wide range of careers where you can make a real impact. Many graduates go into roles such as policy analyst, research officer, community development coordinator, or campaign manager — and because of the programme’s practical focus, you’ll graduate with the skills that employers are looking for.
Here’s how Newcastle supports your future:
Personalised career support – You’ll benefit from the University’s award-winning Careers Service, which offers one-to-one guidance, CV reviews, employer networking events, and tailored workshops. Within the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, you’ll also have access to career modules, volunteering opportunities, and mentoring schemes designed specifically for Politics and Sociology students.
Strong employability track record – Around 94% of Newcastle graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. For Politics and Sociology students, destinations include the Houses of Parliament, BBC, Amnesty International, and local government organisations.
Salary prospects – Three years after graduating, Newcastle sociology graduates typically earn around £27,000, while politics graduates see average earnings of about £28,500 (rising further with experience).
Work placements and employer links – You’ll have the option to complete a work placement with an organisation, giving you real-world experience. The University’s connections with NGOs, think tanks, government bodies, and media outlets mean your classroom learning is tied to real opportunities.
Long-term value – This programme is taught by academics who are actively shaping debates in politics and society through their research, which gives your degree strong recognition and credibility long after you graduate.
Further Academic Progression
If you want to keep studying after your BA, you’ll have a clear pathway into postgraduate study at Newcastle. Many graduates continue with master’s degrees in politics, sociology, or global governance, or move into PhD research with the support of the University’s research institutes and funding opportunities.
A levels ABBInternational Baccalaureate 32 points.75% in Standard XII is considered comparable to ABB at A Level, accepted from CBSE, CISCE, NIOS, state boards, and autonomous schools.ABB at A Level = 3 APs (5,4,4) or SAT 650/650 or ACT 26; AAA = 3 APs (5,5,5) or SAT 700/700 or ACT 28 (AP Research/Seminar not accepted). IELTS 6.5 or equivalent with no less than 5.5 in each of the four elements of the test.TOEFL 90 overall (with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing)Civil Service administratorSocial welfare coordinatorEducation support officerHuman resources specialistPolicy advisorCustomer service managerPolitical campaigner
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
Newcastle University
