Politics and Social Policy, BA (Hons)

At Swansea, studying Politics and Social Policy is about more than understanding theories — it’s about stepping into the real world where policies are shaped and decisions are made. This program is designed to give you hands-on experience alongside your academic learning, so you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the skills, confidence, and connections that employers are looking for. From working directly with policymakers to studying abroad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your learning into action.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout your degree:

• Work inside government – Take part in an exclusive internship with the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru), spending one day a week working alongside ministers, policy advisers, and parliamentary staff to see how social policies are developed and implemented.

• Year-long industry placement – Choose the four-year version of the course and spend a full year working in a sector that interests you, such as public policy, social services, advocacy, or government, gaining real-world experience and building a strong CV before graduation.

• Study abroad opportunities – Broaden your perspective by spending a semester at one of Swansea’s partner universities around the world, including in Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, or the USA, and learn how other countries tackle social challenges.

• Independent research project – In your final year, you’ll design and complete a dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about, giving you the chance to conduct original research and demonstrate your expertise to future employers.

• Collaborative learning – Throughout your studies, you’ll work on group projects, debates, and policy case studies, building the communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are essential in political and social policy careers.

• Dedicated career support – You’ll have access to Swansea’s Careers and Employability team, personal tutors, and mentoring support to help you reflect on your experiences, develop your professional profile, and connect with future employers.

A degree in Politics and Social Policy from Swansea is your gateway to a career where you can truly make a difference. Whether you’re passionate about shaping government decisions, tackling social issues, or driving change in communities, this program equips you with the skills and insight to turn those ambitions into reality. Graduates go on to roles such as policy analyst, social researcher, public affairs consultant, and community development officer — all careers that put you at the heart of social impact.

Here’s how Swansea helps you step confidently into your future:

• Career support from day one – Through the Swansea Employability Academy, you’ll get personalised career guidance, CV and interview workshops, networking events, and help finding internships and graduate roles tailored to politics and social policy students.

• Strong employment outcomes – Around 84% of Swansea social science graduates are working or pursuing further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, with an average salary of around £28,000.

• Real-world connections – Through unique opportunities like the internship module with the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru), you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside policymakers, ministers, and government staff before you graduate.

• Valuable, transferable skills – Your degree will equip you with analytical thinking, policy evaluation, communication, and research skills that employers across government, NGOs, charities, and international organisations actively seek.

• Proven graduate success – Swansea alumni work in government departments, public policy roles, social services, advocacy groups, and non-profit organisations — and many secure positions directly through placement opportunities built into the course.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to specialise even further, Swansea offers a range of postgraduate pathways, including an MA in Public Policy, MSc in Social Policy, or MA in International Relations. You could also pursue a PhD and move into research, teaching, or senior policy roles. These advanced qualifications open doors to leadership positions in government, academia, and global organisations.