Politics and Sociology, MA

At Aberdeen, studying Politics and Sociology is more than just reading books and writing essays — it’s about applying what you learn to real-world situations and building skills that employers truly value. From hands-on research projects to paid internships and collaborative opportunities, you’ll constantly put theory into practice and develop the confidence to tackle complex social and political challenges.

Here’s how the program helps you gain practical experience throughout your degree:

• Paid internships that build real skills – Through the ABDN Internships Programme, you can work part-time during term or full-time over the summer with organisations linked to politics, social research, media, and community development. These roles help you gain professional experience and explore career paths before you graduate.

• Department-led work experience – The School of Social Science regularly offers on-campus internships where students help organise outreach events, support recruitment activities, and contribute to communications projects — a great way to develop teamwork, project management, and public engagement skills.

• Research that connects you with real issues – You’ll be part of a research-active department and can engage with centres like the Institute for Conflict, Transition and Peace Research (ICTPR), exploring pressing global topics such as conflict, peacebuilding, social change, and governance.

• Professional research training – From conducting surveys and interviews to analysing data and interpreting social patterns, you’ll gain practical research experience that prepares you for roles in policy, government, and social research.

• Access to world-class resources – You’ll use the university’s outstanding Sir Duncan Rice Library and its vast collection of political and sociological journals, archives, and digital databases to support your assignments, projects, and final-year dissertation.

• Student-led initiatives and societies – Many students enrich their experience by writing for The Gaudie (one of the UK’s oldest student newspapers), joining debating societies, or taking part in political and social advocacy groups — all of which sharpen communication, leadership, and public-speaking skills.

A Politics and Sociology degree from Aberdeen opens up an exciting range of career paths where you can make a real difference in society. Graduates from this program are known for their ability to analyse complex issues, understand how policies shape communities, and communicate ideas clearly — skills that are highly valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. Many go on to work as policy advisors, social researchers, NGO programme officers, or public affairs consultants, shaping decisions that impact people and communities worldwide.

Here’s how Aberdeen helps you get there:

• Personalised career support – The university’s Careers and Employability Service works with you from your first year, offering one-on-one career coaching, CV and interview workshops, and access to exclusive internship and job listings through MyCareerHub.

• Impressive graduate outcomes – Around 96.6% of Aberdeen graduates are employed or pursuing further study within six months of finishing their degree — a strong sign of how well the university prepares you for the job market.

• Real-world experience opportunities – With over 7,600 internship and graduate opportunities advertised through the university in a single academic year, you’ll have plenty of chances to build experience and strengthen your CV before you graduate.

• Strong school-level support – The School of Social Science connects you with work placements, volunteering projects, and practical experiences that give you a real edge in careers like policy analysis, social advocacy, and community development.

• Lifelong skills employers value – Your joint expertise in political systems and social structures gives you highly transferable skills in research, communication, and analysis — essential for careers in government, international organisations, media, education, and beyond.

• Graduate outcomes tracking – Through the UK’s Graduate Outcomes Survey, the university keeps track of where alumni go, giving you a clear picture of your potential career trajectory.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re thinking about postgraduate study, this degree is the perfect foundation. Many graduates go on to pursue Master’s degrees in areas such as Public Policy, International Relations, Sociology, Social Research, or Global Governance, including several offered at Aberdeen. Others continue to PhD-level research, exploring topics like political sociology, comparative politics, or social policy — opening doors to careers in academia, research institutes, or senior roles in government and think tanks.

 With this joint degree, you’ll graduate ready to influence change — whether that’s shaping public policy, working with international NGOs, driving social impact, or continuing into advanced study.