BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology (Sandwich with Work Placement)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how governments shape society — and how people, culture, and communities respond — this degree helps you connect both worlds. The BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology (Sandwich with Work Placement) at the University of Portsmouth combines political insight with sociological understanding, preparing you to question power, challenge inequality, and create change on a local and global scale.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Understanding Society and Power
Your first year lays the foundation for thinking critically about politics and social structures. In Analysing Politics: Britain and Beyond, you’ll explore how democracy functions and how citizens influence political systems. Meanwhile, Developing Your Sociological Imagination introduces you to key social issues like class, gender, and race, helping you see the world through a sociologist’s lens. You’ll also study Key Themes in International Relations to understand how nations interact and how global policies impact everyday life.

Year 2 – Deepening Perspectives and Research Skills
In your second year, you’ll refine your analytical and research abilities through Doing Sociological Research, where you’ll design real-world studies and interpret data. Modules such as Ideology and Politics or European Politics will expand your understanding of political thought and comparative systems. You’ll also take Modernity and Globalisation to examine how social change, technology, and culture shape modern life.

Year 3 – Placement Year (Optional)
The Connected Degrees model gives you the flexibility to take a work placement year after your second or third year. You could spend up to a year working with organisations such as the House of Commons, NGOs, or research institutions — gaining hands-on experience and building a professional network before you graduate.

Final Year – Specialisation and Independent Research
In your final year, you’ll bring together everything you’ve learned through a Dissertation or Major Research Project, focusing on a political or sociological issue that inspires you. Optional modules such as Global Political Economy or Race, Rights and Development will let you explore complex global challenges in depth. By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to analyse, lead, and create impact wherever your career takes you.

Focus Areas:

Politics • Sociology • Globalisation • Governance • Social Justice • Research Methods

Learning Outcomes:

You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of political systems and social change, advanced research and communication skills, and the ability to interpret real-world issues critically and ethically.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

While this degree is not tied to a formal accreditation, it’s backed by Portsmouth’s Gold TEF rating, which recognises outstanding teaching, student experience, and graduate outcomes. The Connected Degrees model ensures you gain professional experience that enhances your employability before graduation.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Teaching Excellence: Gold-rated in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
Graduate Success: Over 90% of Portsmouth graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduating.
Global Ranking: Ranked among the Top 650 universities worldwide (QS 2026), known for its strong focus on student success and applied learning.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Portsmouth, studying Politics and Sociology means learning by doing. You won’t just read about policies and social change — you’ll research them, debate them, and see how they unfold in real life. From interactive seminars to fieldwork and a full placement year, the course helps you turn academic insight into practical experience that employers value.

Here’s how you’ll gain real-world skills throughout your degree:

Research that matters: In Doing Sociological Research, you’ll design your own study, collect data, and present your findings as part of a group project — a great way to build teamwork and analytical skills.
Professional placement year: Through the sandwich structure, you can spend a year working in a government office, NGO, charity, or media organisation, applying your knowledge in a professional setting.
Learning from experts: You’ll be taught by active researchers from the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), ensuring your learning is shaped by real, ongoing political and social debates.
Dynamic classroom experience: Modules like Global Crises: Climate, Conflict and Insecurity and Ideology and Politics bring contemporary issues to life through interactive workshops, debates, and simulations.
Exceptional resources: The university’s modern library, digital learning tools, and dedicated Careers and Employability Service help you access journals, policy databases, and industry connections that strengthen your professional development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Politics and Sociology from Portsmouth opens the door to exciting and meaningful careers where you can influence change, drive social impact, and shape public debate. With your mix of analytical, research, and communication skills, you’ll be ready for roles such as Policy Advisor, Community Engagement Officer, Political Risk Analyst, or Journalist — making your mark across government, media, research, and nonprofit sectors.

Here’s how the University of Portsmouth helps you build a strong and successful future:

Dedicated Career Support: The Careers and Employability Service offers one-on-one guidance, placement assistance, and career workshops — and continues to support you for up to five years after graduation, helping you transition smoothly into your chosen field.
Excellent Graduate Outcomes: Around 94% of Portsmouth graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of completing their degree.
Exceptional Work Experience Opportunities: The University ranks 12th nationally (RateMyPlacement 2025/26) for providing high-quality placement and internship experiences through its Connected Degrees model — allowing you to gain valuable professional exposure before graduation.
Long-Term Career Value: While not linked to a formal accreditation, the course equips you with versatile skills — from research and policy analysis to communication and teamwork — that employers across sectors highly value.
Impressive Salary Growth: Politics and Sociology graduates from Portsmouth report an average starting salary of around £23,700, increasing to about £26,600 within three years.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology (4-Year Sandwich with Work Placement), you can advance your expertise through postgraduate study — pursuing an MA in Public Policy, Sociology, or International Relations, or continuing into PhD research if you’re interested in academia, global policy, or social development.