BA (Hons) Social and Political Sciences (with a year in industry)

At York, your degree is designed to go far beyond the classroom. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to think critically, work collaboratively, and apply your knowledge to the real world. Whether you’re investigating social change, analysing political systems, or exploring policy impact, you’ll develop practical skills that employers truly value — like research design, data interpretation, teamwork, and effective communication. Throughout the course, you’ll learn in interactive seminars, collaborate on projects, and use the university’s specialist research spaces and digital resources to bring theory to life.

And because York believes the best learning happens when you step into the real world, your degree includes an integrated year in industry — giving you the chance to gain meaningful work experience and make valuable professional connections before you graduate.

Here’s how York helps you build those hands-on skills and experiences:

• Year in Industry: Spend your third year working full-time in a professional environment, applying your academic learning to real challenges. Recent placements have been with organisations like IBM, Deloitte, NHS Trusts, Rolls-Royce, and the Metropolitan Police Counterterrorism Unit, with average placement salaries around £23,500.

• Internships and Career Support: York’s dedicated Careers and Placements team helps you secure summer internships and part-time roles. Through the York Internships programme, you can gain paid, project-based experience with employers across a wide range of sectors.

• Independent Research Project: In your final year, you’ll design and complete your own research project on a topic you care about, gaining first-hand experience in research design, data collection, and analysis — skills that are highly valued in graduate roles.

• Interdisciplinary Learning: Because the course draws from Politics, Sociology, and Social Policy, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your studies around your interests — exploring topics like inequality, migration, welfare, or technology and society, often through collaborative group projects.

• Specialist Facilities: You’ll use spaces like the Research Centre for Social Sciences (ReCSS) and the state-of-the-art Spring Lane Building for seminars, workshops, and presentations, all equipped with modern technology and collaborative workspaces.

• Access to World-Class Resources: With over a million print items and extensive digital collections, York’s library network — including the JB Morrell and Raymond Burton Libraries — gives you everything you need for research and independent study.

• Research Networks and Centres: You’ll be part of a vibrant research community and have opportunities to engage with institutes like the Centre for Applied Human Rights and the Social Policy Research Unit (SPRU) through events, talks, and collaborative projects.

• Practical Assessments: Your learning isn’t limited to exams — many modules include projects, group work, and policy-focused assignments that simulate the kind of work you’ll do in professional settings.

A BA in Social and Political Sciences with a Year in Industry from the University of York sets you up for a dynamic and rewarding career. The programme combines critical thinking, research skills, and hands-on professional experience, preparing you to make an impact in public policy, social research, government, non-profits, and beyond. Many graduates go on to influential roles in both the public and private sectors within just a few years of graduation.

Typical career paths include:

• Policy Analyst – developing and evaluating public policy for government or think tanks.

• Social Researcher – gathering and analysing data to inform decision-making.

• Public Affairs or Government Relations Officer – working with policymakers and stakeholders.

• NGO or Charity Manager – leading projects and initiatives in the voluntary sector.

York’s strong industry links and placement year ensure that you graduate with practical experience and a professional network already in place. The university’s support and partnerships make your transition into employment much smoother:

• The Careers and Placements team provides personalised guidance, helping you secure internships, placements, and graduate jobs tailored to your ambitions.

• Students completing the year in industry earn an average placement salary of £23,500, with opportunities ranging up to £32,000.

• Graduates enter sectors such as public administration, social research, education, charities, NGOs, and business and finance.

• Recent placement partners include IBM, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, PwC, Rolls-Royce, NHS Trusts, the Met Police Counterterrorism Unit, The Walt Disney Company, and Unilever.

• Your York degree is internationally respected thanks to the university’s membership in the Russell Group, ensuring strong recognition and long-term career value.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, many students continue their academic journey with a Master’s degree in public policy, social research, international development, political science, or data analytics. Others pursue a research-focused MRes or PhD in areas such as sociology, political theory, or social policy. The degree also provides a pathway into professional qualifications (e.g., data science, policy evaluation) or conversion courses in adjacent fields like law, public health, or education.