Politics and Social Policy BA

At Birmingham, learning politics and social policy isn’t just about reading textbooks—it’s about experiencing how these subjects play out in the real world. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to apply ideas, test your skills, and get involved in opportunities that make your degree feel alive and practical.

You’ll take part in activities like Model NATO, where you step into the shoes of diplomats to tackle global crises in real-time. You’ll build your confidence through workshops, seminars, and small-group tutorials that focus on active participation rather than just listening. And with many modules assessed by coursework, you’ll get regular, constructive feedback that helps you improve and apply what you’ve learned straight away.

To make sure you’re ready for the future, Birmingham also offers structured career development support—from tailored workshops at the Academic Skills Centre to one-to-one guidance from the Careers Network. All of this means you’re not only learning about policy and politics, but also developing the professional skills employers look for.

And here’s how that plays out in practice:

• Simulations like Model NATO – real-world political crisis role-play in places like Washington, London, and Lisbon.

• Professional Development modules – focused on building employability skills directly relevant to careers in government, NGOs, and beyond.

• Interactive learning – a mix of lectures, debates, and workshops so you’re actively involved in shaping your understanding.

• Personalised feedback – coursework-based assessment with responses typically within three weeks.

• Skills support – Academic Skills Centre workshops on writing, presenting, and research.

• Careers guidance – specialist support from Student Experience and Careers teams, helping you with CVs, interviews, and placements.

• Excellent resources – access to Birmingham’s extensive libraries, IT facilities, and departmental expertise in both Politics and Social Policy.

Studying Politics and Social Policy at Birmingham opens doors to a wide range of meaningful careers. Our graduates are well-prepared for roles in government, public policy, NGOs, and international organisations, where they can directly influence change. Employers value the strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills you’ll develop, giving you a real edge in today’s competitive job market.

Here’s how Birmingham supports your journey from student to successful graduate:

• Tailored Career Support – The University’s Careers Network provides one-to-one guidance, CV workshops, mock interviews, and exclusive employer events. You’ll also have access to alumni mentors who can share their career journeys.

• Outstanding Employment Outcomes – Almost 9 in 10 students secure graduate-level jobs or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. Average starting salaries sit between £25,000–£29,000, with Politics graduates reaching over £34,000 within five years.

• Employer Connections – You’ll benefit from Birmingham’s strong employer links, with opportunities such as the Professional Development module and international experiences like Model NATO events in Washington, London, or Lisbon. These experiences give you first-hand insight into policy and diplomacy.

• A Degree that Lasts – As a Russell Group university ranked highly in Politics and Social Policy, a Birmingham degree carries global recognition and long-term value in the job market.

• Exciting Graduate Roles – Alumni go on to become policy advisors, public affairs officers, NGO programme managers, and researchers. Some have even taken up positions at high-profile organisations like the BBC and the UK Space Agency.

Further Academic Progression

If you’d like to continue your studies, Birmingham offers excellent options. Many graduates choose to specialise with a Master’s in Public Policy, International Relations, or Social Policy, while others go on to pursue PhDs in related areas. Professional qualifications in public administration or governance can also be a natural next step, especially for those aiming for senior positions in government or NGOs.