Human, Social, and Political Sciences, BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Cambridge

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) at the University of Cambridge offers a unique opportunity to explore the complex nature of human societies, their political systems, and cultural dynamics. It’s perfect for curious, socially aware students who want to understand — and influence — the forces shaping the modern world through disciplines such as politics, sociology, social anthropology, and international relations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Foundations of the Social Sciences)
In your first year, you’ll gain a broad introduction to the key disciplines within HSPS, choosing from Politics, International Relations, Sociology, and Social Anthropology. This foundation year is designed to help you explore connections between global issues, cultural systems, and social institutions while developing critical analytical skills and research insight.

Year 2 (Specialisation and Deeper Exploration)
As you progress, you’ll begin to specialise in one or two core areas, such as Politics and International Relations, Sociology, or Social Anthropology. You’ll engage with subjects like Political Philosophy, Comparative Politics, or Social Theory, deepening your understanding of power structures, identity, and social change. This stage encourages independent thinking and theoretical application to real-world issues.

Year 3 (Advanced Research and Independent Study)
In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced topics in your chosen specialisation and undertake a dissertation — an independent research project guided by expert academic supervision. You might explore themes such as Global Governance, Gender and Society, or Political Economy, combining empirical study with theoretical analysis to demonstrate intellectual independence and professional readiness.

Focus Areas: Politics, International Relations, Sociology, Social Anthropology, Global Development, Social Theory

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop strong analytical and research skills, a deep understanding of social and political systems, and the ability to evaluate complex global issues with intellectual rigor and cultural awareness.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program aligns with leading professional standards in the social sciences and prepares students for postgraduate research or policy, governmental, and NGO careers where analytical and critical skills are valued.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Cambridge consistently ranks among the top 5 globally in the QS World University Rankings and is highly regarded for its politics and sociology programs, with outstanding graduate employability and research excellence.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re looking for a degree that goes far beyond lectures and textbooks, the BA (Hons) in Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) at the University of Cambridge is designed exactly for that. From your very first term, you’ll gain hands-on experience exploring how people, societies, and political systems actually work — supported by outstanding resources, expert teaching, and a deeply engaging academic environment.

At Cambridge, you’ll study in a setting built for discovery. You’ll have access to two dedicated faculty libraries, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, advanced computing facilities, multimedia-equipped teaching rooms, and even a rare collection of ethnographic films. These aren’t just add-ons — they’re an integral part of your learning. You’ll use digital tools, explore primary research materials, take part in small-group supervisions (a signature Cambridge experience), and in your final year, you can choose to complete a dissertation to pursue a topic that truly interests you.

Here’s what experiential learning looks like in the HSPS degree at Cambridge:

Personalised supervisions: Alongside lectures and seminars, you’ll have one or two small-group supervisions each week in your first year. These intimate sessions are where you can debate, question, and refine your ideas with your tutors — helping you think critically and communicate effectively.
Access to world-class resources: You’ll work with specialised libraries and museum collections, including original artefacts and ethnographic films. This gives you the opportunity to analyse real materials and engage directly with the sources that shape your field.
Digital and multimedia learning: You’ll use modern computing and multimedia facilities that support interactive learning — from digital presentations to film and ethnography projects.
Independent research: In your third year, you’ll have the chance to undertake a 10,000-word dissertation. This is your opportunity to design and conduct your own research project, developing valuable analytical and independent study skills.

While the course doesn’t formally include internships or field trips, its structure — spanning social anthropology, sociology, and politics — actively encourages you to connect theory with real-world issues.

From your second year onward, you can tailor your studies through specialist tracks such as Social Anthropology or Politics and International Relations, allowing you to shape your academic path around your interests and career goals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the HSPS degree at Cambridge develop exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary skills — preparing them for a wide range of impactful careers. Many go on to roles in public policy, international development, business strategy, and social research. Common starting positions include policy advisor, social researcher, management consultant, and communications or NGO officer.

University Career Support
Cambridge offers outstanding career support through its dedicated Careers Service. Students have access to one-to-one guidance, CV and application reviews, interview coaching, and the Handshake platform — a portal connecting students to internships, graduate jobs, and employer events. The university also hosts career fairs and skills workshops, helping students build connections with leading organisations and develop their professional confidence.

Employment and Salary Outcomes
Cambridge graduates are highly sought after. For sociology and social policy-related courses, typical earnings after 15 months are around £25,000, while politics graduates from Cambridge average around £31,000. The median salary for HSPS graduates sits at approximately £28,000 after 15 months, reflecting both the versatility and value of this degree in the job market.

Global Recognition and Long-Term Value
A BA (Hons) from the University of Cambridge carries global prestige. It not only signals academic excellence but also connects you to a powerful alumni network that spans industries and continents. This degree opens doors across sectors — from government and academia to corporate and non-profit worlds.

Employer and Industry Connections
Although the HSPS course focuses on academic depth, Cambridge maintains strong links with employers through the Careers Service. Regular networking opportunities, employer fairs, and recruitment events ensure that students can engage directly with leading organisations across both the public and private sectors.

Graduate Destinations
Recent graduates have moved into careers in research (academic and policy), the Civil Service (including the Foreign Office), journalism, management consultancy, international development, law, education, publishing, public health, and public relations.

Further Study Options
Many students choose to continue their academic journey after completing this BA, pursuing Master’s degrees in areas such as International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Research, or Law — with some progressing further to a PhD. The flexibility and breadth of the HSPS degree make it an ideal foundation for advanced study in the social sciences and beyond.