Social and Political Sciences BSc

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Leeds

Program Overview

The BSc Social and Political Sciences at the University of Leeds offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary exploration of how societies function, how power operates, and how political systems shape everyday life. This program is perfect for students who want to understand and influence the social and political challenges of our time—whether that’s inequality, climate change, or global conflict.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in both sociology and politics, exploring how societies are organised and governed. Core modules such as Social Policy: Poor Laws to Welfare States, Understanding Society and Culture, and Politics, Power and Resistance introduce you to key theories, debates, and research skills. This year encourages you to think critically about the structures that influence modern life.

Year 2:
The second year deepens your understanding through more focused study and optional pathways. You might explore modules like Global Development Challenges, Social Research Methods, and Political Theory in Action, gaining hands-on experience in qualitative and quantitative analysis. By this stage, you’ll start connecting global issues with local realities and refine your ability to evaluate policy and power critically.

Year 3:
In your final year, you’ll have the freedom to specialise in areas that align with your career goals or personal interests. You’ll complete an independent dissertation, developing original research on a topic of your choice, supported by expert supervision. Optional modules such as Gender, Race and Culture, Contemporary Social Movements, and Global Justice allow you to engage with current social and political debates at an advanced level.

Focus Areas: Sociology, Politics, Social Policy, Global Development, Inequality, Governance, Research Methods

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research design, policy evaluation, and communication skills essential for understanding and addressing social and political challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program aligns with professional pathways in research, policy development, social analysis, and government service, ensuring students gain skills relevant to both the public and private sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Leeds is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings) and recognised in the UK top 20 for Social Policy and Politics (Guardian University Guide), reflecting its strong academic reputation and excellent graduate prospects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re looking for a degree where you won’t just study ideas but actually put them into practice, the BSc in Social and Political Sciences at the University of Leeds is an excellent choice. This programme helps you develop real, transferable skills in research, analysis, presentation, and teamwork—skills that are highly valued by employers and communities alike. You’ll study in a supportive, well-equipped environment, with access to modern learning spaces, rich library collections, digital research tools, and dedicated career guidance focused on helping you succeed after graduation. Learning goes beyond the classroom here—you’ll tackle real-world political and social issues through case studies, global perspectives, and hands-on experiences that bring theory to life.

Here’s how the experiential side of the degree really comes to life:

Optional work placements (including year-long ones) give you the chance to apply what you learn in professional settings, building confidence and career insight before you graduate.
Study abroad opportunities expand your global perspective, letting you explore how different societies and political systems operate around the world.
Practical, real-world assessments—like ministerial video briefings, research reports, and community-based projects—help you practice essential communication and policy engagement skills.
Strong career support ensures that your learning connects directly to your future. You can access internships (including paid summer roles), mentoring, and job-search guidance through the University’s Careers Service.
Outstanding learning resources enhance every stage of your journey—97% of recent students said they were happy with the facilities and resources available on this course.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Choosing this degree means you’re setting yourself up for a career that can take you in many directions — from public policy and social research to advocacy, government and the non-profit sector. Many graduates go on to roles such as policy analyst, social researcher, public affairs officer or NGO programme manager. You’ll also develop a blend of analytical, research and communication skills that employers across sectors really value.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University services that support your career

At Leeds, you’ll have access to a dedicated Careers Service that provides one-to-one guidance, CV and interview support, and connects you with a wide network of employers.
Within the School of Sociology and Social Policy, your personal tutor and the Skills@Library team will help you strengthen your research, writing and data analysis skills — all essential for both your studies and future career.
You’ll also have the chance to take an optional work placement year or spend a year studying abroad, giving you hands-on experience and a global perspective that will set you apart in the job market.

Employment stats and career outcomes

Graduates from the social sciences at Leeds typically earn around £27,000 within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Three years after graduation, average salaries rise to around £28,500, and after five years, to approximately £34,500 — reflecting strong long-term employability and progression in the field.

University–industry links and real-world experience

The School of Sociology and Social Policy places a strong emphasis on research-led teaching and brings in guest speakers and practitioners from policy and industry. This means you’ll regularly engage with real-world debates and learn how theory connects with practice.
Leeds is also consistently ranked among the most targeted universities by UK graduate employers, with strong partnerships that open doors to work experience and graduate roles.

Long-term value of your degree

Being part of the Russell Group, the University of Leeds has a strong reputation for research and teaching excellence. This adds long-term value to your degree — both in terms of credibility and career potential — whether you plan to work in the UK or internationally.

Graduation outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll have a deep understanding of how societies and political systems work, how to analyse data critically, and how to communicate complex ideas clearly. The optional placement or study abroad year gives you an added edge — helping you graduate ready for your first professional role and equipped for ongoing growth throughout your career.

Further academic progression

If you’re interested in continuing your studies, you’ll find plenty of pathways after your BSc. Many students choose to specialise further through a master’s degree — for example, in Public Policy, International Relations, or Social Research. Others go on to pursue a PhD for academic or high-level policy research careers. You could also consider professional conversion programmes such as Law or Public Administration, or sector-specific postgraduate certificates in areas like Human Rights, Global Development or Public Management.