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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of BirminghamThe BA Politics and Sociology with Year Abroad at the University of Birmingham is perfect for students who want to understand how power, policy, and society shape the world — and how they can shape it too. Combining political science and sociology, the degree explores how governments make decisions, how societies change, and how people influence those processes, all while giving you the chance to study in another country and gain a truly global perspective.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year builds a strong foundation in both disciplines. You’ll study key modules like “Understanding Politics” and “Introduction to Political Theory”, where you’ll explore how political systems function and the ideas that drive them. On the sociology side, modules such as “The Sociological Imagination” and “Introduction to Social Divisions” introduce you to how societies are structured, how inequality is created, and how identities are formed. This year is about learning to think critically, argue clearly, and understand the forces shaping modern life.
Year 2
In the second year, you’ll dive deeper into contemporary political and social debates. You’ll tackle modules such as “Global Governance” and “International Security”, analysing how states and organisations respond to global challenges. Sociology modules like “Gender and Sexuality” or “Race and Racism” will sharpen your understanding of identity, culture, and inequality in today’s world. You’ll also start to apply research methods to real data, building skills in both qualitative and quantitative analysis and preparing for your own independent research projects.
Year 3 – Year Abroad
Your third year is your chance to take your learning global. You’ll spend a year studying at one of Birmingham’s partner universities around the world, continuing your modules in politics and sociology while gaining new cultural insights. This international experience will build your confidence, improve your language and communication skills, and help you see global issues from new perspectives — qualities that employers truly value.
Year 4
Returning for your final year, you’ll have the freedom to specialise in the areas that inspire you most. You’ll undertake a dissertation or major research project, working closely with an academic mentor on a topic you’re passionate about. You can also choose advanced modules exploring political institutions, public policy, social theory, or emerging global issues. This final year pulls together everything you’ve learned and shows employers that you can think critically, research independently, and communicate complex ideas with confidence.
Focus areas: Political systems and theory, social structures and inequality, global governance, culture and identity, political institutions, research methods
Learning outcomes: By the end of the degree, you’ll be able to critically evaluate political and social systems, conduct independent research, communicate complex arguments clearly, and apply your knowledge to real-world challenges in an international context.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Delivered by the School of Government, the program is built around academic and professional standards that prepare you for careers in government, policy, NGOs, social research, or media.
Reputation (employability/rankings):
The University of Birmingham is a Russell Group university and ranked #76 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Around 95% of graduates from similar degrees are in work or further study within 15 months.
Graduates typically earn around £28,000 within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Birmingham is consistently targeted by top UK and international employers.
What makes this degree stand out is how much of your learning happens beyond the classroom. You won’t just read about political systems or social change — you’ll actively experience them through real-world projects, research, simulations, and placements. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to apply what you learn in practical ways, preparing you for life after graduation and giving you the kind of hands-on experience employers love.
As part of your degree, you’ll gain practical skills in research, negotiation, analysis, and teamwork while using specialist facilities, digital resources, and professional networks. And because this course includes a full year abroad, you’ll graduate with international experience and a truly global outlook. Here’s how you’ll put your learning into action:
Professional Development Module: Gain real-world work experience with a placement in government, NGOs, social research, media, or policy organisations — a chance to apply your skills and build your CV before you graduate.
Model NATO & UN Simulations: Represent countries in international simulations, debating policies, negotiating outcomes, and experiencing what global decision-making feels like in practice.
Research Projects & Data Skills: Learn to design and conduct your own research using real-world data, and get hands-on experience with both qualitative and quantitative analysis tools and software.
Collaborative Group Projects: Work with classmates on case studies, policy proposals, and sociological investigations that mirror the kinds of teamwork and problem-solving tasks you’ll face in professional settings.
Fieldwork and Case Studies: Some modules include opportunities to engage directly with communities, institutions, or policy environments — helping you connect theory with the realities on the ground.
Specialist Facilities & Resources: Access world-class libraries, digital archives, and extensive online databases, as well as research support from the Centre of West African Studies (CWAS) and other dedicated research centres.
Year Abroad Experience: Spend a year studying at a partner university overseas, gaining cross-cultural skills, global perspectives, and international academic experience that set you apart in the job market.
A degree in Politics and Sociology from Birmingham opens doors to a wide range of exciting and meaningful careers. Graduates go on to work in roles where they shape public policy, influence social change, and tackle real-world challenges. You could become a policy analyst, social researcher, government or public affairs officer, or build a career with NGOs, think tanks, or international organisations. Many students also pursue roles in media, communications, and advocacy, where their deep understanding of society and politics is highly valued.
What makes Birmingham stand out is the strong career support and industry links you’ll benefit from throughout your studies. From first year onwards, you’ll have access to tailored advice, internship opportunities, and direct employer connections, helping you confidently step into the job market after graduation. Here’s how the university sets you up for success:
Careers Network Support: Birmingham’s dedicated Careers Network helps you every step of the way — from building a professional CV and preparing for interviews to finding internships and connecting with top employers in politics, government, NGOs, and media.
Impressive Graduate Outcomes: Around 95% of graduates from this degree are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing, with typical salaries averaging around £28,000.
Top Choice for Employers: Birmingham is consistently ranked among the most targeted universities by UK graduate employers, so you’ll have access to exclusive recruitment events, industry panels, and networking opportunities.
Highly Regarded Qualification: As part of the Russell Group, the University of Birmingham is internationally recognised for excellence in social sciences — giving your degree strong credibility with employers and postgraduate institutions.
Real Career Impact: Many graduates progress into highly skilled roles in public policy, research, development organisations, and advocacy, while others work in media, communications, and consultancy.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’re interested in continuing your studies, this program provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate degrees in areas like political science, sociology, public policy, international development, or social research methods. Many graduates go on to master’s and PhD programs, becoming researchers, lecturers, policy advisers, or senior analysts shaping decisions on a national and global scale.
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.American curriculum AP (min grade 4), SAT Subject (650+), Honours/College-level (B+), High School Diploma (Grade 12 pass & 3.2/4.0 GPA), ACT (28+), SAT-R (670+).Indian Curriculum 80% ISC, CBSE, Maharashtra or 75% West Bengal or 85% Other State boardsIB 6,6,5 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overallA Level AABPolicy & Government International RelationsNGOs Research and Academia Communications & Media Education & Teaching Charities & Social Enterprises Private Sector
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