BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology (4-Year Sandwich with Work Placement)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how societies work, why people think the way they do, and how politics shapes everyday life, this course is built for you. The BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology at the University of Portsmouth helps you explore the big questions of power, culture, identity, and social change—while giving you the chance to put theory into action through a full-year work placement.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Foundations
Your first year introduces you to the key ideas that define both politics and sociology. You’ll study topics such as Analysing Politics: Britain and Beyond, Developing Your Sociological Imagination, and Key Themes in International Relations. Through these modules, you’ll begin to understand how political systems work, how societies are organised, and how culture, power, and institutions interact to shape our world.

Year 2 – Deepening Your Perspective
In your second year, you’ll take a closer look at the complex forces driving modern societies. Modules such as Ideology and Politics, European Politics, Modernity and Globalisation, and Doing Sociological Research will help you connect real-world issues—like globalisation, gender, and inequality—to broader political and cultural debates. You’ll also start developing your own independent research and analytical voice.

Year 3 – Work Placement Year
This is where you take learning beyond the classroom. You’ll spend a full year working in an organisation of your choice—whether that’s a charity, a research centre, a government office, or an NGO. It’s a powerful way to gain experience, make professional connections, and discover where your degree can take you after graduation.

Year 4 – Shaping Your Expertise
In your final year, you’ll specialise in the themes that interest you most. You might explore Global Crises: Climate, Conflict and Insecurity, Social Power, Elites and Dissent, or Transitional Justice and Human Rights. You’ll also complete your dissertation—a chance to investigate an issue you truly care about and showcase everything you’ve learned.

Focus Areas: Global politics • Social change • Inequality • Research and real-world engagement

Learning Outcomes: By graduation, you’ll know how to critically analyse political and social issues, design and conduct research, communicate with impact, and apply sociological insight to real-world contexts.

Professional Alignment: This is a Connected Degree, giving you the flexibility to integrate professional experience directly into your studies through a structured placement year.

Reputation & Employability: Portsmouth holds a Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), and 94% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Employers value the mix of critical thinking, research, and communication skills this degree develops.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Portsmouth, you’ll experience learning that goes far beyond lectures and essays. This course is designed to help you connect academic ideas with the real world — through debate, research, fieldwork, and a full year of hands-on professional experience. You’ll learn how societies function and how political decisions shape people’s lives, while developing skills that make you stand out in any career — from critical thinking and teamwork to research and communication.

The highlight of this degree is the work placement year, where you’ll spend your third year working full-time in an organisation of your choice. Whether that’s a charity, a local government office, a political research team, or a non-profit focused on social change — you’ll gain real insight into how your academic knowledge applies to everyday issues. You’ll also receive full support from the University’s Placement and Careers Team, who’ll help you find and secure the opportunity that fits your interests and career goals.

Here’s what your hands-on learning journey will look like:

Simulated political debates and events: Participate in Model United Nations sessions and Question Time debates with politicians, campaigners, and policy experts to see politics in action.
Work placement year: Spend your third year in a full-time paid or voluntary role related to your degree — a perfect chance to build experience, grow your professional network, and test possible career paths before you graduate.
Field research and community engagement: Take part in projects exploring real social issues such as inequality, gender, identity, and cultural change, often collaborating with local organisations.
Creative and applied assessments: Produce podcasts, short videos, infographics, and policy briefs — all designed to help you communicate complex ideas in practical, professional ways.
Digital learning tools and research support: Make use of the University’s advanced library, online databases, and digital software to conduct political and sociological research.
Dedicated placement and careers support: Access one-on-one mentoring, CV workshops, and interview preparation through the Careers and Employability Service, ensuring your placement year becomes a real career springboard.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Politics and Sociology degree from the University of Portsmouth doesn’t just prepare you for a job — it prepares you for impact. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of how societies and governments work, and the skills to influence change, communicate ideas, and solve real social and political challenges. By the time you finish your placement year, you’ll already have professional experience, confidence, and clarity about your next steps.

Graduates from this course have gone on to build rewarding careers in areas such as:

Public policy and government – shaping decisions that affect communities.
Research and analysis – working for think tanks, consultancies, or NGOs.
Communications and advocacy – leading campaigns for causes that matter.
Community and social development – supporting equality, inclusion, and change on the ground.

Here’s how Portsmouth helps you turn those ambitions into reality:

Dedicated careers support: The Careers and Employability Service guides you every step of the way — from finding the right placement to preparing your CV and interview skills. Even after graduation, you’ll have access to personalised career advice for five years.
Proven success: Around 94% of Portsmouth graduates are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months — a strong sign that employers recognise the value of a Portsmouth degree.
Professional experience built in: Your work placement year connects you directly with real organisations, including the Houses of Parliament, Honda, and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, helping you gain industry insights and valuable references.
Career-ready skills: Through research projects, presentations, and digital assignments, you’ll graduate with the ability to think critically, communicate confidently, and lead with purpose.
Long-term credibility: With the University’s Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and strong links to employers, your degree carries real weight wherever your career takes you.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to keep exploring these subjects, you could move on to a Master’s degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Social Research Methods, or Human Rights. Some graduates also pursue professional training in law, social work, or public administration, while others continue into PhD research, turning their curiosity into expertise that shapes future policy and understanding.