Politics and Sociology BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how societies function, why people hold certain beliefs, and how political systems shape everyday life, this degree brings those questions to life. The BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology at the University of Portsmouth helps you connect global politics with social realities — giving you the skills to analyse, question, and create change in the world around you.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Understanding Society and Power
In your first year, you’ll explore how both politics and sociology explain the world we live in. In Analysing Politics: Britain and Beyond, you’ll uncover how governments make decisions and how citizens influence them, while Developing Your Sociological Imagination challenges you to think critically about culture, identity, and inequality. You’ll also study Key Themes in International Relations, connecting local issues to global institutions and power structures.

Year 2 – Expanding Perspectives and Research Skills
Your second year builds your analytical and research abilities. In Doing Sociological Research, you’ll learn how to collect and interpret real-world data. Modules like European Politics and Ideology and Politics explore how political systems function across regions, while Modernity and Globalisation look at how modern societies are shaped by history, technology, and global forces.

Placement Year (Optional)
You’ll have the chance to take a year out to work in a professional environment, thanks to Portsmouth’s Connected Degrees model. This could mean working in government, social research, media, or the charity sector — turning academic insight into practical experience.

Final Year – Specialisation and Independent Research
In your final year, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned to your own research through a Dissertation or Major Project. You can also tailor your studies through modules such as Global Political Economy or Race, Rights and Development, exploring how politics and society intersect in global contexts. By the end, you’ll have strong research, analytical, and communication skills ready for diverse careers.

Focus Areas:

Politics • Sociology • Globalisation • Social Change • Research Methods

Learning Outcomes:

You’ll graduate ready to evaluate complex political and social issues, design and conduct research, and communicate ideas clearly across professional, academic, and public settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

While not professionally accredited, this degree emphasises employability, research excellence, and real-world experience through its optional placement year and active links with research institutes such as the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR).

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Gold TEF Rating: Recognised nationally for outstanding teaching and student experience.
Graduate Success: Strong employment and postgraduate progression outcomes within 15 months of graduation.
Global Recognition: University of Portsmouth ranks among the Top 650 universities worldwide (QS 2026) and is highly rated for student support and academic engagement.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Portsmouth, learning about politics and society goes far beyond the classroom. You’ll debate real issues, collaborate on projects that mirror professional research, and gain insight from guest speakers who work in government, policy, and community organisations. Every experience is designed to help you apply theory to real-world challenges and graduate with the confidence to make a difference.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience throughout your degree:

Interactive learning experiences: Take part in Model UN simulations, live “Question Time” debates with local MPs, campaigners, and councillors — all designed to help you think and speak like a professional policymaker.
Applied research and fieldwork: Explore how politics and society intersect through research projects, community-based studies, and local field trips that connect theory to lived social realities.
Creative and practical assessments: Instead of traditional exams, you’ll create podcasts, infographics, policy briefs, and short videos — building strong communication and media skills valued by employers.
Learning from active researchers: Work with lecturers involved in cutting-edge studies through the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), gaining insight into topics like global governance, identity, and social justice.
Placement and networking opportunities: Build professional experience and connections through optional work placements, public events, and community partnerships supported by the University’s Careers and Employability Service.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Politics and Sociology from Portsmouth sets you up for a career that’s both meaningful and versatile. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of how politics and society shape one another — and the analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers value across industries. Many graduates go on to work as policy advisors, community engagement officers, political researchers, or communications specialists, helping to shape conversations that matter.

Here’s how the University of Portsmouth supports your future success:

Career Support That Lasts: The Careers and Employability Service offers one-on-one guidance, CV and interview coaching, and access to internships, placements, and graduate schemes — available to you for up to five years after graduation.
Excellent Graduate Outcomes: Around 94% of Portsmouth graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing their degree.
Strong Industry Relevance: Many graduates find roles in government, NGOs, media, and education, with average early-career salaries of £23,000–£26,000 within the first few years.
Practical Advantage: Through the Connected Degrees model, you’ll have the opportunity to gain professional experience during your studies — a real advantage when entering the job market.
Future-Proof Skills: Even without formal accreditation, this program builds lasting value by combining theory with applied learning, preparing you for roles that demand insight, empathy, and critical thinking.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology, you can continue your studies with a master’s in International Relations, Public Policy, Sociology, or Social Research. Graduates with a strong research interest can also progress to a PhD, opening doors to teaching, academia, and advanced research careers.