Politics and Sociology
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | On-Campus | Full-time, Sandwich | 3 - 4 years | September | find out | find out |
About Politics and Sociology, BA (Hons) - at University of Portsmouth
Overview
Explore the forces shaping our world today. Investigate power, inequality, and social change across communities, nations, and global systems.
Discover how political decisions and social movements influence everyday lives—and how you can play a role in shaping the future.
With real-world research, hands-on fieldwork, and expert-led teaching, this BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology degree gives you the tools to understand and challenge the world around you.
Course highlights
- Learn from research-active staff who contribute to the University's top-ranked Area Studies research, tackling some of today’s most urgent social and political issues
- Tailor your degree to suit your interests and career ambitions, with module options ranging from global inequalities and climate justice to digital politics and gender
- Take part in our Academic Enrichment programme, including events such as “Model UN” simulations and “Question Times” with local MPs, councillors and political campaigners
- Develop real-world experience and professional connections through employer-led events, student-led activities and community partnerships
- Choose from a wide range of innovative assessments, including podcasts, infographics, policy briefs, short videos, research posters, and business reports – many of which you’ll co-design with academic staff
- Carry out a final-year dissertation or project on a topic you're passionate about, with the freedom to shape both the format and focus
- Go on fieldwork trips and engage in applied research that connects classroom theory to lived social and political realities
- Take part in a work placement year after your second or third year on this Connected Degree – we're the only UK university to offer flexible sandwich placements for undergraduates
Careers and opportunities
This degree equips you to make a meaningful impact in areas such as public policy, international relations and social research, preparing you to become an inquisitive, informed citizen and an active participant in civic life.
What areas can you work in with a Politics and Sociology degree?
With a Politics and Sociology degree, you’ll be equipped to make a meaningful impact in society through a wide range of career paths. Your studies will prepare you to work in sectors where critical thinking, communication, and an understanding of political and social systems are highly valued.
You could work in any of the following sectors:
- Local and central government
- Civil Service and public administration
- NGOs and voluntary organisations
- International organisations (UN, EU)
- Lobbying and campaigning organisations
- Public affairs consultancies
- Law firms and legal services
- Social care
- NHS
- Advertising and PR
- Marketing
- Social and market research organisations
- Education (schools, colleges and universities)
- Journalism and media
- Think tanks
- Accountancy and banking
- Commercial businesses
What jobs can you do in with a Politics and Sociology degree?
Job prospects from this degree include:
- Academic researcher
- Advice worker
- Business development manager
- Civil Service administrator
- Community development worker
- Diplomatic service officer
- Government social research officer
- Housing manager/officer
- Human resources officer
- International aid/development worker
- Journalist
- Local government officer
- Market researcher
- Marketing executive
- Police officer
- Political risk analyst
- Probation officer
- Public affairs consultant
- Public relations officer
- Social worker
- Special educational needs coordinator
- Teacher
- Trade union research officer
- Youth worker
Placement year (optional)
After the second or third year of your degree, you can do an optional work placement sandwich year, to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
Recent student placement destinations include:
- DSTL (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory)
- Honda
- The Houses of Parliament
- The Royal College of Psychiatrists
- PARCS (Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service)
- Why Me? Restorative Justice
Some students have even been offered graduate positions with the same organisation after completing their degree.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Ongoing career support - up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities and work experience. Towards the end of your degree and after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role.
Entry requirements for this course
Contact University of Portsmouth to find course entry requirements.
View all courses at University of Portsmouth