Course overview

Studying BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology at Aston University will develop your sociological imagination whilst honing your critical thinking and analytical skills to understand global politics and the broader implications of individual actions in society.

The programme delves into real-life experiences and their connections to larger social issues. You will explore the impact of social constraints, class, race, religion, and gender on inequality and life chances.

You will have the opportunity to explore major political topics going beyond the UK and Europe, covering Asia, the Middle East and North America. You will delve into how politics takes place, analysing the interaction between political, economic and social forces and how these dynamics shape our policies.

You will be taught by research-active staff who are experts in their respective fields and who constantly update their teaching based on the newest research findings. Opting for the placement year will provide you with invaluable real-world experience, boosting your employability.

Why Politics and Sociology at Aston University?

Experiential learning

Experience learning by doing with innovative modules like the award-winning EuroSim module

Top 5% in the world

Top 5% of global evaluated institutions (QS World University Rankings 2026)

Earn more

Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £38,100 five years after graduating (Sociology, Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025)

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

4th in the UK

Ranked 4th in the UK for ‘graduate prospects – on track’ (Sociology; Complete University Guide, 2026)

Highly ranked

Ranked 6th in the UK for ‘graduate prospects – on track’ (Politics; Complete University Guide, 2026)

L'myah's story

L'myah Sherae, a Politics and Sociology graduate, talks about her motivations for studying at Aston University and how this helped prepare her for a successful career after graduating.

Gain insights into global politics

Hear from Dr Balazs Szent-Ivanyi as he discusses the key benefits of studying politics and international relations at Aston University.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability

Discover Power Skills

Course description

BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology

Our BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology degree will give you an in-depth understanding of some of the biggest political topics in the modern era, alongside social processes, social change, organisational dynamics and inter-group relationships.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will benefit from applied learning, research-informed teaching and authentic assessment. As a student on this programme, you will be one of the first to know about advancements in topical research by staff across the department, even before it is published.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
You will be equipped with the knowledge and analytical skills which will enable you to think critically and address big questions around how society is organised. Our graduates are empathetic, culturally-aware changemakers who are equipped with the right skills to make an impact in their chosen careers.

Placement year
We all know that taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. It’s for this reason that we encourage every student to take one. The placement year gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.

The placement year is optional for BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology students. Even if you choose not to opt for the placement year, you will still benefit from some of the employability-focused modules within your second and final year.

Career prospects
As an Aston University Politics and Sociology graduate, you will be equipped for a range of different career options. Our recent graduates have gone on to work across the public, private and third sectors for organisations including: Civil Service, Birmingham City Council, National Citizen Service, Trafford Housing Trust and Solihull Community Housing.

How you will learn

Our programme is designed to provide you with a dynamic and engaging learning experience that prepares you for a successful career in understanding and analysing complex social dynamics. Our teaching approach combines academic rigor with practical application, ensuring that you not only grasp political and sociological theories and concepts but also develop critical thinking and research skills essential in today’s world.

You will participate in interactive lectures, small group seminars and practical workshops led by experienced academic staff, encouraging lively discussions and exploration of diverse perspectives.

Applied modules, study trips and the option for a placement year will provide hands-on experience and enable you to explore everyday issues, preparing you to tackle the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance. You will also benefit from access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals.

What you will learn

Driven by the needs of society and future employers, our course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of key political and sociological concepts and the ability to critically analyse these, alongside the opportunity to specialise in areas of politics and sociology that interest you.

First year

In your first year, you will grasp the foundational principles, concepts, and research methods associated with politics and sociology, engaging with critical theoretical and ethical debates. You will examine themes such as the nature of power in society and the complex interactions between politics, culture, and society that drive global challenges.

Second year

Building upon the foundations acquired in your first year, in your second year you will delve deeper into key topics and issues in politics and sociology. You will study British politics in comparative perspective and explore social theories and political ideologies. You will also develop your understanding of regional power dynamics whilst honing your analytical and communication skills

Placement year

The placement year is optional for BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology students. While we recognise the significant employability benefits that come with opting for a placement year, it's important to highlight that for this programme it's entirely your choice. Aston University graduates are renowned for their employability, and we highly recommend considering a placement year. Our award-winning careers and placements team are on hand to support you through every step of your placement journey.

Final year

In your final year, you will complete a research dissertation on a topic of your choice relating to politics or sociology, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods. You will specialise in topics you enjoy most by choosing from a range of optional modules.

My placement year at Agilent Technologies

Sheena Desai took every opportunity available to her at Aston University which has supported her to grow and thrive in her career today.

Discover Sheena's journey

Course objectives

Provides you with an excellent learning experience that draws on the research and other expertise of academic staff.
Equips you as a well-qualified and highly employable graduate with key skills for lifelong learning.
Gives you the intellectual tools to address a wide range of questions of public concern.
Develops your understanding of the values, structures, relationships and decision-making procedures of government and society at regional, national and global level.
Develops your knowledge of different theories and methods of analysis used in politics and sociology, and your ability to apply them to real-world issues.
Encourages you to think critically about key turning points, events and ideas, exploring the political, social, historical and cultural factors that shape them.
Provides you with the ability to analyse and understand social problems, social change and social structures, and their interaction with political dynamics.
Gives you the opportunity to specialise in topics of particular interest to you and present your findings to different audiences via a range of assessment methods.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Learning and Working in a Digital World	15
Fundamentals of Communication	15
Ideas that Shape Society	15
Power in Society	15
Investigating Society and Culture	15
The Making of the Modern World	15
What's Trending? Debating the Challenges of Our Time	15
Making Sense of Politics	15
Total	120

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Political Theories and Ideologies	15
Research Methods	15
British Politics in Comparative Perspective	15
Social Theory for a Changing World	15
Total	60

In term 1 you will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
International Climate Politics	15
Political Economy: Approaches, Concepts and Issues	15

You will also choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Digital Methods for Social Science and Humanities	15
Embodiment, Deviance and Feminist Theory	15
Global Society	15
Prisons, Policing and Punishment	15

In term 2 you will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
East Asian Politics and Society	15
European Politics and Society	15
North American Politics and Society	15
Politics and Society of the Middle East	15
South Asian Politics and Society	15

In term 2 you will also choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Research Methods	15
Media and Society	15
Racisms	15
Victimology	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Placement year modules

The placement year is optional for BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology students.

If you opt for an integrated placement year, you will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement year

Module Title	Credits
Integrated Placement Year	120

Final year modules

In your final year you will study at least one of the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Research Skills and Politics Dissertation OR Sociology Dissertation	30
Total	30

If Research Skills and Politics Dissertation is selected, choose two optional Politics modules and four optional Sociology modules.
If Sociology Dissertation is selected, choose four optional Politics/International Relations modules (of which at least three modules must be from Politics) and two optional Sociology modules.

Politics

Module Title	Credits
Debates in Contemporary British Politics	15
Political Actors: From Ideas to Influence	15
Politics and Islam: Past and Present	15
Gender and Politics	15
Sport and Politics	15
The American Presidency	15

International Relations

Module Title	Credits
EuroSim: Learning Negotiation Through Simulation Games	15
Technology and Digital Politics	15
Understanding Foreign Policy	15
African Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present Day	15
Politics of Development	15
Writing and Reporting of Conflict and Violence	15

Sociology

Module Title	Credits
Community Engagement	15
Drugs, Law and Society	15
Elites	15
Health Policy	15
Work, Organisations and Society	15
Bodies, Power and Resistance	15
Migration, Borders and Detention	15
Pregnancy and Politics	15
Protest, Power and the State	15
Religion and Society	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations. The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

A Levels

BBC (standard offer)
BCC (with EPQ minimum grade B)
BCC (contextual offer)
Contextual offers

Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM (standard offer)

The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.

29 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,4 in 3 higher level subjects.

You must also have Standard Level grade 4 in Mathematics and grade 5 in English Language.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3.

You must obtain a minimum of 15 credits at distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
Education and Childcare - grade D
Onsite Construction - grade D
Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
Digital Business Services - grade D
Digital Support Services - grade D
Health - grade D
Healthcare Science - grade D
Science - grade D
Accounting - grade D
Finance - grade D
Management and administration - grade D
Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Legal Services - grade D

GCSE Maths – grade C/4

GCSE English Language or English Literature – grade C/4

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a first year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 3 entry onwards: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 or final year.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

The fees set out below are not confirmed. We will update this webpage with the confirmed fees for 2027/28 by 31 July 2026.

UK students
(2027/28)

First year tuition fee:	£10,050*
During placement year:	£1,250*

International students
(2026/27)

First year tuition fee:	£22,575**
During placement year:	£2,500**

*UK students (Home Undergraduate):

Subject to parliamentary approval, the first year tuition fee will be £10,050, increasing annually in line with inflation for subsequent academic years.

On 20 October 2025, the Government announced that tuition fees in England will be increased annually in line with inflation, starting in 2026. The Government have since confirmed that it intends to determine the inflation-linked increase using the Retail Price Index, although this is subject to parliamentary approval.

According to the Department for Education’s Policy Paper published on 26 November, the annual tuition fee for the Programme commencing in the academic year 2027/28 is expected to be £10,050, subject to parliamentary approval. If you are holding an offer at Aston, when the annual tuition fee for your Programme for the 2027/28 academic year has been confirmed, we will write to update you. We will also provide as much information as we can about the inflation-linked increase in tuition fees for future academic years.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this webpage and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. We expect to publish our 2027 entry Terms and Conditions in summer 2026. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

**International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The first year tuition fee and placement year fee are not confirmed. The annual tuition fee and placement year fee stated here are for the September 2026 entry for this course. The updated fees for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments. Special emphasis will be placed on authentic assessment.

Career prospects

Our BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology programme will prepare you for a range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £38,100 five years after graduating (Sociology, Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025).

The transferable skills that our politics and sociology programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:

Graduate project manager
Governance support officer
Legislation officer
Domestic abuse support worker
Business development consultant
Policy adviser
Equality engagement officer
Financial well-being apprentice
External relations officer
Democratic and electoral service officer
Teacher

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies and public sector organisations including Aldi, Birmingham City Council, Civil Service, Octopus Energy, National Citizen Service, IBM, ThinkYoung, Trafford Housing Trust and West Midlands Police.

L'myah Sherae - Politics and Sociology graduate

One of the best decisions I made

L’myah Sherae knew she wanted to work in race relations and politics from a young age. She completed her placement year at the Houses of Parliament and now runs her own political campaigns company.

Discover L'myah's journey

Our students achieve some amazing things during their time with us and after they graduate - whether it's setting up their own businesses, landing competitive graduate schemes, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Simba's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I went on The Apprentice

Sunjay's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I worked with Kylie Minogue

Christine's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I founded a global football franchise

Frequently asked questions

Why study politics or international relations?

Why study politics or international relations? Dr Laura Southgate, a lecturer at Aston University, explains the benefits of studying this discipline.

Why study sociology or social policy?

You will get to explore, debate and discuss some of the biggest issues in society whilst applying what you have learnt to real-world current debates and challenges. You will get hands-on experience in undertaking your own research locally, developing your critical thinking and analytical skills.

At Aston University, sociology and social policy is about real life, everyday experiences. We explore how social structures such as class, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity, impact our lives and how they intersect with powerful discourses, interests and organisations to translate social issues into policy problems.

You will also have the option to undertake a placement year or study abroad, equipping you with the skills and experience needed beyond graduation.

How will a placement year benefit me?

Whether you choose to study abroad or do a work placement, Aston University’s links with employers and universities around the world mean you will have a wide range of options to boost your employability and explore the world of work.

Our work placements give you the opportunity to apply what you have learnt on your course while gaining valuable professional and paid experience. It can enhance your graduate employment prospects and help you to make more informed career decisions. Around one in five of our placement students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employer.

Find out more

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham