Politics and Social Policy

Course overview

On this course, you’ll have the opportunity to explore political topics going beyond the UK and Europe, covering North America, South Asia, China, Japan or the emerging global powers. You will not only study the traditional subjects of the discipline, such as security, political economy or democratisation but also have the chance to delve into ethics, sports, gender, protests or religion.

On the social policy strand of the course, you’ll examine why governments take particular decisions in key policy areas and develop a detailed understanding of processes of policy making at global, national and local levels of government. We explore the social constraints we encounter in our everyday lives and how they are reinforced by class, race, religion and gender. To understand how these issues perpetuate existing inequalities and unequal life chances, we analyse what impact official policies has on such processes, how politics is intertwined with the profit-making aims pursued by big corporations and how their combined interests dominate our social imaginations.

“I’ve really loved my time at Aston. The content of the Politics and Social Policy course always varied, and the lecturers were passionate, professional and responsive to my needs. The year in industry helped me feel so much more confident moving into the jobs market and most of all Birmingham is a city full of life and opportunities too!”

Max Avard

BSc (Hons) Politics and Social Policy

Production assistant, Premier Christian Communications

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.

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.

Careers and Placements

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

Course description

BSc (Hons) Politics and Social Policy

Study the BSc (Hons) Politics and Social Policy degree course at Aston University to examine the major political, economic and social issues facing governments and societies across the world, and how the policies they develop impact on all our lives.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire 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.

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. You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have passion for politics and social policy.

What skills we teach
You will study the nature of policy delivery and management, preparing you for a range of career paths. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of social policy, equipping you with skills that will enable you to think critically and work independently.

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 Social Policy students. Even if you choose not to opt for the placement year, you will benefit from the practice-based modules in our ‘employability spine’ that will equip you with real-world knowledge and skills.

Career prospects
As an Aston University Politics and Social Policy 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: the Department for International Development, the Ministry of Defence, and the United Nations Economic Commission.

How you will learn

You will be involved in lectures, tutorials, seminars, e-seminars, small-group work, project work and independent study. Many of your modules will be in a workshop format, alternating theoretical input with practical analysis, and allowing you to test out your understanding in discussion with other students and your tutor. There are also opportunities for group and collaborative work.

Our degrees are designed to also give you a range of transferable and practical skills to succeed within your chosen career. The programme enables students to develop a set of analytical skills and an aptitude for domestic and international employment, important at a time when Britain is reconfiguring its global position. We make extensive use of group working and presentations to prepare you for the reality of working life. This experience will develop your team working and negotiating skills.

In your final year, you will undertake a major piece of independent research in the form of a dissertation. You will have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules including EuroSim, where students compete in an international intercollegiate negotiation simulation.

What you will learn

This course allows you to combine study in two fascinating subjects. You will investigate the economic, social and political forces which influence government decision-making and develop a detailed understanding of policy-making processes at global, national and local levels of government. You will also explore in-depth, the outcomes and consequences of various government policies on the economy and society.

First year

In your first year, you will be introduced to studying and researching politics and British politics, as well as debates in society and policy, social problems to public policies and becoming a social scientist. You will also have the chance to study the making of the modern world, the European Union, and current affairs.

Second year

Building upon the foundations learnt in your first year, in your second year you will delve deeper into topics such as political theories and ideologies, critical political analysis and welfare. You will also have the choice to study a range of optional modules, including politics across the world, racisms and material worlds culture, objects and practices.

Placement year

The placement year is optional for BSc (Hons) Politics and Social Policy 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 politics or social policy dissertation, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods. You will also have the option to study other topics, on subjects such as America in the world, democracy, authoritarianism and regime change, health policy, and bodies, power and resistance.

Victoria Rogers Economics and Politics graduate

My placement role at Microsoft

“I got an internship at Microsoft as part of their Education Team in the UK. I was able to learn a lot of transferable skills and increase my network. I interviewed for one of their graduate roles which I was successful in getting.”

Discover Victoria's journey

Course objectives

Provides you with an excellent learning experience drawing 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.
Provides you with an understanding of the theories, values, structures, relationships and decision-making procedures of government and society at local, regional, and national level.
Develops your use of different methods of political analysis drawing on history, political philosophy and the social sciences.
Encourages you to think critically about events and ideas.
Provides you with a gamut of intellectual tools for addressing a wide range of questions of public concern.
Provides you with a clear and wide-ranging perspective on and understanding of the changing nature of social policy and society.
Develops your understanding of the structures of society including issues of diversity and inequality.
Develops your understanding of how social policy is formulated and implemented.
Develops your knowledge of a range of services delivered in key social policy areas.
Develops your understanding of the good practice tools and techniques of researching social issues, formulating and implementing social policies, and develops your skills in utilising such techniques.
Develops your ability to analyse policy and apply research techniques to social policy development, implementation and management issues.
Develops your analytical skills in which to develop and deliver policies, and judge your effectiveness.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Introduction to Studying and Researching Politics	30
British Politics since 1990	15
Critical Debates in Society and Policy	15
From Social Problems to Public Policies	15
Becoming a Social Scientist	30
Total	105

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
The Making of the Modern World	15
What’s Trending (Current Affairs in Politics and International Relations)	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.

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nature and significance of politics as a human activity in national, regional/European and international or global frameworks.
Demonstrate knowledge of basic theories and methods, including philosophical and historical approaches, used in the study of politics as applied to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and practices.
Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving political problems, including European ones.
Understand the underlying concepts and principles associated with politics and social policy as academic disciplines, including key theoretical and ethical issues.
Think critically and to develop lines of argument and analysis in accordance with basic social and political scientific theories and concepts.
Present, evaluate and interpret research design, and qualitative and quantitative data and methods, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of social policy and political science.
Demonstrate experience in working independently and managing time.
Demonstrate critical understanding of the basic structure of the policy making process.
Demonstrate competence in the use of information technology for word processing, data handling, communication, and information gathering.
Communicate accurately, effectively, and appropriately, presenting structured and coherent arguments, demonstrating awareness of professional norms.
Demonstrate a range of transferrable academic skills, including an ability to reflect on your own learning and development, engage effectively with feedback, and work effectively and collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.
Demonstrate awareness of a range of possible career pathways that graduates of the programme might pursue, and articulate the employability skills and attributes required in these careers.

Year 2 modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Political Theories and Ideologies	15
Comparative Government and Politics	15
Critical Policy Analysis	15
Research Methods	15
Welfare	15
Total	75

You will choose one of the following optional modules*:

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

You will choose one of the following optional modules*:

Module Title	Credits
Global Society	15
CSI: Crime Subversion and Injustice	15
Contested Cities	15
Racisms	15
Health and Society	15

You will choose one of the following optional modules*:

Module Title	Credits
The Politics and Policies of the European Union	15
Introduction to Political Economy: Institutions and Rational Choice	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.

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and a critical understanding of the theories of politics as applied to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and practices.
Demonstrate understanding of different national and regional/European political systems; the nature and distribution of power in them; the social, economic, historical and cultural contexts within which they operate, and the relationships between them.
Apply the concepts and principles of political science in contexts outside of which they were first studied, including an employment context.
Demonstrate advanced understanding of the processes involved in developing policy at different stages of the policy process.
Apply the basic tools of policy analysis to appraise the strengths and weaknesses of specific policies.
Demonstrate understanding of the main methods of enquiry in politics and social policy as academic disciplines and critically evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches.
Use established techniques to construct reasoned argument, gather and synthesise relevant information, evaluate different concepts, theories, and evidence and exercise critical judgement to form compelling arguments.
Communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences and deploy key techniques effectively.
Think critically and have an understanding of different epistemological approaches and how they influence analyses and interpretations.
Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management skills.
Understand a range of basic descriptive and inferential statistics used in data analysis and key methods used in qualitative research.

Placement year modules

The placement year is optional for BSc (Hons) Politics and Social Policy 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

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Apply knowledge, skills and competencies within a real work-based situation, and/or in a foreign context.
Demonstrate increasing personal and professional development through a placement.
Articulate key personal, cultural, professional and disciplinary knowledge and skills relevant to the placement experience, and reflect on performance and on the practical applications of subject knowledge.
Communicate the ways in which placement-related skills can be transferred to support ongoing personal, professional and academic development.

Final year modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Research Skills and Politics Dissertation	30
Dissertation (Social Policy)	30

If you take the politics dissertation, or both dissertations, you will choose two of the following optional modules. If you take the social policy dissertation only, you will choose four of the following optional modules*:

Module Title	Credits
African Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present Day	15
America in the World	15
The American Presidency	15
Chinese Politics and Society	15
Conflict and Intervention	15
Democracy, Authoritarianism and Regime Change	15
Diplomacy and Soft Power	15
Ethics and International Relations	15
EuroSim: Learning Negotiation through Simulation Games	15
Gender and Politics	15
Interest Groups and Lobbying	15
Political Communication	15
Politics and Islam: Past and Present	15
Politics and Protest in a Globalised World	15
Politics of Development	15
Religion and Politics in Contemporary Europe	15
Sport and Politics	15
The International Relations of East Asia	15
The Populist Radical Right in Europe	15
Understanding Foreign Policy	15
Debates in Contemporary British Politics	15
Technology and Digital Politics	15
Political Parties	15

If you take the social policy dissertation, or both dissertations, you will choose one of the following optional modules. If you take the politics dissertation only, you will choose three of the following optional modules*:

Module Title	Credits
Migration, Borders and Belonging	15
Health Policy	15
The Challenges of Climate Change	15
Corporate Power in a Globalised World	15

You will choose one of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Work, Organisations and Society	15
Bodies, Power and Resistance	15
Contemporary Social Movements	15
Education for the 21st Century	15
Religion and Society	15
Pregnancy and Politics: Cultural Norms and Family Policy	15
Community Engagement	15
CSI: Crime, Subversion and Injustice	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.

Final year outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate a systematic and critical knowledge of the key theories, methods, and applications of political science and social policy.
Identify a research question and design, execute and report an empirically-based research project with a clear consideration of theory, methods and ethical considerations.
Synthesise and critically evaluate the concepts, theories and methods used, and findings of, social scientific and advanced political science scholarship.
Create and present sustained arguments backed up with evidence that reflects contemporary understanding of politics and social policy as academic disciplines.
Exercise personal initiative and responsibility, and make informed decisions in complex and unpredictable contexts.
Communicate ideas, problems, solutions and research results effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Entry requirements

A Levels
BBC (standard offer)
BCC (with EPQ or Core Maths 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 30 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

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,250
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£18,250
During placement year:	£2,500

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

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 Social Policy 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, according to the 2023 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO). This data shows that five years after graduation, employed Aston University graduates have the 15th highest median salary among all UK Higher Education Institutions, with a median salary of £36,100.

The transferable skills that our politics and social policy programme provides means that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles, such as:

Broadcast journalist
Editorial assistant
Civil service administrator
Human resources officer
Marketing trainee
Policy officer
Research assistant
Account manager
Business analyst
Corporate engagement executive
Public policy and strategic relationships intern
Private sector development assistant

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as: Morgan Stanley, Department for International Development, HSBC, Bosch, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and United Nations Economic Commission.

Aston University to the Scouts

See how Emily Kenning, is making a difference in her role as junior media relations officer at the Scouts.

Discover Emily'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

Frequently asked questions

Why should I study Politics and Social Policy at Aston University?

The BSc (Hons) Politics and Social Policy joint honours degree programme at Aston builds upon various A Levels, including Politics (e.g. the role of the Government), Sociology (e.g. modern forms of power), Economics (e.g. market failure), Geography (e.g. globalisation) and Business Studies (e.g. Government support for enterprise) with an optional placement year to enhance your global employability.

Why should I do a placement year with Aston University?

Aston is one of the leading universities for professional placements abroad. A placement year at home or abroad gives 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.

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 different 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.

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.

Choosing to start your Aston journey with our foundation programme in social science will help you develop specialist knowledge to ensure that you are fully prepared to study your chosen undergraduate course.