Politics and Sociology, BA (Hons), University of Portsmouth

the United Kingdom

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
BA (Hons)	Full-time, Sandwich	3 - 4 years	September	-	-

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

96-112 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

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Politics and Sociology, BA (Hons), University of Portsmouth

Study options for this course

About Politics and Sociology, BA (Hons) - at University of Portsmouth

Entry requirements

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