Sociology and Politics

In Sociology you’ll study contemporary social issues such as health inequality, climate change, digital life, gender, race, class, and political polarisation. Learn about social research methods, ethics and qualitative and quantitative approaches, then apply your knowledge in real-world case studies, community engagement and policy contexts.

In Politics you'll focus on governance, ideology, diplomacy and the ideas that drive political change. You’ll also explore the historical and philosophical contexts through which key political concepts have evolved, applying these to contemporary political, economic and environmental issues.

Across both subjects, you’ll build your knowledge progressively from foundational study in your first year to more focused and specialist modules in your second year. In your final year you’ll apply your learning from across the degree to an independent dissertation or major research project, shaped by your own research interests and career goals.

Year one

You'll be introduced to Sociological and political ideas as practical tools for analysing real-world problems. You’ll explore how sociological ideas inform action in communities and organisations, and develop the skills required to think and act politically.

First year modules place the study of politics in historical context while introducing basic research methods. You’ll be able to bring political context to sociology modules that develop your ability to communicate ideas and work collaboratively with others as you begin to construct evidence-based arguments.

Year two

You’ll draw on established theories, research, policy, and practice to evaluate competing perspectives, interrogate evidence, and use existing work critically rather than being confined by it. Applied sociology case studies and research-led learning will strengthen your ability to communicate ideas clearly, work collaboratively with others, and construct well-evidenced, context-aware arguments that connect sociological analysis to real-world contexts.

As you gain the knowledge and skills needed to build strong arguments you can specialise within a field or area that motivates you politically. Study in year two equips you with the core academic and professional skills needed to apply your knowledge to diverse research problems. You might establish connections with one of the programme’s existing external partners, or build relations with a new organisation you might want to partner with or work for.

The second year is about shaping your degree to meet your personal learning and employability aims.

Year three

You'll take increasing responsibility for designing, managing, and completing substantial sociology projects, working with greater autonomy, with support if you need it.

You can also pursue a year-long politics project alongside your suite of final year modules. You’ll identify your own area of study, develop a research proposal and work independently to put it into practice. This might be an extended piece of academic writing, but it could also be a pitch to a local employer, a funding application for a community project, or the creation of digital resources for an external partner. You can also pursue existing partnership projects, such as writing an article on internal affairs for an esteemed NGO magazine.

At BSU, our courses are designed to equip our graduates with the knowledge and skills they’ll need for the real world. To do this, we are continually improving our courses by responding to feedback from students and other stakeholders. This may mean changes may be made to the curriculum. You’ll always be given notice of any such changes.

For more information on how we approach such changes at the university, please read our policies on

• Suspensions and Discontinuations
• Programme modifications.

You’ll undertake a wide range of authentic assessments, which means your work will be relevant and applied to real-world issues and contexts. You’ll be assessed through essays, case studies, reports, group and individual presentations, practical work experience, critical reflections on learning and practice, podcasts, policy briefings and more.

Lectures introduce key ideas and debates, while seminars and workshops focus on discussion, collaboration, and applied learning. Academic support is built into the programme through regular contact with teaching staff, structured feedback on assessments, and opportunities for reflection and development. You’ll participate in a variety of activities including workshops, practical sessions, national simulation events and field trips.

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

The programme offers a range of opportunities that enable you to apply sociological and political knowledge beyond the classroom. Field trips, placements, and guest speakers are embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you insight into professional and community-based practice. You can engage with practitioners working in areas such as community arts and wellbeing, healthcare, youth support, refugee and community services, international institutions, public sector organisations and NGOs.

The programme has established links with external organisations, including Bristol Refugee Rights, Stand Against Racism and Inequality, Release Peace, as well as schools and colleges, and local youth and community support services.

These partnerships support opportunities for volunteering, applied projects, placements, and community engagement and practice, helping students develop experience, confidence, and employability.

We also run optional visits to places such as criminal justice institutions, religious places of worship and local and national government institutions.

You'll be well prepared for a wide range of roles across the public, voluntary, community, and private sectors. The degree develops strong analytical, research, communication, and problem-solving skills that are valued in roles such as policy and research support, community and youth work, health and wellbeing services, education and outreach, charity and NGO work, local government, equality and inclusion roles, media and communications and roles within the criminal justice and social care sectors.

You'll also progress into further study and professional training in areas such as social research, teaching, health and social care, public policy, and related postgraduate pathways. You'll develop strong analytical and research skills that are highly transferable across sectors. These include the ability to interpret data, evaluate evidence, understand audiences and behaviour, and communicate insights clearly - skills that are particularly valued in fields such as marketing, communications, human resources and organisational development.

A Sociology and Politics degree is useful for any career that involves working with people, either in the private, public or third sectors, typically:

• Management or administration in the public or private sector
• Human resource management
• Marketing and public relations
• Media or journalism
• Social work
• Youth and community work
• Health education or nursing
• Law
• Policing
• Offender management and interventions
• Work in the voluntary sector and fundraising
• Social research and analytics.

You’ll graduate with practical, transferable skills, including:

• Critical thinking – analysing complex social problems using theory and evidence
• Research skills – designing studies, working with data, and evaluating evidence
• Organisational insight – understanding how institutions and systems operate, and developing the skills to manage and improve real world practice.
• Practical skills in producing reports, briefings, and projects linked to professional work.
• Communication – writing and presenting clearly for academic, professional, and public audiences
• Collaboration and independence – working effectively with others while managing your own projects
• Digital skills – using digital tools to research, analyse, and communicate ideas.

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Our Sociology and Politics course is based at Newton Park campus. 

You'll have access to excellent facilities and resources such as:

• Commons Building
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Library and digital learning spaces
• Writing and Learning Centre
• English Language Unit
• Specialist journals and databases
• All courses on LinkedIn Learning.

You'll benefit from access to a supportive and well-resourced learning environment, including modern teaching spaces, digital learning platforms, and library resources that support your study, research, and applied learning. Online systems provide access to academic journals, datasets, and specialist resources used across the social sciences. You'll also have access to library.

Teaching is delivered by a research-active and practice-engaged academic team with expertise across social inequality, health and wellbeing, digital society, culture and media, governance and policy, community engagement, and social justice. Staff bring a wide range of disciplinary and professional perspectives into teaching, ensuring you engage with contemporary debates.

You'll also benefit from guest speakers and practitioner expertise, with contributions from professionals working in community organisations, healthcare, education, youth and refugee support, and the voluntary sector. This combination of academic and practitioner expertise helps you connect ideas to professional practice and future careers.

Our ASk gives you access to books, academic journals and DVDs and an extensive range of electronic services. It also provides a place for individual study and collaborative work.