Politics and Sociology

Course outline

Our Politics programmes are concerned with the study of government and political action in general. Analysis is made of political ideas, institutions and events from both a contemporary and historical standpoint. European politics is a particular strength at Aston.

Drawing on acquired knowledge, students learn how to address critically questions of public interest, at local, regional, national or international level. Intellectual and transferable skills can be used in a variety of professions in the public and private sectors.

Strengths of the Sociology programme include its focus on key contemporary social issues, social policy and decision making and international comparisons of social structures and policies. You will also benefit from teaching staff who are active researchers in fields such as ethnic and gender inequalities, work organisation, educational policy, global change, new technology and employment, risk and the environment, and theories of social change.

There is an optional, fully integrated Placement Year with extensive preparation and support offered by our dedicated placements team.

Learning, teaching & assessment

You will be involved in: lectures and seminars, small-group work, project work and independent study. Studies generally revolve around lecture classes in the first two years, and there are opportunities for group and collaborative work. Students undertake a major piece of independent research in final year.

You will be allocated a personal tutor who can provide you with help and advice.

Assessment is through a combination of exams, coursework, essays, presentations and an extended dissertation during your final year.

Placement year

By taking a 4 year Sandwich programme you will have the opportunity to undertake a year’s professional experience in the public or private sector in your third year of study. You will gain invaluable experience which will set you apart from other graduates.

The placement year can be in the UK, or there are opportunities for English speaking placements/study abroad. Recent Politics placements include: HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, Ministry of Defence, Audit Commission, working with local MPs, British High Commission in Ghana, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, House of Lords, African Development Bank in Uganda, TNS (market research.)

Recent Sociology placements include:

• Eurocity (Recruitment Agency) in Brussels

• BRMB Radio Station - Charity Coordinator

• Voluntary Work in Tanzania

• People and Planet (Charity group)

• Teaching English in Thailand

• Birmingham Youth Offenders Service (Birmingham City Council)

• West Midlands Police

• NFU Mutual Services

• Hertfordshire City Council - project management

• Hayes (recruitment consultancy)

• Behaviour support service

• Independent Property Group in Dubai

You will be given support and advice on finding a placement. Many employers return each year to employ our placement students.

Career prospects

Our graduates are in demand from a wide range of employers where a sound understanding of societies, team –work and communication skills are required. Recent graduate destinations include:

• Islamic Relief - Orphan Support Officer

• PRO - Recruitment Consultant

• Police Constable

• Serious Fraud Office - Assistant Financial Investigator

• Warner Bros Pictures - Junior Publicist

• West Midlands Police - Recruitment Adviser

• Worcestershire County Council - Project Support Manager

• BAE Systems - Graduate Trainee (Finance)

• Birmingham City Council - Project Assistant

• Copper Alloys Ltd - Marketing & Sales Manager

• De‐Dietrich - Cross Team Communicator

• Department of Constitutional Defence - Administrative Officer

• Diageo - Assistant Brand Manager

• Warwickshire County Council , Political Group Assistant

• Wokingham District Council - Policy Officer

• NHS - Management Trainees

• Warwickshire County Council, Nestlé, Deloitte and Touche - Graduate Trainees

• Focus Housing Group - Housing Manager

• IBM - Financial Analyst

• PGCE - Primary/Secondary/College Teaching for teaching careers

• PhD Research - Sociology and Social Sciences

The fact that Aston is distinctive in offering a placement year for our Sociology and Politics students gives them a particular edge and our students are encouraged to take up the opportunity of this valuable experience. 82% of our Sociology Graduates went into employment in 2005-6, against a UK average of around 70% for the subject.

Personal development

This course helps you to develop team working skills, presentation and communication skills. Your IT skills will also benefit from use of our newly refurbished e-learning language centre.

The Placement Year will develop your initiative, confidence and independence, as well as giving you invaluable professional experience. In your final year you complete an individual research dissertation which improves your independent research skills and report writing skills.

All students are encouraged to undertake Personal Development Planning (PDP.)