Politics and Sociology

Year 1 introduces you to key concepts and debates within both subjects, providing a broad foundation for the rest of your studies. You’ll examine different political systems from around the world and study key political thinkers and ideas. At the same time you’ll learn about major concepts and traditions in sociology as well as the processes that have shaped modern societies. A choice of optional module will equip you with important research skills.

Core modules in Year 2 will build on your understanding of research techniques in the social sciences, and examine key sociological themes like social integration, power and the relationship between the individual and society. In addition, you’ll choose one of two political theory modules to build your knowledge of important debates in the subject. Optional modules in each subject will then give you a wide range of choice - you could focus on the political systems of different countries as well as development studies, crime, international relations, drug policy or security studies.

The research and analytical skills you develop throughout the course will prepare you to complete your dissertation in your final year. This independent project allows you to focus on a sociological topic in depth while working alongside your academic supervisor. Around this, you’ll select final year modules ranging from sex work to political psychology, disability studies to elections or the philosophy of human rights.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Comparative Politics 20 credits
• Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introduction to Political Ideas 20 credits
• Sociology of Modern Societies 20 credits
• Formations of Modernity 20 credits

Optional modules

• Understanding and Researching the City 20 credits
• Understanding and Researching Contemporary Society 20 credits

Discovery modules

• You can study up to 40 credits of discovery modules

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Sociology and Social Policy Research Methods 20 credits
• Central Problems in Sociology 20 credits

Optional modules

• Spin Doctors and Electioneering 20 credits
• North-South Linkages 20 credits
• Politics and Policy in the EU 20 credits
• Comparative Politics of Pacific Asia 20 credits
• Politics of Contemporary China 20 credits
• United States Politics 20 credits
• Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century 20 credits
• Justice, Community and Conflict 20 credits
• Disability Studies: An Introduction 20 credits
• The Sociology of Gender 20 credits
• Health and Society 20 credits
• Crime, Race and Ethnicity 20 credits

Discovery modules

• You can study up to 40 credits of discovery modules