Politics and Social Policy BA

This degree combines social policy and politics, allowing you to examine the complexity of society and learn about the social, cultural and political processes that shape our day-to-day lives.

You’ll study the organisation and structure of society and consider the changing nature of human action, as well as the political theories that structure our political systems and the social forces that shape political life. Using examples from around the world, you’ll gain a firm grounding in the institutions and practices of modern political systems while exploring social values and the impact of social divisions.

Core modules in Year 1 will give you a firm grounding in each subject. You’ll learn about different political systems around the world and be introduced to big ideas in political theory, examining how power really operates in society. At the same time, you’ll learn more about the processes that have shaped modern societies and the social, political, economic and cultural influences that have shaped the UK’s welfare state. A choice of optional module will equip you with the research skills you need in the social sciences.

In Year 2 you’ll take another two compulsory modules that cover key debates in social policy and build on your understanding of social research and also choose one from two political theory modules. You’ll also choose from optional modules covering issues in social policy and politics, such as drug policy or disability studies, and political systems around the world, including Africa, China, the US and EU. Further optional modules will allow you to gain specialist knowledge in more specific aspects of each subject, such as international relations, security studies, the sociology of health or crime and regulation.

By your final year, you’ll have the research and analytical skills to undertake your dissertation – an independently researched project on a social policy topic of your choice. You’ll build your course around this: you’ll choose another key debate module in social policy, and then select from a wider range of advanced modules in both subjects. These could allow you to focus on topics such as class divisions, gender and violence, protest movements or the rise of extreme right parties in across Europe.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Politics and Social Policy BA in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you gain diverse skills. These will include seminars and workshops where you can discuss in more depth the topics set out in traditional lectures. We emphasise the importance of participation, presentation skills and group work.

The teaching structure varies depending on your level of study – for example, in Year 1 you might expect to have six or seven lectures and three or four seminars per week. However, independent study is also a vital element of the course, as it allows you to develop your research and critical skills while preparing for taught sessions.

You’ll also have a personal tutor – one of our academics – who will be on hand to offer you guidance and support on academic issues, such as module choices, as well as career and personal matters.

Assessment

Modules will use a variety of assessment methods. As well as traditional exams, you could also be asked to complete projects based on essays and case studies, policy briefs, group presentations, work logs, research briefs, project proposals or development agency reviews. In your final year you’ll also submit a 12,000 word dissertation.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

We don't ask for specific A-level subjects however, in general you should be in the process of studying social science, arts and humanities subjects for A-level. See our accepted A-level subjects document to see which subjects we accept.

Other course specific tests:

When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A-level and grade A in the EPQ.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Complete 60 credits with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher

• BTEC

  DDD

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, D3, M1

• International Baccalaureate

  35 overall (6,5,5 higher)

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  (Leaving Certificate): AAAAAB

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AAAB overall (AB at advanced level)

• Other Qualifications

  All applicants will need to have GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above or equivalent.

  A-level Sociology is not a requirement for any of our courses – we design Year 1 modules for students both with and without previous knowledge of the subject.

  We accept A-level General Studies.

  However, in general you should be in the process of studying Social Science, Arts and Humanities subjects for A-level. See our Accepted A-level subjects document to see which subjects we accept.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Sociology and Social Policy Undergraduate Admissions Team.

International foundation year

If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:

• University of Leeds International Foundation Year (IFY)
• Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK)
• Study Group Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)

If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
 

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

It is also possible to study this programme part time. The programme content is the same but you will study at a lesser intensity. Find out more about how to apply, support available and the part-time student experience at the Lifelong Learning Centre.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

School of Sociology and Social Policy Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2019

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £18,500 (per year)

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2018, the fee for 2018/19 will be £9,250. 

For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates secure employment with some of the biggest UK companies in human resources, communications management, broadcasting and advertising. They are also ideally equipped to work in the public and third sector including in the civil service, teaching, youth work, fostering/children’s services, probation services, social work, prison service, housing and homelessness prevention.

Postgraduate opportunities

Graduates from this programme are well prepared for postgraduate study across a range of disciplines. Our recent graduates have gone on to study sociology, social Policy, teacher training, journalism, occupational therapy, human resources, marketing, town planning, social work, criminal justice studies and social research.

Careers Support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has over 300 partnerships with universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.