The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme from September 2023. For students who entered the programme before September 2023, you can find the details of your programme:
BSc Social and Political Sciences
This interdisciplinary degree combines the study of society with cultural and political processes which shape human experience. As a Social and Political Sciences student, you will 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. You will gain expertise in analysis, research, critical reading and writing and more as you develop an understanding of key topics.
In addition to areas such as comparative politics and central problems in sociology, you will use examples from around the world to gain a firm grounding in the institutions and practices of modern political systems while exploring social values and the impact of social divisions. The programme is structured by a 'core' module pathway that guarantees a platform of learning and training complimented by a wide range of optional modules, enabling you to develop your interests in specialist areas. Within this 'optional' element, you will be able to follow one of our module 'pathways’ or construct your own programme in line with your interests and skills. You will have the opportunity to study abroad which will enable you to develop an international perspective on your subject or undertake a work placement which will help you to develop your skills and give you an insight into working life in a particular organisation or sector. Throughout the course, you will gain a diverse set of skills that will be valuable to you as a citizen, as well as for your future career plans.
(For students entering from September 2023 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIED1110 | Comparative Politics | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
| PIED1511 | International Politics | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| SLSP1201 | Making Sense of Society: Reading Social Theory | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
| SLSP1213 | Formations of Coloniality and Modernity | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
Candidates will be required to study 40 credits of discovery modules.
(For students entering from September 2023 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLSP2011 | Sociology and Social Policy Research Methods | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Subject 1 Basket 1: Candidates will be required to study 1 module from the following COMPULSORY modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLSP2651 | Key Debates in Social Policy | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| SLSP2731 | Central Problems in Sociology | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Subject 2 Basket 1: Candidates will be required to study 1 module from the following COMPULSORY modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIED2501 | Theories of International Relations | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED2601 | Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED2602 | Justice, Community and Conflict | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Subject 1 Basket 2: Candidates will be required to study 1 module from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOSS2002 | Social Sciences and Emergencies: Theories, Contexts and Approaches | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SLSP2021 | Crime, Law and Regulation | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SLSP2041 | Disability Studies: An Introduction | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SLSP2052 | Gender and Society | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SLSP2146 | Crime, Race and Ethnicity | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SLSP2181 | The Sociology of Culture | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Subject 2 Basket 2: Candidates will be required to study 1 module from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIED2139 | The Labour Party Since 1945 | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED2250 | Latin American Development Challenges in Global Historical Perspective | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED2301 | Politics and Policy in the EU | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PIED2448 | Politics of Contemporary China | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED2721 | Approaches to Analysis | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Subject 2 Basket 3: Candidates will be required to study 1 module from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIED2126 | The Conservative Party Since 1945 | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PIED2161 | Media and Democracy | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PIED2455 | State and Politics in Africa | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PIED2463 | United States Politics | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED2505 | Planet Politics | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
(For students entering from September 2023 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
We are currently refreshing our courses to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full module details for year 3 are not yet available. Before you enter year 3 full details of modules for that year will be provided.
Candidates will be required to study ONE of the following Dissertation modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIED3750 | Dissertation | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| SLSP3041 | Sociology Dissertation | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| SLSP3051 | Social Policy Dissertation | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates studying SLSP3041 Sociology Dissertation or SLSP3051 Social Policy Dissertation will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLSP3096 | Research Skills for your Dissertation | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
If choosing a POLIS dissertation candidates will have to choose two optional modules from one of the below baskets and one optional module each from the other two (80 credits of optional modules in total).
Subject 1 Basket 1: Candidates will be required to study 1 module from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOSS3002 | Social Science and Emergencies: Case Studies & Critical Analysis | 20 | ||
| SLSP3075 | Disability and Development | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SLSP3212 | Crimes of States and Powerful Elites | 20 | ||
| SLSP3500 | Gender, Technologies and the Body | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SLSP3995 | Ethnicity and Popular Culture | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Subject 2 Basket 1: Candidates will be required to study 1 module from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIED3158 | British Foreign Policy | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED3171 | The Politics of national identity in the UK | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED3408 | Nuclear Weapons and Global Politics | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PIED3611 | Radical Political Ideas | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PIED3617 | Reimagining Politics: Gender, Race, and Popular Culture | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PIED3810 | Video Games: Politics, Society and Culture | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Subject 2 Basket 2: Candidates will be required to study 1 module from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIED3170 | The End of British Politics? | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| PIED3261 | Violence and Reconciliation in Africa | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED3304 | Extreme Right Parties | 20 | Not running in 202425 | |
| PIED3342 | Gender and Security in Global Politics | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED3565 | Terrorism: Concepts, Debates, Cases | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| PIED3608 | Philosophy of Human Rights | 20 |
Last updated: 13/05/2024 14:35:06
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