School: College of Social Sciences, Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) and Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology. This three-year Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) program brings together two intrinsically linked subjects, preparing you to tackle a wide range of pressing issues within politics and society. You will explore how power is exercised, how political decisions are made, and who makes them through the study of politics. This includes learning about campaigns, elections, protest movements, policy issues, and political ideals, while developing your analytical and critical enquiry, debating, and self-motivation skills. Sociology is an interdisciplinary degree that draws on subjects such as social policy, psychology, history, and philosophy. It focuses on understanding the nature of social issues like inequality, crime, and health, and examining topics such as globalisation, identity, culture, and social change. The course aims to equip you with the skills to drive societal change locally and globally. It offers opportunities for professional placements through an integrated Professional Development Module and the chance to participate in Model NATO events, gaining invaluable experience in diplomacy and decision-making.

Career options for graduates are broad and highly sought after, leveraging the strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills developed through this joint honours degree. The University of Birmingham is consistently ranked among the top universities targeted by leading graduate employers in the UK (e.g., #1 by High Fliers Research 2024). Graduates are well-prepared for roles in government (local and central, including the Civil Service Fast Stream), policy analysis, public services, social research, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities, public relations, marketing, human resources, and potentially further academic research (often requiring a postgraduate degree). The interdisciplinary nature of the degree provides flexibility and opens doors to diverse professional fields focused on societal impact and governance.

The University of Birmingham is a member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group, signifying its commitment to world-class research and an outstanding teaching and learning experience. It is a highly ranked 'red brick' university in the heart of England, known for its academic excellence. Birmingham is the UK's second largest city and very multicultural, offering a vibrant and diverse environment for students. Both the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) and the Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology are highly regarded, with POLSIS ranked #9 in the UK for research power in Politics and International Studies (REF 2021). The university's strong links with employers and opportunities for real-world experience enhance graduate employability.