School: College of Social Sciences, Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) and Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology. This four-year Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) program brings together two intrinsically linked subjects – politics and sociology – and includes a year spent studying at an international partner university. You will explore how power is exercised, how political decisions are made, and who makes them through the study of politics, covering topics like campaigns, elections, protest movements, and political ideals. Sociology is an interdisciplinary degree focusing on understanding and addressing social issues such as inequality, crime, and health, drawing on social policy, psychology, history, and philosophy. The course aims to equip you with the skills to drive societal change locally and globally. Your third year is spent abroad at one of the University of Birmingham’s many international exchange partners, providing an immersive experience in a different academic and cultural environment. This year significantly enhances your confidence, adaptability, and global perspective, boosting your employability. The program also 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 excellent and highly varied, particularly benefiting from the international experience and the advanced analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills gained. 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 diverse sectors, including government (civil service, local government, policy advisory), international organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank, NGOs), policy analysis, research (think tanks), public services, charities, public relations, human resources, and potentially further academic research. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree provides flexibility and opens doors to a wide array of professional fields focused on societal impact, governance, and international development.

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 integrated year abroad provides an exceptional opportunity for global immersion and career enhancement.