Department: School for Business and Society. This four-year interdisciplinary BA (Hons) program offers a critical understanding of social and political issues within a global context, with an integrated year in industry between the second and final academic years. It integrates theoretical and empirical approaches from sociology and politics, providing students with a robust analytical toolkit to examine how societies are structured, how power operates, and how political systems function. The curriculum focuses on understanding contemporary challenges such as inequality, globalization, social justice, and political participation. The placement year provides invaluable real-world experience, applying academic knowledge in a professional setting, enhancing practical skills, and building a professional network. Students develop strong research, analytical, and communication skills. The program structure typically involves core modules in the first two years covering foundational concepts in sociology and politics, followed by the placement year, and then a wider range of optional modules and a dissertation in the final year.

Graduates are highly sought after by employers, with the year in industry significantly boosting their employability due to enhanced practical skills and professional experience. Career options are diverse and include roles in: Government and Public Service (e.g., civil service, policy research), Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Charities (e.g., advocacy, development, human rights), International Organizations (e.g., UN, EU), Journalism and Media, Research (academic or commercial), Public Relations and Communications, Teaching (with further qualification), Social Research, Think Tanks, and various roles in the Private Sector (e.g., market research, data analysis, human resources, management consulting). The year in industry provides a competitive edge and often leads to graduate job offers from placement employers. The degree also provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate study.

The University of York is a member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group, indicating a commitment to world-class research and teaching excellence. It is a university with many highly ranked subjects and with great graduate prospects, signifying strong employability outcomes for its students. The university is located in a historic city in northern England that's famous for being friendly, offering a welcoming and culturally rich student experience. The integrated year in industry offers a significant advantage for career development and practical experience.