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Discover how power and policy shape our world—and how you can master those to influence them. Prepare for a future shaping policies and driving change with our Politics and Social Policy BA. Explore power, justice, and society through an interdisciplinary lens, gaining real-world experience, international opportunities, and critical skills to lead in an evolving world.
Learn how to drive societal and political change by studying with us. Develop critical thinking, decision-making, and policy-shaping skills, equipping you for impactful careers in government, public policy, international organisations, or NGOs. With global opportunities and practical experiences, you’ll graduate ready to lead change both locally and globally.
Discover more about your chosen subject whilst exploring our green campus.
in the UK for being most frequently targeted by the country’s top employers
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in the UK for research power in Politics and International studies
REF 2021
Apply your learning to real-world contexts with hands-on experience in global challenges.
Our Politics and Social Policy BA combines two impactful disciplines, equipping you with the skills to drive societal change locally and globally. Benefit from global opportunities, professional placements, and a range of optional modules. With a focus on research and real-world impact, this course prepares you for careers in government, policy, or international organisations. You’ll also have the chance to participate in Model NATO, gaining invaluable experience in diplomacy and decision-making, with events in Washington DC, London, and Lisbon.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
This course is a Joint Honours degree taught by experts from the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) and the Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology. You’ll experience a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum that combines theoretical learning with practical skills, preparing you for careers in both fields. Through flexible module choices, you can tailor your studies to fit your interests and aspirations.
Teaching methods includes the following, all designed to support your career and meet course outcomes:
Each module is assessed independently, and all modules contain some components of continuous assessment (that means assessment taking place during the teaching terms). Some modules are assessed entirely through coursework, without an end-of-year examination. At the beginning of each module, you'll be given information on how and when you'll be assessed for that module. You'll receive feedback on each assessment within three weeks, so that you can learn from and build on what you have done, including written feedback on your assessments, class feedback, and questions sessions and discussions with your tutor. When exams are included in a module, you’ll have access to marking criteria, and mock exam and marking sessions allow you to get a sense of what to aim for.
You will have access to our comprehensive support system to help you make a smooth transition to university-level study.
For all undergraduate modules, you'll attend lectures and seminars regularly throughout the term. Contact hours vary dependent on module choice. As well as time with your lecturers and personal tutor, academic and professional services staff (like our dedicated Careers Network team) will be available to offer individual and group support throughout your time at Birmingham.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Pathways to Political Research I | 10 | Semester 1 |
Pathways to Political Research II | 10 | Semester 2 |
Introduction to Political Theory | 20 | Semester 2 |
Introduction to Social Divisions | 20 | Semester 2 |
Introduction to Social Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
Social Problems and Social Policy: Social Science in Action Part 2 | 10 | Semester 2 |
Social Problems and Social Policy: Social Science in Action Part I | 10 | Semester 1 |
Understanding Politics | 20 | Semester 1 |
Associate Professor in International Relations
Dr Vieira joined POLSIS having previously taught international relations at LSE, King's College and SOAS. His research focuses on the rising influence and identity of 'Southern powers'.
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
AAB
6,6,5 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall
BTEC options considered
Number of A levels required: 3
General Studies: not accepted
T Levels: all subjects considered. Standard offer: Distinction overall with A in the Core Component.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
BBB
ABB
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Our Politics and Social Policy BA opens up diverse career paths across public policy, government, NGOs, international organisations, and more. By combining two powerful disciplines, you'll gain both practical skills and critical knowledge, preparing you for roles that shape political and social landscapes. With a strong focus on employability, global opportunities, and hands-on experiences like Model NATO and professional development, you’ll leave equipped to make an impact on local and global scales.
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.