About this program
BA Sociology and Politics
Our course provides a thorough training in the major areas of political science and sociology, investigating the different kinds of social tensions, interactions and networks that make up everyday life. Offered at Essex by two of the UK's leading social science departments, these two disciplines are fundamentally linked. Through developing your understanding of both fields, you explore and address the broadest questions about our society.
Due to the flexibility of our courses, you can choose from a broad range of areas including:
- Public policy regarding health, the environment, crime and aging
- Citizenship, multiculturalism and human rights
- The nature of work and commercial culture
- Political power
- Obligations, freedom, rights and equality
OurDepartment of Sociologywas rated top 10 in the UK for research quality (REF 2014), and ranked 9th in the UK for Sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.
Meanwhile ourDepartment of Governmentis one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014), and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began.
Admission requirements
Clearing entry requirements
Specific entry requirements for this course in Clearing are not published here but for most of our degree courses you will need to hold a Level 3 qualification. If you are interested in applying and have already received your results, use our Clearing application form to apply for 2022 entry and find out if you are eligible. You will be asked to provide details of your qualifications and grades.
English language requirements
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, andspecified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
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Program content
Year 1
- Introduction to Politics
- The Sociological Imagination
- Researching Social Life I
- Career Development and Making a Difference
Year 2
- Power and Agency in a Global World
- Principles of Social Justice
- Ethics and Public Policy
- Career Development and Making a Difference
Final Year
- Rethinking Modernity
- Career Development and Making a Difference
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for more information.
Program delivery
BA Sociology and Politics: 3 years
BA Sociology and Politics (Including Year Abroad): 4 years
BA Sociology and Politics (Including Placement Year): 4 years
- Teaching is arranged to allow a lot of freedom in how you organise your learning experience, with a focus on discussion and problem-solving
- Lab sessions allow you to improve your technical research skills
- Opportunities to gain work experience on placements and internships
Tuition
- Home/UK fee: £9,250
- International fee: £17,700
Career paths
A good sociology course, especially one from a recognised centre of excellence like Essex, can open many doors.
Sociology students are in demand from a wide range of employers in a host of occupations, including local and central government, NGOs, social work, market research, project management, fundraising, auditing, marketing, case-work, youth and community work, voluntary sector management and lobbying.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:
- The Institute of Public Finance
- Guardian Professional
- Home Officer
- Synergy Healthcare Research
- Ipsos-Mori
We also work with the University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
About this institute
University of Essex
We are Essex: home to the ambitious and the inquisitive. We are proud to be top 39 in the Complete University Guide (2022), a past University of the Year (THE) and internationally recognised for Social Sciences. We're committed to two...
