COURSE CURRICULUM

The Social and Political Sciences BSc offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding society, politics, and global issues, combining sociology, political science, and international relations. In the first year, students explore foundational topics including comparative politics, international politics, social theory, and the historical formation of coloniality and modernity, alongside discovery modules to broaden their learning. Year two develops research skills through a core module on sociology and social policy research methods, while students deepen their knowledge by choosing from advanced modules covering international relations theory, political problems, social justice, and key debates in social policy or central problems in sociology. Additional optional modules allow exploration of areas such as disability studies, EU policy, culture, decoloniality, and security studies. In the final year, students consolidate their learning through a dissertation, conducting independent research under guidance, and a module focused on developing the research skills necessary for their project. Optional modules in the third year enable further specialisation or exploration of new topics, including international development, gender and security, crime, and American foreign policy. Throughout the course, students develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills, gaining a nuanced understanding of social and political structures, global issues, and the methods used to study them, preparing them for careers in public policy, government, research, and international organisations.