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Politics and Social Policy at Swansea University - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Open days

15Feb
Undergraduate On-Campus Open Day at Swansea University - Singleton Park Campus and Bay Campus - 15 February 2025
Undergraduate
22Mar
Undergraduate On-Campus Open Day at Swansea University - Singleton Park Campus and Bay Campus - 22 March 2025
Undergraduate

Course summary

Studying a Politics and Social Policy degree gives a broad perspective on political theory in the context of local, national, European and global politics, alongside closely related issues concerning how societies address the needs of ordinary people. You will have the competitive option of an internship at the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff, working closely with assembly ministers, and you will be taught by specialist academics and members of parliament. Our three-year degree helps to provide graduates with a wealth of inspiring career opportunities thanks to numerous transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Politics at Swansea is ranked:

  • 6th in the UK for Teaching on my Course (NSS 2023*)
  • 3rd in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2023**)
  • 92% of graduates in employment &/or study, or doing other activities, such as travelling, 15 months after leaving Swansea University (HESA 2023)
Based on the average positivity score across questions 1 to 4 in the NSS 2023 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide.
  • Based on the average positivity score across questions 22 to 25 in the NSS 2023 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide.
Social Policy at Swansea is ranked:
  • Top 5 in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024)
Your early studies will concentrate on international relations, the politics of social policy, and politics and people. But whether your true passion lies in American politics and society, theories of war, or ethics and justice, our generous range of modules has it covered. This range allows you to learn, discover and narrow your interests in the following years. You will have the ability to tailor your degree according to your specific interests as you progress. The second year gives you a chance to study abroad for a semester in the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enriching the student experience and boosting your career prospects. Later studies are shaped by modules around your specific political and social policy interests, as well as a substantial dissertation project. Several work placement programmes are available to help you prepare for graduate life. Politics and Social Policy students typically develop oral and writing skills by presenting ideas in different formats, supported by strong research and rigorous analysis. Assessment is conducted through essays, coursework, examination, presentations, and a dissertation. Teaching is informed by a vibrant and supportive research environment that unites academics, postgraduates and visiting scholars around shared subject matter and international impact. Graduates have advanced to careers in sectors such as politics, education, the media, and humanitarian services.

Modules

Your first year of study is made up of compulsory modules covering a range of themes. Compulsory modules are studied by all students on the programme, meaning you are automatically enrolled. Examples of compulsory modules include: • The History of Social Policy • Politics and the People • Individuals and Society In your second and third year you will study a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, from an expansive range of subject areas. Examples of optional modules in recent years have included: • America in Crisis: Political Culture and Society from the Tet Offensive to Trump • New York City: History and Culture since 1975 • Business and Entrepreneurship • Housing Policy, Homes and Homelessness • Disability Policy Your final year will include a compulsory independent dissertation project. For the full programme structure and module breakdown, please visit our webpage at: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations/ba-politics-social-policy/

Assessment method

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include: • Group-based tasks • Presentations • Personal Reflections Throughout your undergraduate Politics and Social Policy degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. For full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations/ba-politics-social-policy/ or get in touch with us at [email protected]

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
LL42
Institution code:
S93
Campus name:
Singleton Park Campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

If you are an international applicant please visit our international pages for more information and details on how to apply: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.

English Language Requirements at Swansea University

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
60%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For the latest fee information, please check the individual course page on our website. Our full range of programmes are listed here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/ Further information on tuition fees can be found here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/
Politics and Social Policy at Swansea University - UCAS