Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Our BA Social and Political Sciences will give you a strong grounding in the key skills and methods employed in the modern social and political sciences and the means to understand, analyse and propose solutions to some of today's central social and political problems. It draws on the interdisciplinary strengths of Birkbeck’s School of Social Sciences, ranging across:
- politics and international relations
- sociology
- human geography
- political economy
- criminology
- psychosocial studies.
- Birkbeck’s location at the centre of important policy and research communities in London provides an opportunity to engage directly with real-world political and social issues. A feature of the course is its connection to Birkbeck research institutes such as the Centre for British Political Life, the Birkbeck Institute of Social Research, and the Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research, which host regular events with external speakers including politicians, policy makers such as civil servants, political and community activists, and public intellectuals.
- This course is taught by researchers whose work is at the cutting edge of their disciplines, demonstrating significant impact on matters of social and public policy and politics more generally. The subject areas that make up Birkbeck’s School of Social Sciences have a long history of engagement with politics and public life in the UK and globally, with many of our alumni going on to play leading roles in government and society.
- We have built up a strong reputation over more than 50 years for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics.
- Our building was once a key location for members of the Bloomsbury Group, so you could be studying in rooms that have hosted distinguished visitors, including T.S. Eliot, George Bernard Shaw and Maynard Keynes.
- political leadership
- public administration and policy-making
- research and leadership roles in NGOs
- journalism
- teaching
- community organisation
- political campaigning and activism.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
Assessment is via short written exercises, essays which will develop in length and expected complexity as you progress through your studies, take-home or online examinations, quizzes and multiple-choice questionnaires, case studies and problems to solve.
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.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 15 credits
GCSE/National 4/National 5
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES Our 'with Foundation Year' route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) or two years (part-time) of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £7145 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7145 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £7145 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7145 | Year 1 |
| International | £13545 | Year 1 |
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
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700