3Sep
UndergraduateBirkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
Our BA Social and Political Sciences will help you gain a strong grounding in the key skills and methods used in the study of modern social and political sciences. Drawing on the interdisciplinary strengths of Birkbeck’s School of Social Sciences, this course offers you the means to understand, analyse and propose solutions to some of the central social and political problems of today. Why choose this course?
- This course emphasises a global perspective and is taught by lecturers at the cutting edge of applying their knowledge to real-world problems.
- It benefits from an interdisciplinary approach that brings in knowledge from across the social and political sciences, including politics and international relations, sociology, human geography, political economy, criminology and psychosocial studies.
- It offers you the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge you can apply in professions and fields such as political leadership, policy-making, community organisation and social or political activism.
- the character of the state and politics in the present day
- conflict and cooperation in the international political and economic system
- social and public policy in relation to economic development, social inequality, climate change and crime
- the impact of digital technology on politics and society.
- 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. Its research institutes, such as the Centre for British Political Life, the Birkbeck Institute for Social Research and the Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research, host regular events.
- 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.
- 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.
- discuss and critique concepts and theories utilised in modern social and political sciences
- gather and analyse data, demonstrating understanding of the distinction between qualitative and quantitative methods
- identify and evaluate the significance of real-world social and political problems, and propose solutions to them
- understand ongoing debates and the interconnection between bodies of knowledge, events, practices and institutions within the field.
- political leadership
- public administration and policy-making
- research and leadership 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:
- Foundation
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.
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 | £2880 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2880 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2880 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2880 | Year 1 |
| International | £9030 | 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
Home students:
Year 2: £2,880 per year
Year 3+: £7,145 per year
International students:
Year 2: £9,030 per year
Year 3+: £13,545 per year
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
Clearing contact details
Clearing Enquiry formAdmissions Office
020 3907 0700
Additional information
Early Clearing: A-level Results Day: Our Clearing hotline opens at 8am on Thursday 15th August until 6pm and 9am on Friday 16th August until 6pm. From Monday 19th August our phone lines will be open 10.30 - 6pm (Mon-Thur) and 10.30 -5pm (Fri). Virtual Clearing Event - http://www.bbk.ac.uk/events/
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700