Course summary
Our Politics and Social Policy BA combines two impactful disciplines, equipping you with the skills to drive societal change locally and globally. Benefit from global opportunities, professional placements, and a range of optional modules. With a focus on research and real-world impact, this course prepares you for careers in government, policy, or international organisations. You’ll also have the chance to participate in Model NATO, gaining invaluable experience in diplomacy and decision-making, with events in Washington DC, London, and Lisbon. Politics looks at how power is exercised, how political decisions are made, and who these decisions are made by. On this programme you will learn about campaigns, elections, protest movements, policy issues and political ideals. You will explore different political arguments, rival theories and alternative explanations, whilst developing your skills in analytical and critical enquiry, debating and self-motivation. Social Policy is an interdisciplinary degree, drawing on subjects such as sociology, politics, psychology, history, media studies, and philosophy; hence the degree is suitable for students currently studying a range of A level subjects. Social Policy joint honours degree programmes enable students to blend the interdisciplinary approach to Social Policy with the study of a complementary discipline. Reasons to study this course
- Study a combination theory with practical learning, offering critical thinking, problem-solving, and policy-shaping expertise valued by employers while preparing you for careers in government, NGOs, and international organisations
- Engage in Model NATO events globally, enhancing diplomacy and crisis-management skills. The opportunity to complete a Professional Development module enables you to apply your learning in practice to significantly boost your employability.
- Choose from diverse optional modules, tailoring your studies to align with your career aspirations, broadening your expertise in both political science and social policy.
- Learn from renowned academics, gaining insights from leading experts in politics, social policy, and international relations, providing a research-focused, globally relevant education.
Modules
For a full list of modules and a module descriptions, please visit course page on our website.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.
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:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
T Level
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9535* | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT