European Social and Political Studies

The programme in Social and Political Studies at University College London offers students a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental issues shaping contemporary societies across the globe. This interdisciplinary degree combines rigorous training in political science, sociology, economics, history, and international relations, enabling students to develop a nuanced understanding of political processes, social structures, and cultural dynamics. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and empirical research abilities, preparing graduates for careers in academia, policy analysis, international organisations, NGOs, journalism, and public administration.

Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of topics including democracy, governance, human rights, social justice, globalisation, and environmental challenges. They examine both theoretical frameworks and real-world case studies, encouraging them to consider various perspectives and develop well-informed opinions. The programme emphasizes the importance of empirical research methods and offers practical training in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, equipping students with valuable skills for rigorous academic work or professional involvement in policy-making and advocacy.

Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of teaching modes, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects. UCL also provides numerous opportunities for international exchanges and fieldwork, giving students global perspectives and practical experience. Additionally, the programme benefits from the university’s extensive links with political institutions, think tanks, and civic organisations, which enhances employability prospects for graduates.

Graduates of the programme often pursue further academic study, such as master's or doctoral degrees, or enter careers in politics, media, international development, or public policy. The programme aims to cultivate informed and active global citizens capable of understanding and addressing the complex social and political issues of our time. With its flexible structure, interdisciplinary approach, and strong emphasis on critical inquiry, the Social and Political Studies programme at UCL provides a solid foundation for those committed to making a difference in society.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Introductory modules in the first year allow you to develop your interests and identify an area of specialism for later years. Your modules then fall into three groupings: common core, language (and culture), and a specialism in the humanities or social sciences.

The European common core involves working in a multidisciplinary environment, gaining insights into a range of academic disciplines and engaging critically with competing analytical perspectives.
You will undertake language study throughout the programme, selecting one language, or in some cases two, on which to concentrate.

Your third year is spent abroad, in a country where your choice of major European language is spoken. In your final year you return to UCL to continue with advanced modules in your language(s) and your humanities/social science subject, and also write your dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff.
The major European languages that you can study include: Danish, Dutch, French, German, Icelandic, Italian, Norwegian, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.

You may also take a second language as a minor language from those listed above, as well as from a wide range of other languages, including Arabic, Czech, Finnish, Hebrew, Mandarin, Polish, Serbian, Yiddish, Classical Greek or Latin.

A levels

Grades

A*AA

Subjects

A humanities or social science subject (or Mathematics) preferred. Mathematics at A* required for full Economics specialism if chosen. French or Spanish required if one of these is to be studied as major language.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

39

Subjects

A score of 19 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5. Higher level subjects to include French B, or Spanish B at grade 6 if either of these is to be studied as a major language. A humanities or social science subject (or Mathematics) at higher level is normally a requirement. Mathematics at grade 7 at higher level is required for the full Economics specialism, if chosen.

The financing of the European Social and Political Studies program at University College London (UCL) is primarily structured through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, grants, and financial aid options available to both domestic and international students. Tuition fees vary depending on the student’s nationality, with domestic (UK) students paying a different rate compared to international students. For the academic year 2023-2024, the tuition fee for UK students enrolled in the program is approximately £9,250 per year, while international students are subject to a higher fee, typically around £21,430 per year. These fees cover access to lectures, seminars, comprehensive course materials, and faculty support.

In addition to tuition fees, students have access to a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities. UCL offers several merit-based scholarships for outstanding applicants, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. Examples include the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship and the Denys Holland Scholarship, which support both domestic and international students showing exceptional academic achievement and financial need. Moreover, prospective students can apply for government grants, such as the UK Government’s Student Finance, which provides maintenance loans and tuition fee loans to eligible students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to the program.

International students are also encouraged to seek external funding from their home countries or international organizations. Many countries offer governmental or private scholarships for students studying abroad, and several non-governmental organizations provide funding for students pursuing social sciences degrees at reputable universities like UCL.

Students enrolled in the program may also explore part-time work opportunities, either on campus or through internships related to their field of study, as allowed by visa regulations and university policies. This can help support living expenses and reduce overall costs. Additionally, UCL has a dedicated finance and student support office that provides guidance on budgeting, financial planning, and the application process for funding opportunities.

Overall, the financing options for the European Social and Political Studies program at UCL are designed to support students through various funding channels, ensuring access to high-quality education regardless of financial background. The university’s comprehensive support system aims to mitigate financial barriers, facilitate access to scholarships, and promote diverse student participation in this competitive and well-regarded program.

The Bachelor of Science in European Social and Political Studies at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of Europe's political systems, societal structures, and the historical contexts that have shaped modern Europe. This interdisciplinary course combines insights from political science, sociology, history, and law, enabling students to analyze the complexities of European integration, nationalism, democracy, human rights, and economic policies.

Throughout the program, students explore key topics such as the development of European institutions, EU policies, comparative politics, and social movements within Europe. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical analysis, preparing graduates for careers in international organizations, government, journalism, research, or further postgraduate study. The program also encourages critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural understanding, which are vital for engaging with Europe's diverse societies and political landscapes.

Students benefit from UCL’s distinguished faculty, which includes leading scholars in European politics and social sciences, as well as from the university’s extensive library and research resources. The program typically involves a combination of lectures, seminars, group projects, and independent research, fostering an interactive learning environment. Many courses include case studies focused on current issues, providing students with relevant and real-world perspectives.

Additionally, the program offers various opportunities for internships, study abroad exchanges, and participation in conferences and workshops, enhancing practical experience and professional development. Graduates of the program are equipped with analytical skills and comprehensive knowledge of European social and political issues, making them competitive for employment in international institutions, NGOs, policy analysis firms, or pursuing advanced degrees.

The program duration is usually three years for full-time study, with options for part-time study or integrated master's pathways. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record and proficiency in English. The program’s structure ensures a progressive buildup of knowledge, analytical skills, and cultural awareness, culminating in a dissertation or major project that synthesizes learning outcomes.

Overall, the European Social and Political Studies program at UCL is ideal for students interested in understanding Europe's dynamic political structures, societal challenges, and policy issues, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to debates and solutions related to European integration, democracy, and social justice.