Politics and Sociology

Politics and Sociology at Brunel University London combines the study of political systems, policies, and institutions with an exploration of social structures, behaviors, and cultural dynamics. This interdisciplinary programme offers students a comprehensive understanding of how societies function, how power is exercised, and how social change occurs. Throughout the course, students engage with major political theories, contemporary political debates, and key sociological concepts, enabling them to critically analyze issues such as governance, democracy, social inequality, and identity. The curriculum is designed to develop vital skills in research, critical thinking, and communication, preparing graduates for diverse careers in public policy, consulting, media, NGOs, and further academic research. Students benefit from expert teaching staff with extensive research experience, access to modern facilities, and opportunities for work placements and internships. The programme encourages an active learning approach, including debates, case studies, and collaborative projects, fostering a deeper understanding of complex societal issues. Additionally, students can tailor their studies with optional modules in areas such as international relations, global politics, social justice, and urban studies, allowing for specialization according to individual interests and career aspirations. Brunel’s campus provides a vibrant environment for academic and extracurricular activities, supporting student development beyond the classroom. Upon graduation, students will possess a robust foundation in both political and sociological analysis, equipping them with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to public discourse, policy-making, and community development. The Politics and Sociology programme at Brunel University London is committed to producing informed, active citizens capable of engaging thoughtfully with the challenges facing modern societies worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 13000 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

In the Politics half of this course, you will take core modules in political science methods, British politics, political theory, comparative politics, democratisation, and the politics of the EU, and you will have the option of taking more specialised options at Levels 2 and 3. At Levels 1 and 2 you will have a mixture of core and optional modules. At Level 3 you can choose topics to suit your own personal interests and strengths.
In the Sociology half of this degree, students have the chance to study a broad range of social science topics, including sociology, social theory, social anthropology, psychology, communications and media. You will take core modules offering an understanding of the main currents in the social sciences, such as individual and social processes, research methods for social sciences, and social theory, culture and modernity.
You will also select from a range of specialist modules in politics and sociology and write a dissertation which draws on either or both.

Typical Modules

Please note that module availability is subject to change

Level 1 Core

• Political Science Methods

• Central Themes in Political Thought

• Modern British Politics

• Introduction to Social Research Methods

• Introduction to Sociology

• Globalisation

Level 2 Core

• Comparative Politics

• Social Divisions: Difference and Resistance

• Work and Society

• Sociology of Everyday Life: Issues in Contemporary Culture

Level 2 Options

• Asia-Pacific International Relations: Modern East-West Encounters

• Democracy and Democratisation

• International Relations

• Issues in American Politics

• The Holocaust

• Total War in the Modern Era

• US Foreign Policy from World War II to the end of the Cold War

Level 3 Core

• European Union Politics: Problems and Prospects

• Dissertation

Level 3 Options

• The Arab-Israeli Conflict

• Empire, Imperialism, Hegemony

• India and the World: The International Relations of a Rising Power

• Media, Politics and Power in America

• Marx and Marxism

• Parties and Voters in the UK

• Intelligence and National Security

• Theory and Practice of Cultural Diversity

• Fascism

• The Second World War

• The History and Politics of Heritage

• History, Travel and the Sea

• Rethinking Modern Europe: Borders, Nations and Identities since 1850

• City Lives and Urban Cultures

• Comedy, Culture and the Media

• Multiculturalism: "Race", Ethnicity and Difference

• Understanding Audiences

• Crime, Deviance and Addiction

• Popular Music and Popular Culture

• The Age of New Media

• Forensic Science and Society

Final year dissertation

Students produce a 15,000 word dissertation on a subject of their choice. This major piece of work will give you a valuable opportunity to demonstrate research and writing skills. It is written on a subject relevant to your particular course of study and may well relate to your future career plans.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 CAE score : 60(Grade C) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test : 92

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• GCE A-level AAB – ABB. Typical offer AAB

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*D*D in a related subject.

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma D*D in a related subject with an A-level at grade A.

• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject with A-levels grade AA.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma 35 points.

• Access to Higher EducationDiploma Complete and pass a related subject Access course with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.

GCSE Mathematics grade C and GCSE English grade C are also required.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants within our grade range as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSE’s.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas)

• Pearson: 58 (51 in all subscores)

• BrunELT: 65% (min 55% in all areas)

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Brunel University.

Politics and Sociology at Brunel University London offers students a comprehensive understanding of the key issues shaping contemporary society. This interdisciplinary program combines the study of political systems, ideologies, and institutions with an exploration of social structures, cultural norms, and human behavior. Students will develop critical thinking skills and gain insight into the functioning of power, governance, and social change through a mix of lectures, seminars, and research projects. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including international relations, public policy, social inequality, ethnicity, and identity, equipping graduates with a versatile skill set suitable for careers in politics, public administration, journalism, NGO work, or further academic research. Brunel’s emphasis on practical learning ensures opportunities for work placements, internships, and collaborative projects with industry stakeholders, enhancing employability upon graduation. The program also encourages analytical and evaluative skills, enabling students to scrutinize policies and societal trends effectively. With experienced faculty members and state-of-the-art facilities, students benefit from a stimulating academic environment that promotes intellectual curiosity and professional development. The program fosters a global perspective, considering the political and social issues affecting different regions of the world, preparing students for roles in diverse cultural contexts. Overall, Politics and Sociology at Brunel equips students with a thorough understanding of societal dynamics and political machinery, fostering the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to society and to navigate a complex global landscape.