Politics and Sociology (including Year Abroad)

Politics and Sociology at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that explores the fundamental structures and processes shaping societies around the world. This programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an in-depth understanding of political systems, social institutions, and cultural dynamics. Students will examine key issues such as democracy, governance, social inequality, globalization, human rights, and social change through a variety of theoretical perspectives and empirical methods.

The curriculum combines core modules in political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and sociological analysis, alongside a wide range of optional modules allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests. Opportunities for practical engagement include participation in research projects, policy debates, and fieldwork, fostering real-world understanding and skills. During the Year Abroad, students can immerse themselves in different political and social contexts, enhancing their intercultural competence and global outlook.

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for diverse careers in politics, journalism, public administration, NGO work, research, and academia. It emphasizes the development of critical awareness and ethical perspectives, empowering students to become informed and active citizens. The academic staff are experienced researchers and practitioners who integrate their expertise into engaging teaching methods. State-of-the-art facilities and an vibrant academic community ensure a fulfilling university experience. By studying Politics and Sociology at Essex, students join a dynamic environment committed to fostering social justice, critical inquiry, and global engagement.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Politics;
Sociology and the Modern World; ; and
one social science option or one humanities option

Year 2

Introduction to Political Theory;
Continuity and Controversy in Sociology;
Researching Social Life 2 or Political Analysis; and
one politics or sociology option

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Current Disputes in Sociology;
one politics option;
one politics or sociology option; and
either a project in politics or a project in sociology or one politics or sociology option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis).
• BTEC qualifications, in relevant disciplines, will be considered on an individual basis, depending on the units studied. The standard required is generally at Distinction level.
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

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 University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Politics and Sociology undergraduate program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education in understanding the core concepts, theories, and practices within these two interconnected disciplines. The course is designed to develop students' analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling them to examine political systems, social structures, and cultural phenomena from diverse perspectives. Students explore key topics such as political ideologies, governance, international relations, social inequalities, identity, and community dynamics. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in government, policy analysis, social research, journalism, and advocacy.

A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of a Year Abroad, which provides an international dimension to the learning experience. During the Year Abroad, students have the opportunity to study at partner institutions across the globe, immersing themselves in different political and social contexts. This experience broadens their cultural awareness, enhances their language skills, and fosters a global outlook essential for understanding contemporary global issues. The Year Abroad also encourages independence, adaptability, and intercultural communication abilities, which are highly valued in today's interconnected world.

The program offers a range of core modules that cover foundational topics, along with optional modules allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests. These optional modules might include contemporary political theories, international politics, social psychology, media and society, and research methods. Students are encouraged to engage in critical debates, research projects, and internships to gain practical experience and develop professional skills.

Assessment methods typically include essays, presentations, exams, and research projects. The program's teaching is supported by experienced academic staff who are active researchers in their fields. Students benefit from a variety of learning resources, including modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and extensive online materials. The university's location and diverse campus community provide a stimulating environment for studying politics and sociology, fostering an inclusive and dynamic academic community.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for further study at postgraduate level or for entering careers in public service, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, or academia. The university's strong links with political agencies and social organizations also offer opportunities for placement and networking, enhancing students’ employability. Overall, the Politics and Sociology program at the University of Essex aims to produce informed, critical, and socially responsible individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.