Politics Sociology and East European Studies

The Politics, Sociology and East European Studies programme at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of political systems, social structures, and Eastern European cultures and histories. Designed for students interested in understanding the complex interactions between societal forces and governmental institutions, this degree provides an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines rigorous theoretical frameworks with practical analysis. Throughout the course, students examine key concepts such as political ideologies, sociological theories, and regional geopolitics, with a particular focus on the diverse and dynamic countries of Eastern Europe. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and analytical approaches, enabling graduates to engage thoughtfully with contemporary issues including democracy, authoritarianism, social inequality, migration, and regional integration. Students benefit from UCL’s world-class faculty, extensive library resources, and opportunities for internships and fieldwork, fostering a deep understanding of both theoretical perspectives and real-world applications. The programme is suitable for those aiming to pursue careers in academia, policy-making, diplomatic service, journalism, or international organizations. It encourages interdisciplinary learning and cross-cultural understanding, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to debates on policy, social justice, and regional development. The curriculum includes core modules in political theory, sociology, and East European studies, as well as optional courses allowing students to customize their learning based on their interests. Throughout the programme, students develop vital skills in research, data analysis, and effective communication, ensuring they are well-equipped to address complex societal challenges. Graduates exit the programme with a broad, nuanced perspective on political and social dynamics in Eastern Europe and beyond, positioning them strongly for diverse career paths in a globalized world.

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).

You will take compulsory modules in politics, sociology and international relations in years one and two—including courses on the political developments of Russia and other parts of the former USSR, as well as central and south-eastern Europe.

In your final year you will write a dissertation based on an independent research project. You will choose additional optional modules in economics, history, language, politics and sociology to match your interests.

You are strongly encouraged to learn Russian or another east European language as part of your degree. As well as making use of our excellent language learning opportunities, you will also have access to the rich foreign language resources of the UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES) Library.

A levels

Grades

AAA-AAB

Subjects

No specific subjects.

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

36-38

Subjects

A total of 17-18 points in three higher level subjects, with no score below 5.

The Politics, Sociology and East European Studies programme at University College London offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Funding sources include traditional university scholarships, departmental awards, external bursaries, and government-funded loans where applicable. UCL provides a comprehensive scholarship scheme for both domestic and international students, recognizing academic excellence and financial need. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition fees and, in some cases, provide a maintenance stipend to assist with living expenses.

Students are encouraged to explore government loan programs, such as the UK student loans scheme for domestic students, which offers favorable repayment terms based on income levels after graduation. International students from certain countries may be eligible for external funding opportunities through their home governments, private foundations, or international organizations that support studies in the UK.

UCL also provides access to financial advising services, helping students identify suitable funding options and manage their finances effectively. The university's Student Support and Wellbeing team offers guidance on budgeting, bursaries, and emergency financial assistance. Additionally, students can consider part-time work opportunities both on and off campus, which are often available within UCL or the surrounding London area, providing valuable income and experience during their studies.

It's important to note that the availability and eligibility criteria for these funding options can vary each academic year, and students are advised to check the official UCL website and contact the university's admissions and financial aid offices for the most current information. Furthermore, prospective students are encouraged to apply early for scholarships and bursaries, as competition can be intense. Overall, UCL aims to provide accessible education to talented students through a combination of institutional support and external funding opportunities, enabling students to focus on their academic and professional development in Politics, Sociology, and East European Studies.

The Politics, Sociology and East European Studies program at University College London (UCL) offers students an in-depth understanding of contemporary political and social issues, with a particular focus on Eastern European regions. This interdisciplinary degree combines the core disciplines of politics, sociology, and regional studies, providing a comprehensive perspective on social phenomena, governance, and societal change. The program is designed to develop students' analytical skills, critical thinking, and research capabilities, empowering them to examine complex social problems and political systems both theoretically and practically.

Students benefit from UCL’s extensive academic resources, including expert faculty members renowned for their research in European politics, social theory, and Eastern European issues. The curriculum incorporates a wide range of modules, covering topics such as comparative politics, political theory, sociology of gender and race, as well as regional courses focusing on the history, culture, and politics of Eastern Europe. Additionally, students have opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and research projects, which enhance their practical understanding and employability in governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations.

The program emphasizes experiential learning, critical debate, and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing graduates for careers in academia, journalism, policy analysis, international relations, and beyond. UCL also supports study abroad opportunities, allowing students to gain international experience and contextualize their learning within different cultural and political environments. The university’s vibrant academic community fosters collaborative learning and encourages students to engage actively with contemporary issues facing Europe and the wider world.

Graduates of the Politics, Sociology and East European Studies program at UCL have gone on to work in diplomatic services, think tanks, media organizations, international agencies, and academia, leveraging their deep knowledge of political and social dynamics in the European context. The program’s flexible structure allows for specialization within the field, tailor-made to individual academic and professional interests, making it an excellent choice for students aiming to develop a nuanced understanding of European political sociology and regional studies.