Politics Sociology and East European Studies with a Year Abroad

Politics, Sociology and East European Studies with Year Abroad is a multidisciplinary undergraduate program offered by University College London that provides students with an in-depth understanding of political systems, social structures, and the historical and contemporary issues facing Eastern Europe. This innovative course is designed to equip students with critical analytical skills, a nuanced understanding of socio-political dynamics, and practical experience through a year spent studying abroad. The program combines core modules in politics and sociology, ensuring students develop a strong theoretical foundation as well as solid research skills, alongside specialized courses focusing on East European history, politics, and society. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics such as comparative politics, international relations, social change, cultural identity, and the influence of historical events on contemporary political landscapes within Eastern Europe.

The inclusion of a Year Abroad is a key feature of this program, allowing students to immerse themselves in the cultural and political environment of an East European country. This year abroad enables students to develop language skills, intercultural competence, and practical experience that enhance their employability and deepen their understanding of the region. The program encourages active engagement through seminars, lectures, and research projects, fostering a stimulating academic environment that promotes critical thinking and independent learning. Students also benefit from the department’s extensive networks with partner institutions across Europe, providing opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and cultural exchanges.

Graduates of the Politics, Sociology and East European Studies with Year Abroad program are well-prepared for careers in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, journalism, or academia. They leave with a comprehensive understanding of East European affairs, equipped with the analytical tools necessary to interpret complex political and social issues, and with practical experience gained through the year abroad. Overall, this program offers a unique combination of academic rigor, regional expertise, and experiential learning, making it an ideal choice for students interested in politics, sociology, Eastern European affairs, and international relations.

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—including modules on the political developments of Russia and Eastern Europe—in years one and two, with a dissertation based on an independent research project in your final year. Beyond this you can choose additional 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.

Your third year is spent abroad studying at a university in the region. During your year abroad you will be expected to develop your language skills where appropriate, to take modules (in English) related to your degree and to develop an enhanced understanding of relevant country-level issues.

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 with Year Abroad program at University College London provides a comprehensive financial framework to support students throughout their academic journey. The program typically includes tuition fees, which vary depending on whether the student is classified as a home or international student, with international students generally paying higher fees. Tuition fees for home students are set annually by the UK government, while international students' fees are determined by the university and subject to annual reviews. In addition to tuition, students should consider living costs, which encompass accommodation, food, transportation, books, and personal expenses. UCL offers a range of accommodation options, including university-managed halls of residence and private renting, which influence overall expenses.

Many students finance their studies through various means such as government grants, student loans, scholarships, bursaries, and work opportunities. The UK government provides student loans for eligible students, which can cover tuition fees and living costs, repayable after graduation based on income levels. UCL also offers a range of scholarships and bursaries based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria related to the program or applicant background, which can significantly offset expenses.

Particularly for students undertaking the Year Abroad component, funding considerations include additional travel costs, insurance, and accommodation in the host country. UCL supports students in planning for these expenses through advice services and financial aid options. Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore part-time work opportunities offered on or near campus, in compliance with visa regulations (for international students), to supplement their income.

International students may also incur visa-related costs, including application fees and health insurance, which are essential for legal study in the UK. The UKVI student visa costs are updated annually, and UCL provides guidance on the application process and associated expenses.

Graduate employment prospects and potential earnings after completing the program can influence students' decision-making regarding the financing of their education. UCL’s strong reputation and connections can assist graduates in securing relevant employment, which in turn can help with the repayment of any student loans taken during studies.

Overall, the financing of the Politics, Sociology and East European Studies with Year Abroad program involves a combination of tuition fees, living expenses, potential financial aid, scholarships, and part-time work, supported by university resources and governmental programs. Students are encouraged to plan their finances carefully and utilize available support services to manage the costs effectively throughout their academic career at UCL.

The Politics, Sociology, and East European Studies with Year Abroad program at University College London offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education, combining the core fields of politics and sociology with specialized focus on East European studies. This unique program is designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of political systems, social dynamics, and cultural developments within Eastern Europe, alongside critical research skills and theoretical frameworks applicable across social sciences. The inclusion of a Year Abroad provides students with valuable international experience, enabling them to immerse themselves in different cultural, social, and political contexts, which enhances their global perspective and employability. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of modules covering political theory, comparative politics, social research methods, cultural analysis, and contemporary issues affecting Eastern European countries. The program is particularly suitable for students interested in careers in international relations, policy analysis, social research, journalism, or diplomacy. UCL's strong academic reputation, expert faculty, and extensive research resources contribute to an enriching learning environment. The Year Abroad component typically involves placements, internships, or study exchanges at partner institutions in Eastern Europe, fostering language acquisition and regional expertise. Graduates of this program leave with a solid foundation in social sciences, regional knowledge, and international experience, ready to pursue postgraduate studies or enter the workforce in various sectors requiring analytical, linguistic, and cross-cultural skills. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students develop critical thinking, research proficiency, and cultural awareness, making them well-prepared for the complexities of modern global politics and societies.