Social and Political Sciences BSc
Year of entry 2023
- UCAS code
- LL23
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBB
Full entry requirements - Contact
- ugssp@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview

This interdisciplinary degree combines the study of society with cultural and political processes which shape human experience. As a Social and Political Sciences student, you will study the organisation and structure of society and consider the changing nature of human action, as well as the political theories that structure our political systems and the social forces that shape political life. You’ll gain expertise in analysis, research, critical thinking and more as you develop an understanding of key topics.
In addition to areas such as comparative politics and central problems in sociology, you’ll use examples from around the world to gain a firm grounding in the institutions and practices of modern political systems while exploring social values and the impact of social divisions.
The second and third years have a large amount of choice with very few compuslory modules. This reflects the broad scope of this exciting joint programme which brings together expertise from the School of Sociology and Social Policy together with the School of Politics and International Studies.
Within this flexible approach, you will be able to construct your own programme in line with your interests and skills either combining a wide range of different subjects or selecting a theme to specialise in, with one of our optional module routes:
- Divisions and Inequalities
- Crime and (In)Security
- Global Development
- Understanding Policy
- Culture, Media and Technology
Course details
The programme is structured by a 'core' module pathway that guarantees a platform of learning and training complimented by a wide range of optional modules, enabling you to develop your interests in specialist areas. Within this 'optional' element, you will be able to follow one of our module 'routes' or construct your own programme in line with your interests and skills.
You'll have the opportunity to study abroad which will enable you to develop an international perspective on your subject or undertake a work placement which will help you to develop your skills, and give you an insight into working life in a particular organisation or sector. Throughout the course, you'll gain a diverse set of skills that will be valuable to you as a citizen, as well as for your future career plans.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
British Politics | 20 |
International Politics | 20 |
Politics and Social Transformation | 20 |
Sociology of Modern Societies | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You can select up to 20 credits of optional modules.
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Understanding and Researching the City | 20 |
Understanding and Researching Contemporary Society | 20 |
Year 1 discovery modules
Depending on the number of optional modules you select, you can choose up to 40 credits of discovery modules.
Year 2 compulsory modules
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Sociology and Social Policy Research Methods | 20 |
You will choose 20 credits from the below options: | |
Theories of International Relations | 20 |
Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century | 20 |
Justice, Community and Conflict | 20 |
Key Debates in Social Policy | 20 |
Central Problems in Sociology | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will choose 80 credits of optional modules. You can either choose to follow a themed route or select your own suite of options across different areas.
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
State of Emergency: Social science and the COVID-19 pandemic | 20 |
Spin Doctors and Electioneering | 20 |
North-South Linkages | 20 |
Politics and Policy in the EU | 20 |
Politics of Contemporary China | 20 |
State and Politics in Africa | 20 |
Security Studies | 20 |
Crime, Law and Regulation | 20 |
Disability Studies: An Introduction | 20 |
The Sociology of Gender | 20 |
Crime, Race and Ethnicity | 20 |
Debates in Childhood and Youth | 20 |
The Sociology of Culture | 20 |
Racism, ethnicity, migration and decolonial studies | 20 |
Central Problems in Sociology | 20 |
Sociology and the Climate Crisis | 20 |
Urban Disorders, Social Divisions and Social Control | 20 |
Social and Public Policy beyond the University | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
You will select one of the following dissertation options below:
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
Dissertation (Politics and International Studies) | 40 |
Dissertation (Sociology OR Social Policy) PLUS 20 credit research skills module | 60 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will choose 60-80 credits (depending on your dissertation choice) of optional modules. You can either choose to continue a themed route from your second year, take a new pathway or select your own suite of options across different areas.
Module Name | Credits |
---|---|
State of Emergency: Social science and the COVID-19 pandemic | 20 |
Crime, Law and Social Change: Crime and Criminal Justice in Historical Perspective | 20 |
British Foreign Policy | 20 |
International Development and Social Policy | 20 |
Violence and Reconciliation in Africa | 20 |
Britain and the EU | 20 |
Gender and Security in Global Politics | 20 |
American Foreign Policy | 20 |
Nuclear Weapons and Global Politics | 20 |
Terrorism: Concepts, Debates, Cases | 20 |
Philosophy of Human Rights | 20 |
Radical Political Ideas | 20 |
Reimagining Politics: Gender, Race, and Popular Culture | 20 |
Video Games: Politics, Society and Culture | 20 |
Disability and Development | 20 |
State Crime and Immorality | 20 |
Global Terrorism and Violence | 20 |
Gender, Technologies and the Body | 20 |
Ethnicity and Popular Culture | 20 |
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you gain a diverse set of skills. These will include seminars and workshops where you can discuss in more depth the topics set out in traditional lectures. We emphasise the importance of participation, presentation skills and group work.
Independent study is also a vital element of the course, as it allows you to develop your research and critical skills while preparing for taught sessions.
You’ll also have a personal tutor – one of our academics – who will be on hand to offer you guidance and support on academic issues, such as module choices, as well as career and personal matters.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Modules will use a variety of assessment methods. As well as traditional exams, you could also be asked to complete essays, case study based projects, policy briefs, group presentations, work logs, research briefs or project proposals. In your final year you’ll also submit a 12,000 word final year project.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
We do not require A-level Sociology or Politics for this course. However, in general you should be in the process of studying social science, arts and humanities subjects for A-level. See our accepted subjects document to see which subjects we accept.
We accept A-level General Studies.
When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attact an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A -level and grade A in the EPQ.
GCSE: grade 4/C or above in Mathematics.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Complete 60 credits with 45 credits Distinction grade at Level 3.
BTEC
DDD
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M1
International Baccalaureate
35 overall (6,5,5 higher)
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
(Leaving Certificate): AAAAAB
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAAAB overall (AB at advanced level)
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer:
BBB at A level. Applicants must also meet the University’s GCSE matriculation standard and pass the Access to Leeds module.
For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, we offer a foundation year for UK students who meet specific widening participation criteria. Learn more about the BA Social Science (foundation year).
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Sociology and Social Policy Undergraduate Admissions Team.
International foundation year
If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:
- University of Leeds International Foundation Year (IFY)
- Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK)
- Study Group Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)
If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We typically receive a high number of applications for this course. To ensure we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we review applications after the UCAS deadline before making a final decision. All applications received before the UCAS deadline are guaranteed equal consideration. Please see our Admissions Guidance page for more details as well as advice on personal statements.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
This course is taught by
School of Sociology and Social Policy
School of Politics and International Studies
Contact us
School of Sociology and Social Policy Admissions Team
Email: ugssp@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
Graduate destinations
Our graduates secure employment with some of the biggest UK companies in human resources, communications management, broadcasting and advertising. They are also ideally equipped to work in the public and third sector including in the Civil Service, teaching, youth work, fostering/children’s services, probation services, social work, prison service, housing and homelessness prevention.
Postgraduate opportunities
Graduates from this programme are well prepared for postgraduate study across a range of disciplines. Our recent graduates have gone on to study sociology, social policy, teacher training, journalism, occupational therapy, human resources, marketing, social work, criminal justice studies and social research.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.