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Politics and Social Policy BSc

Aston University, United Kingdom
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Course Overview

This innovative undergraduate degree in Politics and Social Policy provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of political systems and the impact of policy on society. Students will learn about the theories and concepts that shape political discourse, as well as the ways in which policy is developed, implemented, and evaluated. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage with these issues in a critical and reflective manner, preparing them for a wide range of careers in politics, government, and related fields.

Additional Information

This program is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in politics or policy-making, as well as those who simply want to understand the complexities of these fields. The program is taught by experienced academics who are experts in their field, and features a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with real-world policy issues through internships, research projects, and other practical experiences.

Why Choose Aston University for Politics and Social Policy?

Aston University is one of the top universities in the UK for Politics and International Relations, ranking highly for both teaching quality and research excellence. The university's location in Birmingham provides students with access to a diverse range of cultural, political, and social experiences, as well as excellent career opportunities in the public and private sectors. Additionally, Aston University has a strong focus on practical learning and experiential education, providing students with valuable hands-on experience and skills development opportunities.

Why You Should Study This Course

In this course, youll have the opportunity to explore political topics going beyond the UK and Europe, covering North America, South Asia, China, Japan, or the emerging global powers. You will not only study the traditional subjects of the discipline, such as security, political economy, or democratization but also have the chance to delve into ethics, sports, gender, protests, or religion. On the social policy strand of the course, youll examine why governments take particular decisions in key policy areas and develop a detailed understanding of processes of policymaking at global, national, and local levels of government. We explore the social constraints we encounter in our everyday lives and how they are reinforced by class, race, religion, and gender. To understand how these issues perpetuate existing inequalities and unequal life chances, we analyze what impact official politics has on such processes, how politics is intertwined with the profit-making aims pursued by big corporations and how their combined interests dominate our social imaginations. You will investigate the economic, social, and political forces which influence government decision-making and develop a detailed understanding of policy-making processes at global, national, and local levels of government. You will also explore in-depth, the outcomes and consequences of various government policies on the economy and society. Studying the nature of policy delivery and management by various organizations, such as local governments, schools, and businesses will prepare you for a range of career paths.

General Eligibility

A- Levels BBC (standard offer) BCC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B) CCC (contextual offer*) IB- 29 points overall with grades 5, 5, 4 in 3 higher level subjects BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM

What You'll Study

1 Year 1
Core modules: Introduction to Studying and Researching Politics British Politics since 1990 Critical Debates in Society and Policy From Social Problems to Public Policies Becoming a Social Scientist Optional modules: The Making of the Modern World Introduction to the European Union What’s Trending (Current Affairs in Politics and International Relations)
2 Year 2
Core modules: Political Theories and Ideologies Comparative Government and Politics Critical Policy Analysis Research Methods Optional modules: West European Politics and Society Russian and East European Politics and Society North American Politics and Society East Asian Politics and Society: China and Japan South Asian Politics and Society Environmental Policy Welfare States and Welfare Change Global Society CSI: Crime Subversion and Injustice Contested Cities The Politics and Policies of the European Union Introduction to Political Economy: Institutions and Rational Choice
3 Year 3
This course is available as a 3 year BSc without placement or a 4 year BSc with an integrated sandwich placement. Both options are available to home, EU, and international students.
4 Year 4
Core modules: Dissertation (Politics or Social Policy) Optional modules: A Great Misunderstanding: Britain and the EU African Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present Day America in the World The American Presidency BRICS and Emerging Power Shifts in World Politics Chinese Politics and Society Conflict and Intervention Democracy, Authoritarianism and Regime Change Diplomacy and Soft Power Ethics and International Relations EuroSim: Learning Negotiation through Simulation Games Gender and Politics Interest Groups and Lobbying International Institutions Nationalism and Political Power Political Communication Leaders and Leadership: Case Studies and Comparative Perspectives Politics and Islam: Past and Present Politics and Protest in a Globalised World Politics of Development Religion and Politics in Contemporary Europe Sport and Politics The International Relations of East Asia The Populist Radical Right in Europe Understanding Foreign Policy Debates in Contemporary British Politics Changing Patterns of Warfare Intelligence Agencies and the Modern World – MI6, CIA, and ISI Political Parties Migration, Borders, and Belonging Health Policy The Challenges of Climate Change Corporate Power in a Globalised World Work, Organisations, and Society Bodies, Power and Resistance Contemporary Social Movements Education and Digital Society Religion and Society Pregnancy and Politics: Cultural Norms and Family Policy Community Engagement

Language Requirement

  • IELTS5.5
  • TOEFL59
  • PTE50
  • Duolingo69
IELTS Overall 6.0, Reading, Writing Listening, Speaking 5.5 Financial requirement You’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself - unless you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application. How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You’ll need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses inside London If you’re applying for the Doctorate Extension Scheme, and you’ve been in the UK for less than 12 months, you need to prove you have a total of £2,668 for courses in London, or a total of £2,046 for courses outside London. If you’re boarding at a residential independent school, you’ll need to pay boarding fees instead. The amount you need to pay will be on your CAS. London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.

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For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.

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