Politics and Social Policy BA (Hons)

Swansea University

Studying a Politics and Social Policy degree gives a broad perspective on political theory in the context of local, national, European and global politics, alongside closely related issues concerning how societies address the needs of ordinary people. You will have the competitive option of an internship at the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff, working closely with assembly ministers, and you will be taught by specialist academics and members of parliament.Our three-year degree helps to provide graduates with a wealth of inspiring career opportunities thanks to numerous transferable skills which are highly valued by employers.Politics at Swansea is ranked in the Top-10 for teaching experience (Times and Sunday Times 2018) Top-20 in the Guardian University Guide 2018 and Top-20 for career prospects (Guardian University Guide 2018). Some 91% of graduates from the subject area are employed or in further study 6 months after graduating (Destination of Leavers from HE survey 2015) and 74% of our students achieved a 1st class or 2.1 honours degree in 2017/18.Your early studies will concentrate on international relations, the politics of social policy, and politics and people. But whether your true passion lies in American politics and society, theories of war, or ethics and justice, our generous range of modules has it covered. This range allows you to learn, discover and narrow your interests in the following years. Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, you will have the ability to tailor your degree according to your specific interests as you progress. The second year gives you a chance to study abroad for a semester in the USA, Canada, Hong Kong or Singapore, enriching the student experience and boosting your career prospects. Later studies are shaped by modules around your specific political and social policy interests, as well as a substantial dissertation project. A number of work placement programmes are available to help you prepare for graduate life.Politics and Social Policy students typically develop oral and writing skills through presenting ideas in different formats, supported by strong research and rigorous analysis. Assessment is conducted through essays, coursework, examination, presentations and a dissertation.Teaching is informed by a vibrant and supportive research environment that unites academics, postgraduates and visiting scholars around shared subject matter and international impact."In my time working with Jane Hutt AM at the Welsh Assembly, I was delegated with responsibilities for handling various forms of constituency work. I was constructing letters and emails on behalf of Jane, as well as writing a bi-weekly column in a local newspaper for Jane. The experience taught me just how important things as seemingly insignificant as wording can determine the tone of a letter or email." – Nick Jolley.Graduates have advanced to careers in sectors such as politics, education, the media, and humanitarian services. Employers have included the Labour Party, Age Cymru, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Westminster Forum Projects.Please visit our course page for more information: swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/artsandhumanities/politics-and-international-relations/ba-polsocialpol-ll42/**We guarantee that you will be made a conditional offer for a course at Swansea University. Subject requirements will apply. Please come along to our next Open Day or get in touch for further information.**