Politics and Sociology BA (Hons)

Lancaster’s Politics and Sociology degree is taught by academic staff from the departments of Politics, Philosophy and Religion and Sociology. You’ll be supported in developing a wide-ranging understanding of how political ideas and institutions shape the way societies are organised and have the opportunity to relate your interest in social and cultural themes to real world political events and current affairs.

In your first year, you’ll follow the core Politics in the Modern World and Introduction to Sociology modules. You’ll increasingly specialise, with second-year subjects including Politics of Development and Global Changes; Public Policy; Understanding Social Thought, and Research Skills and Techniques. Your final year options cover topics such as Africa and Global Politics; Islamic Politics; Contemporary Issues in the Middle East, The Chinese Century; Terror; and Doing Sociological Research.

Careers

A Politics and Sociology degree at Lancaster will enable you to develop skills in research, analysis and communication, as well as a range of written, team working and time management skills that are likely sought after by graduate employers.

As a graduate of Politics and Sociology you may be interested in careers such as teaching, journalism, corporate planning, public affairs, social welfare organisations, civil service, international charities and international business. We will help you determine your direction and aim to support you in getting there. We do this by offering subject-specific support from academic tutors and careers advisers.

We are home to the Richardson Institute, which undertakes peace and conflict research. In recent years, the Institute has offered around 60 internships per year for students to undertake research projects for external organisations. You can also apply for internships as part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Internship Scheme. Past employers have included Carnegie Publishing, The Dukes Theatre, and the Ethical Consumer Research Association, with roles ranging from marketing and PR to specific research projects with heritage or humanitarian organisations.