University of Bristol United Kingdom

BSc Politics and Sociology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BSc Politics and Sociology at the University of Bristol provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between power, governance, and societal structures. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are keen to explore how political systems function, how societies are organised, and the critical issues of social inequality, political behaviour, and contemporary social theory. You will delve into core concepts within political thought, comparative government, and sociological inquiry, equipping you to critically analyse complex global challenges and develop informed perspectives. This programme is designed to foster your analytical capabilities and prepare you for impactful engagement with the social and political world.

You will study this degree full-time on campus over three years, engaging with a curriculum that balances theoretical depth with practical research skills. Your learning journey will involve exploring diverse topics, from political concepts and international relations to social research methods and societal divisions, with opportunities to specialise in areas of particular interest. A significant feature of the programme is the chance to undertake an independent research project or dissertation in your final year, allowing you to investigate a topic of your choice in depth. Upon graduation, you will possess a robust skillset in critical analysis and research, preparing you for diverse career paths in public service, policy development, research, journalism, and the third sector.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of both politics and sociology, equipping students with foundational knowledge in political concepts, theories of international relations, and sociological thinking. Throughout the degree, students will engage with diverse topics such as comparative government, social research methods, and key social thinkers. The curriculum progresses to examine contemporary issues in politics and sociology, allowing for specialization in areas like development studies, international relations, or specific social divisions and identities, culminating in advanced study and potentially a dissertation.

1 Year 1 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Political Concepts Mandatory
Thinking Politically Mandatory
Theories of International Relations Optional
Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction Optional
Thinking Sociologically Mandatory
Doing Social Research Optional
Key Social Thinkers Optional
Social Identities and Divisions Optional

2 Year 2 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Investigating Society (Sociology) Optional
Investigating Society (Politics) Optional
Development Studies Optional
Co-operation and Integration In Europe Optional
Modern British Government and Politics Optional
Democracy and US Government Optional
The Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa Optional
Principles of Quantitative Social Science Optional
Conceptualising the Social Optional
Ethnicity and Racism Optional
Sociology of Health and Illness Optional
The Sociology of Gender Optional
Class and Social Divisions Optional
Sexuality and Society Optional
A Sociology of Crime and Justice Optional
Art and Society Optional
The Sociology of Childhood and Rights Optional

3 Year 3 (2025/26 entry cohort)

Contemporary Feminist Thought: Debates and Issues Optional
The Political Economy of China Optional
European Foreign Policy Optional
US Foreign Policy Optional
How to Win a Political Argument Optional
The Politics of Gender Optional
Popular Culture and World Politics Optional
The Politics of Post Apartheid South Africa Optional
Critical Security Studies Optional
Dissertation Optional
States and Markets Optional
Contemporary Chinese Foreign Policy Optional
The Politics of the Contemporary Labour Party Optional
The Politics of Human Rights Optional
Power, Politics and Food Optional
Northern Ireland: conflict and resolution Optional
Gender and Security Optional
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Transition in Latin America Optional
Apocalypse or Ecotopia? Optional
Politics of Rebellion Optional
Populism Optional
Philosopher Queens Optional
Britain and the EU: The Politics of Brexit Optional
Perspectives on Power Optional
Public Opinion and Democracy Optional
Religion and Politics Optional
Nations and Nationalism Optional
Gender and Migration Optional
Modern Slavery: Issues and Debates Optional
Risk, Danger and Disaster Optional
Consumption and Sustainability Optional
Queering Sexuality and Gender Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,522.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,522.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,522.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 100,566.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,285.00 - USD 2,164.00
Food & Groceries USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,402.00
Transport USD 355.00 - USD 693.00
Utilities & Bills USD 10,471.00 - USD 13,967.00
Estimated Total USD 11,874.00 - USD 16,062.00

Living cost estimates are based on Clifton campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising TechnologyBorder Control & Immigration EnforcementCloud Computing & InfrastructureCorrections & RehabilitationCurriculum & Instructional DesignCybersecurityDrug Discovery & ResearchEdTech & E-LearningHealthcare Administration & ManagementIT Support & Systems Administration

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

North Bristol NHS Trust

United Nations

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

University of Exeter

Why Study BSc Politics and Sociology at University of Bristol

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Bristol in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BSc Politics and Sociology at University of Bristol

Can I work while studying?

As an international student in a degree course, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need to meet specific English test scores: TOEFL requires an overall score of 88, IELTS needs a score of 6.5, and PTE also requires a score of 67 across all sections.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as political analysts, sociologists, policy advisors, research officers, or community development workers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course takes advantage of the expertise of our staff in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies. You will study a range of theoretical and practical problems that affect the social world.You will study the politics of and relationships between countries, communities and individuals, becoming familiar with different views and methods of analysis and how to apply and evaluate them.

Sociology provides expertise in the study of the social world including actions,

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BSc Politics and Sociology course starts in September. Be sure to check application dates to ensure you secure your spot.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️