Politics and Sociology (BSc Econ)

Subject areas: Politics and international relations, Social sciences
UCAS code: LL32
Next intake: September 2025
Duration: 3 years
Mode: Full time

Politics and International Relations student

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Politics and Sociology (BSc Econ)

Why study this course

Sociology in context

Explore sociology in a range on contexts such as globalisation, education, social media, culture and consumption and ethnic relations.

Links to political institutions

Benefit from links to Westminster parliament, Senedd Cymru, the European Union and NATO.

Experience politics in action

Choose a module taught in-conjunction with Westminster which includes teaching by clerks of the House of Commons and study visits.

Study Britain and beyond

Explore politics in Britain & further afield as well as the influence of multi-national organisations.

Placement opportunities

Undertake a placement with the help of our dedicated Employability and Placement manager.

Many students find studying a joint honours programme stimulating and rewarding as they are able to observe both similarities and differences between the two subjects. By combining Politics and sociology, you will gain a variety of transferable skills and knowledge beneficial for your future.

The field of politics allows you to explore how parliaments and governments function and evaluate political ideas such as power, freedom, democracy, conflict, legitimacy or accountability as well as incorporating international relations.

Modules are varied, allowing you to explore how politics works in Britain and further afield as well as investigate how public policy is made. Other strands of work discuss justice, democracy, human rights and international relations; providing you with a broad understanding of politics tailored to your own particular needs.

This degree aims to provide you with an excellent understanding of politics and government while also equipping you with associated intellectual and communications skills that will be of value whether you work in government or in the private or voluntary sectors.

Sociology is dedicated to the study of social life as found in groups, institutions and societies. It provides the critical tools for handling the analysis of all aspects of social conduct, from face-to-face interactions to how economic forces shape and are shaped by global society.

This course uses a wide range of approaches to help you learn the methods and ideas needed to make your own contribution to understanding and improving society.

As a joint honours student, you will find that often there are complementary issues and perspectives that link subjects, be they critical analysis, historical contexts or recent research.

Subject area: Politics and international relations

School of Law and Politics
Get in touch
+44 (0)29 2087 6102
Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX

Subject area: Social sciences

School of Social Sciences
Get in touch
+44 (0)29 2087 4208
King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3WA

Entry requirements

We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:

A level

ABB-BBC

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application. Eligible students will be given an offer that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or lower end of the advertised grade range).
Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional consideration in the selection process.

Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.

International Baccalaureate

32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

Baccalaureate Wales

From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.

Other essential requirements

You must have:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.

We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.

English language requirements

GCSE

Grade B or grade 6 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)

At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other subskills.

TOEFL iBT

At least 90 overall with a minimum of 22 for writing and 20 in all other subskills.

PTE Academic

At least 69 overall with a minimum of 69 in writing and a minimum of 62 in all other communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III

II: a Distinction in Writing and at least one Distinction and two Merits in other components.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Other accepted qualifications

Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

access to computers or devices that can store images
use of internet and communication tools/devices
curfews
freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
contact with people related to Cardiff University.

Other qualifications from inside the UK

Qualifications from outside the UK

Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.

Learn how we decide your fee status

Fees for home status

Year	Tuition fee	Deposit
Year one	£9,535	None
Year two ¹	£9,535	None
Year three ¹	£9,535	None

¹ The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable, we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.

Fees for island status

Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Fees for overseas status

Year	Tuition fee	Deposit
Year one	£23,700	None
Year two	£23,700	None
Year three	£23,700	None

Learn more about our tuition fees

Financial support

Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.

Additional costs

You should be prepared to invest in some key text books and to cover the costs of basic printing and photocopying. You may also want to buy copies of other books, either because they are particularly important for your course or because you find them particularly interesting.

If you have a laptop computer you will have the option of purchasing software at discounted prices.

Course specific equipment

What the student should provide:

You do not need any specific equipment to study on this programme. Access to a laptop computer would be advantageous as many readings are available electronically and most assessments are prepared using standard word processing software.

What the University will provide:

Networked computers with appropriate file space and all necessary software. Access to essential and background reading for each module plus a wide range of journals and other online resources. All course documents will be available online (via the VLE) and hard copies of essential documents will be provided if requested.

Accommodation

We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.

Living costs

We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.

Course structure

This is a three-year, full-time course consisting of 120 credits a year. The final degree classification that you are awarded is based on the grades you achieve in the modules that you take in years two and three.

In year one you will lay the foundations for later specialist study, taking a number of core modules and following a study skills programme designed to help you make the transition to higher education. In years two and three, you will be encouraged to study and learn more independently, giving you the opportunity to read more widely and to develop your own interests. The final year also includes the option to study a 40 credit dissertation.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.

Year one

Year one is a foundation year to give you the skills for advanced study and an overview of the two subjects to inform your later choices. Our personal tutor programme will help you to make the transition to higher education.

You will take 120 credits in total, equally split between 60 credits in Politics and 60 credits in Sociology.

Core modules for year one

Module title	Module code	Credits
Introduction to Social Science Research	SI0280	20 credits
Key Ideas in Social Science	SI0281	20 credits
Introduction to Sociology	SI0291	20 credits

Optional modules for year one

Module title	Module code	Credits
Y Da, Drwg a'r Gwleidyddol: The Good, the Bad and the Political	PL9193	20 credits
Introduction to Political Science	PL9194	20 credits
Introduction to International Relations	PL9195	20 credits
Introduction to Political Thought	PL9196	20 credits
Introduction to Government	PL9199	20 credits

Year two

You will again take 60 credits in Politics and 60 credits in Sociology.

Your personal tutor will help you to choose modules that best suit your interests and future career choices.

Core modules for year two

Module title	Module code	Credits
Contemporary Inequalities	SI0288	20 credits
Social Research Methods	SI0297	20 credits
Social Theory	SI0300	20 credits

Optional modules for year two

Module title	Module code	Credits
International Relations of the Cold War	PL9221	20 credits
Digital Technologies and Global Politics	PL9223	20 credits
Global Governance	PL9224	20 credits
EU Politics	PL9225	20 credits
From Espionage to Counter-Terrorism: Intelligence in Contemporary Politics	PL9229	20 credits
Modern Welsh Politics	PL9233	20 credits
Modern Political Thought: Machiavelli to Mill	PL9234	20 credits
Damcaniaethu a Dadfeilio'r Gymdeithas Gyfalafol	PL9238	20 credits
The Barbarians are Coming!: Cross-cultural Political Theories	PL9240	20 credits
Ideas and Ideology in British Politics	PL9241	20 credits
Animals, Air, and Areas beyond national jurisdiction - The Politics of Global Environmental Regimes	PL9242	20 credits
Governing Modern Britain	PL9243	20 credits
Personality, prejudice, and polarisation: Political Psychology	PL9244	20 credits
Critical Approaches to Middle East Politics	PL9245	20 credits
Revolutionising the Political Order: British Social Theory in the Eighteenth Century	PL9249	20 credits
Doing Political Research	PL9251	20 credits
Elections in the UK	PL9253	20 credits
Gender, Sex and Death in Global Politics	PL9254	20 credits
Credoau'r Cymry	PL9286	20 credits
British Politics since 1945	PL9287	20 credits
International Security: Concepts and Issues	PL9288	20 credits
Global Justice	PL9292	20 credits
International Law in a Changing World	PL9299	20 credits

Year three

You will again take 60 credits in Politics and 60 credits in Sociology.

Your personal tutor will help you to choose modules to best suit a particular pathway with you future career choices in mind.

Optional modules for year three

Module title	Module code	Credits
International Politics in the Nuclear Age	PL9320	20 credits
Africa in International Thought and Practice: Colonialism, Anticolonialism, Postcolonialism	PL9321	20 credits
Bombs, Bullets and Ballot-boxes: the Northern Ireland Conflict, 1969 to 1998	PL9324	20 credits
Political Economy: Rationality in an Irrational World?	PL9325	20 credits
Popular Culture and World Politics	PL9328	20 credits
War and Society	PL9331	20 credits
Justice, Legitimacy and International Law	PL9336	20 credits
Sex, Drugs and Public Policy	PL9338	20 credits
Politics in Practice: Work Placement Module	PL9340	20 credits
Be the Change: Governing without the State	PL9346	20 credits
The Politics of Populism in Europe	PL9350	20 credits
Governing Global Public Health: Viral Pandemics, and the Global Drugs 'Epidemic'	PL9353	20 credits
Anglo-American relations and Cold War defence	PL9357	20 credits
China in the World	PL9358	20 credits
Strategy in Theory and Practice	PL9359	20 credits
The Political Economy of Wales: From Coal to Covid-19	PL9361	20 credits
Economi Wleidyddol Cymru: o 'Oes y glo' i 'Oes y clo'	PL9362	20 credits
The End of the World as We Know It	PL9364	20 credits
After the West: IR 2.0	PL9365	20 credits
US Government and Politics	PL9374	20 credits
Cyfiawnder Byd-eang	PL9377	20 credits
Cenedlaetholdeb, Crefydd a Chyfiawnder: Hanes Athroniaeth yr 20fed Ganrif yng Nghymru	PL9378	20 credits
Parliamentary Studies Module	PL9380	20 credits
International Relations Dissertation	PL9385	20 credits
Politics Dissertation	PL9386	20 credits
Global International Organisation in World Politics	PL9391	20 credits
Personality and Power	PL9392	20 credits
Cyfiawnder Byd-eang	SE4394	20 credits
Dissertation	SI0131	40 credits
Sociology of Disaster	SI0315	20 credits
Sociology on the Move	SI0612	20 credits
The Sociology of Stigma	SI0613	20 credits
Live Theory	SI0630	20 credits
Comedy, Modernity & Social Theory	SI0632	20 credits
Monsters and Mysteries	SI0633	20 credits

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

Learning and assessment

You will learn from scholars who are shaping the future of their fields. Our courses reflect both the core ideas of their disciplines and contemporary debates, theories and research.

Teaching methods include a mixture of lectures, seminars, independent study and self-directed learning that draw use of on-line resources, individual work and group tasks. Lectures generally provide an overview of the relevant topic, introducing key concepts or research, and highlighting contemporary issues or debates. An increasing number of lectures are now recorded. In contrast to lectures, seminars give you the opportunity to discuss particular readings, research or topics in detail. This allows you to consolidate your understanding and get feedback on your individual learning. Seminars also enable you to hone your communication, presentation and collaborative skills as you take part in group discussions and other tasks.

How will I be supported?

A personal tutor will guide you for the duration of your studies. The tutors are available to discuss progress and provide advice and guidance on your academic studies.

Both Schools involved in delivering this degree offer a challenging course of modules, supported by a friendly atmosphere and excellent student-staff relations.

All modules within the course make use of Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Blackboard, on which you will find course materials, links to related materials and information relating to assessment tasks. Additional module-specific support is provided by seminar tutors, lecturers and/or module convenors. Support for the dissertation is provided by a supervisor who will meet with students regularly.

The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods vary from module to module but, across the degree scheme as a whole, you can expect a mixture of exams, coursework, essays, practical work, presentations, and individual and group projects.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake assessments that don’t count towards your final grade but give you an opportunity to assess your progress and to get feedback on your work.

What skills will I practise and develop?

Knowledge & Understanding:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

Identify and explain the central concepts of political science, and demonstrate familiarity with the vocabulary of political discourse;
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of normative and empirical Political Theory;
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of modern politics, including the structure and operation of selected European political systems at the national and European Union levels and international politics embracing global and regional studies;
Demonstrate particular expertise in Political Theory and/or European Politics and/or international relations. Appreciate the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge;
Apply different concepts, theories and methods to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and behaviour;
Examine and evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events;
Make use of contemporary research, such as articles in refereed journals.

Intellectual Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

Gather, organize and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of sources;
Develop a reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement;
Reflect on your own learning and make use of constructive feedback;
Manage your own learning self-critically.

Professional Practical Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

Design and use a range of data collection instruments needed to explore and understand the social world
Critically evaluate, synthesise and interpret primary and secondary data generated using different methods, using specialist software where necessary
Work both collaboratively and individually on theoretically informed and empirically-grounded projects that draw on appropriate and relevant research evidence

Transferable/Key Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

Communicate ideas effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing;
Use communications and information technologies for the retrieval and presentation of information;
Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management;
Collaborate with others and contribute to the achievement of common goals.

Careers and placements

Career prospects

School of Social Sciences

Turning theory into practical application and providing experience of the working world are important facets of preparing our graduates for life outside of education.

We encourage our students to think about life beyond University from day one, offering modules and support to give you a competitive advantage on graduating.

School of Law and Politics

Politics at Cardiff is a respected recruitment pool for a variety of employers within this sector with the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales, the Department for Education, the UK Border Agency and a range of political parties all recruiting from the last graduating year.

Outside of the political sector, the degree is of interest to employers in both the public and private sectors, with graduates taking up management training opportunities within EY, Enterprise Rent A Car, Zurich Insurance and King Worldwide.

Placements

The School of Social Sciences has a dedicated Placements Manager who can offer advice on available work placements, internships, work experience and opportunities to enhance your CV and broaden your horizons. Support with job applications and interview techniques is also available.

Studying in Welsh

Up to 33% of this course is available through the medium of Welsh. Please contact the Admissions tutor for more information.

Next steps

Open Day visits

International

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How to apply

Find out how to apply for this course

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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.