Politics and Sociology with Year Abroad BA (Hons)

This exciting degree examines the relationship between the social and economic structures of societies and political change. Drawing on a range of political and social theories, we examine why in an age of increasingly high living standards, many people feel disenchanted and alienated.

• Learn about how our individual lives are connected to global developments such as climate change, migration, and the advancement of digital technology but also colonialism, industrialisation, and religion
• Discuss how race, sexuality, gender, class, and religion shape social dynamics and how these differences relate to inequalities, globally as well as locally
• Understand how people create social change in their everyday lives rather than just through political mobilisation and institutions
• Reflect on what might hold a society together despite all our differences and how it changes over time
• Understand why political institutions and politicians find it so difficult to change the economy, culture, and environmental habits
• Rethink the role of nonhuman beings – such as animals and plants - in world politics

You’ll learn from the School’s expert academic staff, who specialise in areas such as race, gender, class, citizenship and globalisation. Their teaching will give you a thorough understanding of sociopolitical issues, and help you to make sense of the world we live in.

Our graduates are highly employable, with invaluable political knowledge and research, analytical and communication skills that open doors to a huge variety of roles. They move into domestic and international careers both inside and outside the political sphere – predominantly in government, policy research, education, journalism, media and business. Combining politics with sociology gives you the potential to apply your political knowledge in the community, public and third sectors.

Recent graduates from the School of Politics and International Relations have been hired by:

• AMAR
• House of Commons
• Labour Party
• PwC
• Scodie Deyong
• UK Home Office

Career support

While studying with the School of Politics and International Relations you'll have access to bespoke career support every step of your degree, including one-to-one academic guidance, tailored workshops and external speakers on topics such as careers in public affairs and working in parliament.

Our careers team can also offer:

• specialist advice on choosing a career path
• support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
• feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
• interview coaching.

Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.