Sociology and Social Policy with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Studying a Sociology and Social Policy degree will equip you with the essential theoretical foundation to understand people's behaviour as social beings, as well as the wider social, cultural, political and economic factors influencing our constantly changing society. The foundation year of this four-year course will introduce you to the key concepts and knowledge you need to progress to the BSc in Sociology and Social Policy. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress onto Year 1 of the BSc. The foundation year (level 3) will be delivered by The College, Swansea University (TCSU). Years 2-4 (levels 4-6) will be delivered by the School of Social Sciences. You will explore how society promotes the well-being of its members, examining themes and values such as social justice, equality, fairness, and citizenship, alongside specific policy focal points such as health, education, housing, disability, crime, poverty, and the family. You will learn how to generate new knowledge and information using a variety of qualitative and quantitative social research tools and throughout the course, you will develop excellent communication and presentation skills, together with the ability to analyse and critically evaluate evidence and construct arguments around the complex societal issues that affect us all.

Applicants will normally be required to demonstrate A levels at CCC or 96 UCAS points (or equivalent) although students applying for the programme through clearing may be accepted with CCD or 88 UCAS points.

Once students have been accepted onto this programme, they will automatically continue to level 4 of the BSc (Hons) programme, subject to successful completion of level 3 (the foundation year). The pass mark for level 3 is 40%.

Students who don’t wish to continue may apply to transfer to another undergraduate programme in Swansea University or to exit with a foundation certificate.

Applications

Students will apply to the university through UCAS and will be admitted through the university admission’s process.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0.

All students must demonstrate that they have achieved a certain level of English before starting their programme. You will need to provide a recognised English language test or qualification before you can be accepted to Swansea University

Specific English requirements are listed on each course page under the 'entry requirements' section. Our English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we accept the wide range of other English language tests shown below.

Please note that some research scholarship, funded positions, may require a higher English Language test score than standard to be obtained prior to enrolment or held at the point of application. Details of possible bespoke English Language entry requirements are listed on each separate scholarship advert. Our current active research scholarships can be found here.

If your English scores do not exactly meet our requirements, you could still be accepted if you successfully complete an English Language Pre-sessional Programme at Swansea’s English Language Training Services (ELTS) at the required level before starting your academic programme.

Careers and Employability