Domestic and global politics are at the heart of society, and this course provides insight into how political institutions can tackle some of society's most pressing problems.
The BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology degree brings together two complementary disciplines through the study of different aspects of social and political life, offering an insight into the diverse groups and structures that make up society.
The course considers the impact of major social changes, such as demographics and changing family structures, and the influence of different political perspectives on the development of policies to deal with these challenges.
It has been designed to provide students with an understanding of the breadth of topics encompassed under the political agenda, as well as provide a conceptual framework and a range of transferable skills necessary to analyse critically and address a range of contemporary social issues.
How You Study
Increasingly, sociological concerns impact the political agenda and the way governments respond to different contemporary social issues, and the interdisciplinary nature of the subjects is reflected in this degree's content.
This degree considers the impact of major social changes, such as demographics and changing family structures, and the influence of different political perspectives on the development of policies to deal with these challenges.
It has been designed to provide students with an understanding of the breadth of topics encompassed under the political agenda, as well as provide a conceptual framework and a range of transferable skills necessary to analyse critically and address a range of contemporary social issues.
This course draws upon the expertise of staff from across the School of Social and Political Sciences, whose research actively informs contemporary academic and public policy debates. Students may have the opportunity to engage with academic research projects being conducted by the School.
Modules
First Year
Applying Research (Social Sciences) (Core)
Key Social Science Concepts (Core)
Sociological Imagination (Core)
Who Runs Britain? Power, Politics and Beyond (Core)
Second Year
(Re)Reading the Sociological Canon I (Core)
(Re)reading the Sociological Canon II (Core)
Comparative Politics and Policy (Core)
Political Parties (Core)
Applied Politics (Option)†
Challenges of European Politics (Option)†
Conceptualising Sex Work (Option)†
Crime in Literature (Option)†
Criminology in the Professions (Option)†
Debating Welfare States (Option)†
Foreign Policy Analysis (Option)†
Governing America (Option)†
Ideology into Practice (Option)†
Intelligence and Security Law (Option)†
Internationalising Cultural Studies (Option)†
Model United Nations (Option)†
Nations and Nationalism (Option)†
Policing Crime and Deviance (Option)†
Researching in Social Science (Option)†
Researching Politics and International Relations (Option)†
Social Engagement (Option)†
Sociology of Education (Option)†
Strategic Studies (Option)†
The Politics of Sex and Sexuality (Option)†
The Vigilant State: intelligence and national security (Option)†
Thinking International Relations (Option)†
Thinking Politics (Option)†
Transnational Security Studies (Option)†
Understanding Domestic Abuse (Option)†
Understanding the City (Option)†
Welfare Policy and Work (Option)†
Work and Society (Option)†
Youth Justice (Option)†
Youth, Culture and Resistance (Option)†
Third Year
Contemporary Social Theories and Approaches (Core)
Global Civil Society (Core)
Independent Study (Core)
Analysing the Policy Process (Option)†
Body Politics (Option)†
Care or control? Welfare institutions in Britain before the welfare state (Option)†
Children, Families and the State (Option)†
Counselling and Guidance Skills (Option)†
Counter-Terrorism Studies (Option)†
Crimes of the Powerful (Option)†
Emotions in Everyday Social Life (Option)†
Family Law (Option)†
Gender and Violence (Option)†
Global Governance (Option)†
Human Rights (Social Sciences) (Option)†
International Relations of the Middle East (Option)†
Multiculturalism and Britishness (Option)†
Parliamentary Studies (Option)†
Police Studies (Option)†
Race and Racism (Option)†
Terrorism and Extremism in the United Kingdom (Option)†
The Colonial Present (Option)†
The Developing World (Option)†
The Politics of Global Health (Option)†
The Politics of Masculinity (Option)†
The Politics of Migration in the UK and Western Europe (Option)†
Understanding the Policy Process (Option)†
War Crimes and Genocide (Option)†
Working in Education and Children's Services (Option)†
Working With People in Adult Social Care Settings (Option)†
Entry Requirements 2023-24
United Kingdom
A Level: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall.
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent qualifications
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
How You Are Assessed
The way students are assessed in this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.
The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
"The two study trips to Europe and the USA were my favourite memories of my time at Lincoln. I was able to tour the institutions that I studied and interact with senior Civil Servants. This is an experience that I have been able to talk about in interviews."
Georgina Partida, Politics graduate
Study Abroad
Students on this course are able to apply for a study abroad year at one of our partner institutions after their second year. Students then return to Lincoln for their final year of study. Please note that these places are allocated competitively, subject to academic criteria. During the year abroad students will not pay a tuition fee to either the University of Lincoln or their host university but will be expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.
Field Trips and Placements
During the degree, students can participate in field trips to key international organisations and political institutions. In recent years, students have visited New York, Washington DC, Ypres, Brussels, The Hague, Berlin, Krakow, Geneva, and Strasbourg.
The course offers the opportunity to undertake unpaid, competitive work placements with a local council. Students are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs when undertaking field trips or placements. Please note that there are a limited number of places available.
Career Opportunities
Graduates have gone on to positions across the public sector, including central and local government, policy development within parliament, lobbying or research with think tanks, and the charity and not-for-profit sectors. A number have continued on to postgraduate study or professional training.
