Introduction
Domestic and global politics are at the heart of society, and this course provides an 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 providing 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 providing 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.
Contact Hours
Contact hours vary by course and can take many forms, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. A full-time undergraduate student should expect to undertake a minimum of 37 hours of study each week during term-time, supplementing contact hours with independent study. This is an important aspect of university-level education. As a general rule, you will be expected to spend two to three hours working independently for every hour in class.
Methods of Assessment
The way in which you will be assessed will depend on your chosen course. It may include coursework, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work, or presentations. A full breakdown of current assessment methods can be found on the individual course pages of this website. The University of Lincoln’s policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
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)†
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)†
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
Global Civil Society (Core)
Independent Study (Core)
The Politics of Migration in the UK and Western Europe (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 Masculinity (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)†
How You Are Assessed
The way students are assessed on 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.
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.
"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
Entry Requirements 2021-22
United Kingdom
GCE Advanced Levels: BBC
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points
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.
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.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
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, Krako?w, 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.
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.
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.
