Sociology and Politics

Why study Sociology and Politics at Aberystwyth University?

Our distinctive field-based approach to sociology will help to highlight the significance of space and place for the study of political behaviour.

We draw on our research strengths to ensure that you are exposed to cutting-edge theoretical and empirical understandings of the social and political world, and to enable your learning experience to reap positive benefits from the latest developments in both disciplines.

You will learn how to critically evaluate ideas, concepts and approaches within both fields of sociology and politics.

You will be taught and mentored by enthusiastic lecturers who are committed to providing you with an outstanding and dynamic learning environment.

You will become part of the world's first ever Department of International Politics, founded in 1919.

You will have the opportunity to take part in our prestigious Parliamentary Placement scheme alongside an MP (House of Commons, Westminster) or a Member of the Senedd (Senedd Cymru [Welsh Parliament], Cardiff).

You will be able to participate in our Crisis Games - an exciting and dramatic twice-yearly residential course away from Aberystwyth in which you will play a role in a political scenario - enabling you to learn about international politics from a unique first-person perspective.

You will have the opportunity to develop your political journalist skills by contributing to the oldest student–run international Politics journal in the UK, Interstate, which is based within the Department of International Politics, and which will be a worthwhile and fulfilling extra-curricular activity.

Our Staff

Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE.

Department of Geography and Earth Science: lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.

What will I learn?

In the first year, you will be introduced to:

• Key concepts and theoretical approaches in Sociology
• Political theory & key political ideas
• The relationships between individuals, groups and social structures
• Social diversity and inequalities
• Processes underpinning social change
• The relationship between the analysis of evidence and sociological arguments
• The different methodologies used to analyse topical issues in international and domestic politics
• Contemporary political problems and how they are portrayed

In the second year and third years, you will build on the theories learned in your first year and consider:

• The big ideas that have inspired the social sciences
• Qualitative research methods
• Key debates about different political forces and relationships in different parts of the world
• How socio-political differences lead to inequalities and injustices
• UK and European politics and international relations
• Nationalism and multiculturalism

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical classes and fieldwork.

You will be assessed through essays, reports, practical classes, fieldwork, book reviews, learning logs, presentations and examinations. Your final year dissertation will involve sociological research on a topic of your own choosing.

Employability is embedded within all our courses and our degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of careers across a wide range of sectors. Graduates of BA Sociology and Politics are well-placed to enter roles in the development sector, local and national politics, the Civil Service, Government and social research, social work and social policy (including public housing, local government administration and the voluntary sector), roles in the third sector such as with NGOs and charities, work with international organisations, public relations and journalism, teaching and management.

In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.

The skill sets include:

• Effective problem-solving, analytical and creative thinking skills
• Information technology skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Time-management and organisational skills
• Communication skills, both written and oral
• Self-motivation and self-reliance