Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year

Birkbeck, University of London
Undergraduate BA (Hons) Part-time 6 Years PolicingSociologyCriminologyPolitics

About this course

Our BA Social and Political Sciences will give you a strong grounding in the key skills and methods employed in the modern social and political sciences and the means to understand, analyse and propose solutions to some of today's central social and political problems. It draws on the interdisciplinary strengths of Birkbeck’s School of Social Sciences, ranging across:

  • politics and international relations

  • sociology

  • human geography

  • political economy

  • criminology

  • psychosocial studies.

    You will develop core skills across the course of the degree, and apply these to problems concerning the state and politics, conflict and cooperation in the international political and economic system, and social and public policy in relation to issues such as economic development, social inequality, climate change, crime, and the impact of digital technology on politics and society.

    If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

    This course has an evening timetable with lectures, seminars and classes taking place in the evening.

    Highlights

  • Birkbeck’s location at the centre of important policy and research communities in London provides an opportunity to engage directly with real-world political and social issues. A feature of the course is its connection to Birkbeck research institutes such as the Centre for British Political Life, the Birkbeck Institute of Social Research, and the Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research, which host regular events with external speakers including politicians, policy makers such as civil servants, political and community activists, and public intellectuals.

  • This course is taught by researchers whose work is at the cutting edge of their disciplines, demonstrating significant impact on matters of social and public policy and politics more generally. The subject areas that make up Birkbeck’s School of Social Sciences have a long history of engagement with politics and public life in the UK and globally, with many of our alumni going on to play leading roles in government and society.

  • We have built up a strong reputation over more than 50 years for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics.

  • Our building was once a key location for members of the Bloomsbury Group, so you could be studying in rooms that have hosted distinguished visitors, including T.S. Eliot, George Bernard Shaw and Maynard Keynes.

    Careers and employability

    Our BA Social and Political Sciences provides you with a strong foundation of skills and knowledge ideal for employment in politics and policy and working for political parties, government administration, NGOs and international organisations. It can also be used to progress on to postgraduate study in this area.

    You will find BA Social and Political Sciences graduates in the following kinds of career paths:

  • political leadership

  • public administration and policy-making

  • research and leadership roles in NGOs

  • journalism

  • teaching

  • community organisation

  • political campaigning and activism.

    We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond.  At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

    • Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Part-time Shown above

    Duration: 6 Years

    Qualification: BA (Hons)

    Location: London

    Full-time including foundation year

    Duration: 4 Years

    Qualification: BA (Hons)

    Location: London

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    1172 Social services managers and directors
    2435 Professional/Chartered company secretaries
    2461 Social workers
    4124 Finance officers
    2431 Management consultants and business analysts
    3531 Brokers

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    Course Details

    Qualification
    Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
    Study Mode
    Part-time
    Duration
    6 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    London
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Policing, Sociology, Criminology, Politics

    Offered by

    Birkbeck, University of London

    London

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