Sociology and Social Policy with a Foundation year

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.

WHY SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL POLICY AT SWANSEA? Our Sociology and Social Policy degree programme has an enviable reputation;

Social Policy at Swansea is ranked:

1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)

1st in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)

7th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2024*)

11th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)

Sociology at Swansea is ranked:

Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)

Top 25 in the UK Overall (Complete University Guide 2025)

Our core teaching staff have a strong, international profile in research, and regularly consult on policy in Wales, the UK and beyond.

*Based on the average positivity score across questions 22 to 25 in the NSS 2024 when ranked against universities featured in the Times Good University Guide

YOUR SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL POLICY EXPERIENCE Our flexible degree structure with a wide range of specialist modules gives you the scope to tailor your course to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.