ObjectivesThe Dual Honours degree in Social and Political Studies combines political analysis and awareness of conceptual debates with a strong policy studies orientation. It is taught jointly by the Departments of Politics and Sociological Studies, both of which are highly regarded for research and teaching. The politics component of the course introduces you to a wide range of theories related to contemporary issues, political theory, and to the discipline of political studies. It will teach you to apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics to the analysis of political ideas, institutions, and practices. The study of sociology offers theoretical and empirical studies of modern industrial societies and patterns of social change, a concern with social interaction and the detail of everyday life, and the comparative sweep of social anthropology. At level one, Dual Honours Social and Political Studies students take modules including Introduction to Political Analysis, Comparing Modern Polities, Introduction to Sociology, and Social Policy. At levels two and three students deepen subject knowledge by taking further core and optional modules and a project module.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements GCE/VCE A Levels - BBB Two GCE A Levels plus two GCE AS Levels - BB+BB Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers - AAAB-AABB/AAB-BBB Irish Leaving Cert. - AAABB-ABBBB BTEC Level N - 2 Distinctions and 1 Merit International Baccalaureate - 32-35 points. If Politics is taken, a grade B is required.
Academic titleBA Social and Political Studies
Course descriptionOur students usually select from a range of compulsory and optional modules to add up to 120 credits.
Some departments offer courses that don't feature optional modules whereas other courses are fully flexible.
Important notice :
This is a list of modules that have been offered in the past. We expect similar modules to be offered for courses starting in 2009.
This information is provided for illustration only and you should check with the department directly when applying to confirm module options.
Typical First Year ModulesModule/Unit Credits
Introduction to Political Analysis 20
British Politics 10
Comparing Modern Polities 10
Human Nature, Reason and Desire: An Introduction to Western Political Thought 10
Introduction to Social Inquiry 10
Introduction to Social Policy 10
Introduction to Sociology 10
Social Divisions in Contemporary Society 10
Sociological Studies Honours Seminar 1 10
Sociological Studies Honours Seminar 2 10
The Globalisation of World Politics 10
Typical Second Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
Introduction to Social Theory 20
Political Analysis: Approaches and Methods 20
Social Research Principles and Skills 20
Comparing Political Change: From Dictatorship to Democracy 20
Contemporary International Affairs 20
Contemporary Political Theory 20
Foundations of Modern Political Thought 20
International Relations Theory 20
Social Policy 20
Social Policy and Criminology 20
The Analysis of British Politics 20
The Global Political Economy 20
The Making of New Labour 20
The Politics and Government of the European Union 20