Newcastle University

Politics and Sociology BA Honours
UCAS Code: LL32 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
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Political issues are invariably social issues, involving questions of power, inequalities, conflict and change in contemporary societies.

Dividing your time equally between sociology and politics at each Stage of this degree allows you to develop a rich, in-depth and historically well-informed understanding of the social forces that create and sustain political and social institutions.

You will graduate with a sophisticated understanding of contemporary socio-political issues.

Teaching and assessment

The subject areas of politics and sociology at Newcastle both have an international reputation for their research. In Politics, our research activity focuses on three overlapping areas:

• Governance and Political Organisations
• International Politics
• Political Philosophy

In Sociology, our research areas include:

• the changing nature of identities and cultures in contemporary society in relation to a range of social relationships and issues
• the social and ethical implications of the life sciences, such as public understanding of science (including genetics and food modification) and living with a chronic illness
• contemporary social change

Your work is divided between lectures and seminars, with around 10 hours a week devoted to large and small group study. You will be expected to supplement this with a maximum of 28 hours’ private study. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

Assessment methods throughout your course will generally include a combination of essays, examinations, projects, dossiers, presentations and poster presentations. In Stage 3, you undertake a dissertation in either politics or sociology on your topic of choice. This is a substantial piece of original research that accounts for a third of your credits in Stage 3. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study exchange abroad in Stage 3 in places such as:

• Denmark
• Germany
• Italy
• Norway

Many of our partner institutions teach in English, so fluency in the language of your host institution is not essential.

Studying at Newcastle

As a joint honours student at Newcastle, you will divide your time between Sociology and Politics, both of which are part of the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology.

You'll find a diverse and friendly community of students and academics in the Politics building. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a range of social and other activities outside the your study programme, many of which are organised by the student-run Politics Society.

You are also welcome to join the Sociology society which also organises a busy calendar of events for sociology students. Sociology at Newcastle is based on the 5th floor of Claremont Bridge.

To make sure you feel at home at Newcastle, we have an active system of student support, including a personal tutor and peer mentor to offer guidance and support throughout your degree.