Sociology with Global Affairs, Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons)

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Available with:

  • Foundation Year

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Course Summary

Discover the world and your place in it with the University of Chester's pioneering degree in Sociology with Global Affairs, Politics, and International Relations. This dynamic degree course is tailored for those who aspire to understand and engage with the complexities of our global society. 

Explore the Global Landscape: Dive into the intricate international relations and politics network, gaining insights into the forces shaping our world. From the nuances of diplomatic relations to global governance mechanisms, this course offers a comprehensive understanding of international affairs. 

Sociological Perspective: At the heart of this degree is a strong foundation in sociology. You'll explore how societies are constructed, maintained, and transformed. Learn to analyse social behaviours, institutions, and structures, understanding their impact on global affairs. This unique blend equips you with the tools to critically assess how societal issues influence and are influenced by global events. 

Real-World Relevance: Our curriculum is designed with an emphasis on current global challenges. Engage with pressing issues such as climate change, human rights, global poverty, and international conflicts. This contemporary focus ensures that your learning is relevant and impactful. 

Expert Academic Staff: Learn from experienced academics who are actively engaged in research and international collaborations. The University of Chester offers a vibrant, multicultural environment, providing rich perspectives on global issues. 

Join us at the University of Chester and become a part of a new generation of informed, globally-aware individuals ready to make a difference. Apply now for our degree in Sociology with Global Affairs, Politics, and International Relations, and start your journey towards understanding and shaping the global landscape. 

Why you’ll Love it

Dynamic and engaging curriculum

This vibrant course is meticulously designed to be academically stimulating, focusing on real-world global issues. This approach ensures an intellectually enriching education that is directly relevant to the complexities of today's international landscape, from global governance to societal transformations and human rights.

A group of students sitting at desks in a classroom

Innovative teaching methods

Our teaching methods go beyond traditional classroom learning. Students engage in interactive seminars, simulations of diplomatic negotiations, and analysis of case studies that mirror real-world scenarios. This immersive learning style makes studying more exciting and deepens understanding, preparing students for a range of professional environments in their future careers.

two people shaking hands over a desk

Supportive academic community

The academic team, renowned for their expertise and research in global affairs and sociology, are deeply committed to student success, offering personalised academic support and mentorship. Our multicultural environment further enhances the learning experience, allowing students to gain diverse perspectives and insights, fostering a deeper understanding of global societal issues.

students smiling at desks in classroom

What you’llStudy

In the first year of a Sociology with Global Affairs, Politics, and International Relations degree, students explore foundational concepts of sociology, understand global political structures, and delve into international relations theories. They examine how societies are shaped by political and global forces, setting the stage for deeper, specialized study in subsequent years. Modules:

  • The Sociological Imagination
  • Self and Society
  • Welfare Politics
  • International Political Sociology
  • Globalisation Then and Now
  • The Big Questions in International Relations

In their second year, students delve deeper into the complexities of global politics, international relations theories, and sociological research methods. They explore specific global issues, such as conflict resolution, human rights, and international economic relations, while honing critical analysis skills through focused sociological studies and comparative political systems. Modules:

  • Research Methods
  • Race and the Modern World
  • Social Theory
  • Conflict, Security and Peace-Building
  • Geo-Political Affairs in Context
  • Beyond the West
  • Enhancing your Employability through Work Based Learning

In their third year, students delve into advanced topics. They explore complex global issues, international policy-making, and the sociopolitical dynamics of global crises. Modules:

  • International Political Economy
  • Advanced Social Theory
  • Social Science for Social Change
  • Dissertation
  • Africa in the World

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Nancy Evans

Programme Leader, BSc Sociology
Dr Nancy Evans

Dr Joe Rigby

Senior Lecturer; Sociology
A dark grey silhouette on a light grey background

Dr Djordje Sredanovic

Lecturer, Sociology
Dr Djordje Sredanovic

Dr Kim Ross

Deputy Head, Social and Political Sciences
Dr Kim Ross

Dr Suzanne Francis

Associate Professor of Conflict Transformation & Peace Studies; Programme Leader, International Relations
Dr Suzanne Francis

Dr Mark Bendall

Senior Lecturer, Politics and International Relations
Dr Mark Bendall

Dr Michael Francis

Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer, Politics
Dr Michael Francis

Dr Rachel Massey

Senior Lecturer, Politics and International Relations
Dr Rachel Massey

How you’ll Learn

In person lectures, small group seminars, and practical workshops

A variety of problem-based learning tasks, coursework and simulations

This course is designed around in-person study

There may be some online learning activities

Our approach to learning and teaching is broad and includes: 

Interactive Lectures: Engaging students in interactive lectures that include multimedia presentations, case studies, and open-ended questions to stimulate discussions and critical thinking.  

Small Group Discussions: Promoting peer learning, collaboration, and the exchange of diverse perspectives. 

Case-Based Learning: Presenting real-life criminal cases for analysis. This allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making skills. 

Research Projects: Research projects that require students to explore specific topics, conduct empirical research, and present their findings.  

Ethical Dilemmas and Discussions: Engaging students in discussions about ethical considerations, including topics like oppression, advocacy, identity, civil liberties, human rights and research ethics.  

Guest Speakers and Practitioners: Invited guest speakers to share their experiences and insights with students.  

Simulation Exercises: Organised simulation exercises where students take on roles. 

Beyond the Classroom

On this course, you have the opportunity to spend five weeks working for a host organisation via our innovative Work Based Learning module. You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience. 

Our Experiential Overseas Learning module offers a unique opportunity to participate in a short-term placement around the world. 

This course offers a Year Abroad option - an exciting opportunity to study abroad for a full academic year at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs), a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide. 

 

Entry Requirements

112 UCAS Points

UCAS 

112 UCAS points from GCE A Levels or equivalent.

GCE A Level 

 Typical offer - BCC/BBC 

BTEC 

BTEC Extended Diploma - DMM 

BTEC Diploma - D*D* 

Irish / Scottish Highers 

B in 4 subjects 

International Baccalaureate 

26 points 

Access requirements 

Access to HE Diploma to include 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at merit.   

OCR 

OCR National Extended Diploma - Merit 2 

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DMM 

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - D*D* 

Extra Information / General Entry Requirements 

Please note that we accept a maximum of 8 UCAS points from GCE AS Levels and that the Welsh Baccalaureate (core) and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72 UCAS Points

UCAS 

72 UCAS points from GCE A Levels 

BTEC 

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP-MPP 

BTEC Diploma: MM 

Irish / Scottish Highers 

CCCC 

International Baccalaureate 

24 points 

Access requirements 

Access Diploma – Pass overall 

Extra Information / General Entry Requirements 

Other vocational qualifications at Level 3 will also be considered, such as NVQs. 

Mature students (21 and over) that have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

The University of Chester is committed to a policy of widening access and participation by groups currently under represented in Higher Education.  To this end, we will consider a diverse range of entry qualifications and, if you are a mature student and do not hold the minimum formal qualifications, your application will be treated on an individual basis and your previous experience will be taken into account when assessing your suitability to the programme. 

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Support Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness Facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, Chaplaincy and Multi-Faith Spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

£13,950 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Job prospects

A degree such as this equips graduates with a broad understanding of societal structures, political systems, and international affairs. This interdisciplinary foundation can lead to various career opportunities across multiple sectors. Here's a list of potential career paths: 

  • Government and Public Service 

Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer 

Policy Analyst 

 Legislative Assistant 

City Planner 

Immigration Officer 

  • Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and International Organizations: 

Programme Coordinator/Manager 

Human Rights Advocate 

Refugee Support Worker 

International Development Worker 

Volunteer Service Officer 

  • Research and Academia: 

University Professor or Lecturer 

Research Analyst 

Think Tank Researcher 

  • Media and Journalism: 

Political Journalist or Correspondent 

Editor for Political or Cultural Publications 

Documentary Filmmaker 

  • Business and Industry: 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist 

International Business Consultant 

Market Research Analyst 

  • Law and Criminal Justice: 

Paralegal or Legal Researcher 

Human Rights Specialist 

Immigration Lawyer (with additional certification) 

International Law Specialist 

  • Social Services: 

Social Worker (with additional certification) 

Community Outreach Coordinator 

Advocacy Specialist 

  • Consulting: 

Political Consultant 

 Public Affairs Consultant 

International Relations Consultant 

  • Intelligence and Security: 

Intelligence Analyst (for agencies like the CIA, MI6, etc.) 

Security Consultant 

  • Public Relations and Communications: 

Public Relations Specialist for Governmental or International Organisations 

Communication Strategist for NGOs or Multinationals 

Lobbyist 

  • Non-Profit Sector: 

Programme Director 

Fundraiser or Grant Writer 

Volunteer Coordinator 

  • Think Tanks and Foundations: 

Research Associate 

Project Manager 

Policy Advocate 

These career opportunities can vary in terms of requirements, so it's beneficial for graduates to seek internships, network with professionals in their field of interest, and possibly pursue additional certifications or graduate studies to better qualify for specific roles. The diverse skill set from studying this degree can be applied in many contexts, making these graduates valuable in a variety of professional settings. 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.