MA Politics and Sociology
About this course
MA in Sociology and Politics and International Relations, exploring political systems alongside human social groups and structures. Core topics include Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students examine international affairs, social institutions, and policy-making processes across a four-year undergraduate degree.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.
What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 87%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 84%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 26 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 20%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 95 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 17%
- South East: 2%
- South West: 1%
- Scotland: 71%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 45%
- Other HE qualification: 55%
Modules
- Academic Writing for Social Sciences
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance
- Introduction to Sociology I: Self, Identity & Society
- Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict
- Introduction to Sociology II: Systems of Power
- Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations
- Global Politics: Equality and Inequality
- Sociology of Everyday Life i: the Embodied Self
- Sociology of Everyday Life II: Global Issues in the 21st Century
- Research Methods in Politics and International Relations
- Thinking Sociologically
- Ten Sociological Studies
- Sociology of Religion
- Social Research Methods
- Contemporary French Politics: Race, Religion and Social Change B
- Science, Technology & International Relations
- War and Peace in International Politics
- International Political Psychology
- Scottish Politics
- Comparative Constitutional Systems
- Extreme Right in Western Europe
- Maritime Security
- Political Islam: Islamist Ideologies and Practices
- International Migration and Europe
- Gender and Politics
- Northern Ireland: Small, Dirty War
- Corruption and Good Governance
- US Presidents
- Dissertation
- Research Project Part 1
- Research Project Part 2
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Politics and Sociology at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £24,000 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £37,500. The £31,500 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Sociology.
What do graduates of MA Politics and Sociology at University of Aberdeen do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Politics and Sociology at University of Aberdeen?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Politics and Sociology at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 163 UCAS points.
Does MA Politics and Sociology at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Politics and Sociology at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.