BSc International Relations and Sociology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Sociology and Politics and International Relations, combining the study of society with political and international analysis. Core topics include Research Methods and Social & Cultural Analysis. The programme spans three or four years, with an optional placement year. Modules address regional politics across West Europe, North America, East Asia, and South Asia.
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.
What students say
Based on about 43 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 87%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 17 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 25%
- Teaching Professionals: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Caring personal services: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 95 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 9%
- West Midlands: 32%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 30%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 96%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Other qualifications: 3%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to the Concepts and Methods of International Relations
- Introduction to the European Union
- Introduction to Social Theory
- Becoming a Social Scientist
- The Making of the Modern World
- What’s Trending (Current Affairs in Politics and International Relations)
- International Relations: Theories
- Critical Approaches to Security Studies
- Research Methods
- Advanced Research Methods
- West European Politics and Society
- North American Politics and Society
- East Asian Politics and Society
- South Asian Politics and Society
- Security Studies: Theories and Issues
- The Politics and Policies of the European Union
- International Political Economy
- International Climate Politics
- Social Theory for a Changing World
- Global Society
- Embodiment and Feminist Theory
- Media and Society
- Kith and Kin: Family Lives in a Social Context
- Material Worlds: Culture, Objects and Practices
- Racisms
- Digital Methods for Social Science and the Humanities
- Integrated Placement Year
- Dissertation (Sociology)
- Research Skills and International Relations Dissertation
- African Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present Day
- The American Presidency
- Chinese Politics and Society
- Writing and Reporting of Conflict and Violence
- EuroSim: Learning Negotiation through Simulation Games
- Gender and Politics
- Interest Groups and Lobbying
- Politics and Islam: Past and Present
- Religion and Politics in Contemporary Europe
- Sport and Politics
- Technology and Digital Politics
- Debates in Contemporary British Politics
- Political Parties
- Understanding Foreign Policy
- Work, Organisations and Society
- Bodies, Power and Resistance
- Contemporary Social Movements
- Pregnancy and Politics
- Education for the 21st Century
- Religion and Society
- Corporate Power
- Migration, Borders and Belonging
- Health Policy
- The Challenges of Climate Change
- Community Engagement
- Elites
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc International Relations and Sociology at Aston University earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £50,000. The £34,500 median after five years is £8,000 more than the UK median for Sociology.
What do graduates of BSc International Relations and Sociology at Aston University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc International Relations and Sociology at Aston University?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc International Relations and Sociology at Aston University?
The typical offer is CCC at A level. The average entrant had 106 UCAS points.
Does BSc International Relations and Sociology at Aston University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc International Relations and Sociology at Aston University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.