BA International Social and Political Studies
About this course
BA in International Social and Political Studies, a politics and international relations and history and philosophy degree centred on interdisciplinary academic study. Core topics include Research Methods. The course includes a compulsory year abroad spent studying at a partner university and a final-year dissertation. The first year introduces foundational themes through compulsory modules such as Introduction to History, Law, Politics and Philosophy alongside optional study in economics and global politics. The second year allows students to select from various regional and thematic modules including Politics of East Asia and Global Politics. The third year consists of the ESPS Year Abroad Assessment and Institutional Transcript. The final year centres on independent research through the compulsory Dissertation module, alongside options such as Critical Race Theory and Migration and Health.
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: A*AA (A humanities or social science subject (or Mathematics) preferred. Mathematics at A* required for full Economics specialism if chosen. Spanish at A grade required if it is to be studied as major language.) IB: 39 points (A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Higher level subjects to include Spanish B at grade 6 if this is to be studied as a major language. A humanities or social science subject (or Mathematics) is preferred. Mathematics at grade 7 at higher level is required for the full Economics specialism, if chosen. The programme will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.)
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 65%: 58 offers from 89 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 74%
- Assessment and feedback: 71%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 58%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 58%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Media Professionals: 15%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 63%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started
- A levels: 65%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to History, Law, Politics and Philosophy
- Economics
- Introduction to Mathematics for Economics
- History of Economic Thought
- Basic Microeconomic Concepts
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
- An Introduction to Applied Economic Analysis
- Political Economy
- Why Democracy? Justifications, Critiques and Contemporary Challenges
- Global Politics
- Children, Families and Education in Modern China, 1890-present
- Law and Governance in Contemporary China
- Global Politics
- Revolution and Reform in China's Long 20th Century
- Politics of Japan
- Politics of East Asia
- Introduction to Chinese Culture, Language and Society
- An Introduction to Literary Theory
- The Medieval Period
- The Renaissance Period
- ESPS Year Abroad Assessment
- Institutional Transcript
- Dissertation
- Understanding Cities and their Spatial Cultures
- Migration and Health
- Urban Inequalities and Global Development
- Sustainable Energy
- Critical Race Theory
- Disability, Chronic Illness and Neurodivergence in the Contemporary Society
- Power, Politics and Infrastructure
- Urban Form and Formation
- At the Crossroads of Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg in the 20th and 21st Centuries
- Multiculturalism and Identity
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA International Social and Political Studies at University College London earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £39,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £59,000. The £39,500 median after five years is £5,500 more than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of BA International Social and Political Studies at University College London do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA International Social and Political Studies at University College London?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA International Social and Political Studies at University College London?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 39 points in the IB. The average entrant had 187 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA International Social and Political Studies at University College London?
65% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 58 offers from 89 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
How many students continue on BA International Social and Political Studies at University College London?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.