Undergraduate degree in Social and Political Sciences
Through studying a degree in Social and Political Sciences, you will combine political, social policy and sociological approaches to explore contemporary social problems.
Why study Social and Political Sciences at York?
Social and Political Sciences draws upon expertise from three world-class departments – School for Business and Society, Politics and International Relations and Sociology – to utilise a research-led approach to teaching and learning. Taught by leading academics, you will learn how to apply the most up-to-date theories in social and political sciences to some of society’s most-pressing social and political problems.
This unique degree awards you great flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests through choosing from a huge range of modules across three core social and political sciences’ disciplines. The programme also offers interdisciplinary perspectives on understanding and addressing social inequalities and injustices while developing appropriate skills for a wide range of career destinations.
11th in the UK
for Sociology according to the Complete University Guide 2025.
13th in the UK
for Social Policy according to the Complete University Guide 2025.
18th in the UK
for Politics according to the Complete University Guide 2025.
Our courses
Course options
There are opportunities for you to undertake placements or spend a year abroad as part of your course.
If you're studying at a university outside the UK, you may be able to spend up to a year in York as a visiting student.
Scholarships and funding
Find out about scholarships and studentships that are available to students in the School for Business and Society.
World Top 40
39th for Social Policy & Administration in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024.
Committed to equality
We are proud to hold an Athena Swan Bronze award in recognition of the work we do to support gender equality.
Gold-standard education
Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in their latest national assessment (2023 Teaching Excellence Framework).
School for Business and Society
Study with us in our brand new Church Lane Building, which offers bespoke learning spaces. With state-of-the-art teaching facilities and dedicated social spaces, Church Lane is an interdisciplinary hub for the leaders of tomorrow.
Careers
You will develop skills that are highly valued in the graduate labour market. Our dedicated careers and employability team will help support you in identifying and securing your chosen career with an optional placement year providing outstanding workplace experience.
- We believe in an active approach to the social sciences, giving students a hands-on experience in social and political sciences through placements and collaboration with experienced practitioners.
- The nature of our degree means you can pursue career-related interests throughout your study, offering useful opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to future employers.
- Our graduates have developed careers as policy researchers and analysts, holding offices and managerial roles in governments, campaigning organisations, the public sector and businesses.
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Student and graduate stories
Hear what our students and graduates have to say about studying with us.
