Politics and Sociology

Politics and sociology together address the fundamental questions of power and social life. Politics examines how decisions are made and enforced, how governments and institutions are organised, and how conflicts over resources, rights, and values are managed within and between states. Sociology investigates the social structures, inequalities, norms, and relationships that shape human experience, asking how and why societies are organised the way they are, and what consequences follow for the people within them.

The two disciplines complement one another: political questions always have a social dimension, and sociological analysis repeatedly encounters questions of power and governance. At Liverpool Hope University, this four-year, full-time programme includes a foundation year and brings the two subjects together in a coherent and engaging way.

The foundation year gives you a grounded introduction to the methods and ideas of the social sciences before you move into the main degree. You will then study political theory, comparative politics, international relations, sociological theory, research methods, and the empirical study of social inequalities, institutions, and social change. The programme encourages critical thinking and the ability to engage with competing explanations for social and political phenomena, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative evidence.

A sandwich placement year, work placement opportunities, and a year abroad all deepen the degree's practical and international dimensions.

Graduates of politics and sociology are well prepared for careers in public policy, the civil service, NGOs, local and national government, journalism, research, education, social work, trade unions, and advocacy organisations. The analytical, research, and communication skills the degree develops are valued across a wide range of professional settings, and many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in politics, sociology, public policy, or law. For those who want to understand and engage with the structures and forces that shape collective life, this programme provides a critical and intellectually serious foundation.