BSc Politics and Social Policy

Birmingham

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BSc Politics and Social Policy program at Aston University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of political systems, public policy development, and social welfare issues. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical insights from political science with empirical approaches to social policy analysis. Students explore topics such as governance, democracy, public administration, inequality, welfare provision, and the impact of government policies on society. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and policy analysis, preparing graduates for careers in government, non-profit organizations, international agencies, and the private sector.

  1. Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The program integrates concepts from political science and social policy, offering students a broad perspective on the interaction between political institutions, policymaking processes, and social welfare outcomes. Courses cover topics such as comparative politics, public policy analysis, social inequality, and welfare state development, equipping students with analytical tools to understand and address complex societal challenges.

  2. Policy Analysis Skills: Students develop strong analytical and research skills, gaining proficiency in policy evaluation, quantitative methods, and qualitative research techniques. They learn to assess the effectiveness of government policies, analyze social trends and data, and propose evidence-based solutions to social issues such as poverty, healthcare, education, and housing.

  3. Political Theory and Governance: The program explores foundational concepts in political theory and governance, enabling students to critically evaluate different political ideologies, systems of government, and approaches to policy formulation. Students gain insights into democratic governance, political participation, human rights, and the role of civil society in shaping public policy.

  4. Professional Development: Aston University emphasizes practical skills and professional development through industry placements, internships, and engagement with policymakers and practitioners. Students have opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, gaining valuable experience and networking with professionals in government, advocacy organizations, and think tanks.

  5. Career Opportunities: Graduates of the BSc Politics and Social Policy program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in public administration, policy analysis, political consultancy, advocacy, international development, and social research. They may pursue roles in government agencies, local authorities, non-profit organizations, research institutes, or corporate social responsibility departments, contributing to social change and policy innovation.

Pollster Education

Location

Birmingham

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 6

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

£ 17750

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at Aston University are required to have achieved a minimum overall percentage of 75% or above in their high school or equivalent qualification.  

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: An overall score of 6.0 or higher with no individual band below 5.5.
  • TOEFL: The overall score 78 with minimum score of 11 in each component is required.
  • PTE: The overall score 64 with minimum 59 is required.

Students must provide:

  • academic marksheets & transcripts
  • letters of recommendation
  • a personal statement - SOP
  • passport
  • other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Aston University offers a range of scholarships and financial support to both domestic and international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, support talented students, and promote diversity and inclusion. 

Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance. It provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £3,000 per year for the duration of the course.

Aston Business School Scholarships: Aston Business School offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing business-related programs. These scholarships are based on academic merit, leadership potential, and other criteria.

Aston Achievement Scholarship: This scholarship is available to undergraduate students who have achieved exceptional results in their A-levels or equivalent qualifications. It provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £2,000 per year for the duration of the course.

Aston Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students who have achieved outstanding results in their A-levels or equivalent qualifications. It offers a tuition fee reduction of up to £1,000 per year for the duration of the course.

International Ambassador Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for international students and is awarded based on academic merit and contribution to the Aston community. It provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £3,000 for the first year of study.

Aston University's BSc Politics and Social Policy equips graduates with versatile skills in critical thinking, policy analysis, and social research, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities across public, private, and non-profit sectors. The program's emphasis on practical experience, interdisciplinary learning, and engagement with real-world challenges prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to social and political change.

  1. Policy Analyst: Graduates with a BSc in Politics and Social Policy are well-suited for roles as policy analysts within government agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, and advocacy groups. They assess the impact of policies on society, conduct research to inform policy decisions, and contribute to the development of evidence-based solutions to complex social issues.

  2. Public Affairs Specialist: Professionals in public affairs work to shape public opinion, influence policymakers, and advocate for specific policy changes. Graduates can pursue careers in public relations, lobbying, or public affairs consulting, leveraging their understanding of political systems and social policy to engage with stakeholders and promote policy initiatives.

  3. Social Researcher: With a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis, graduates can pursue careers as social researchers in academic institutions, government agencies, or research organizations. They conduct studies on social trends, public attitudes, and policy effectiveness, producing insights that inform policymaking and social interventions.

  4. Community Development Officer: Graduates may work as community development officers or social planners, collaborating with local governments, charities, and community groups to design and implement programs that address community needs. They focus on improving social welfare, promoting inclusion, and facilitating community engagement in policy processes.

  5. Political Campaign Manager: Those interested in politics can pursue roles as campaign managers or political advisors, supporting candidates or parties in electoral campaigns. They develop campaign strategies, analyze public opinion polls, and coordinate outreach efforts to mobilize voters and promote policy platforms.

  6. International Development Consultant: With a global perspective on social and political issues, graduates can pursue careers in international development organizations, focusing on poverty alleviation, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. They work on projects related to governance, human rights, and economic development in diverse cultural contexts.

  7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist: Businesses increasingly seek professionals to manage CSR initiatives and corporate philanthropy programs. Graduates can leverage their understanding of social policy to help organizations align their business practices with ethical, social, and environmental objectives, enhancing corporate reputation and community impact.

  8. Further Education and Research: Some graduates may pursue postgraduate studies in political science, public policy, sociology, or related fields to deepen their expertise and pursue careers in academia, research, or policy analysis.


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