Sociology and Social Policy, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

Our Sociology and Social Policy degree explores how societies work and how their futures can be shaped. From the local to the global, the personal to the structural, it examines key current challenges, critical debates, and real-life solutions.  

You will explore the key factors that shape our everyday experience of social life, as well as how society identifies needs, promotes wellbeing and allocates resources. You will examine major issues such as social justice, inequality, health, education and social movements, always connecting them to today’s trends and tomorrow’s possibilities. 

Why Sociology and Social Policy at Swansea?

Our Sociology and Social Policy degree programme has an acclaimed reputation; 

Social Policy at Swansea is ranked: 

  • 5th in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026) 
  • 1st in the UK* and has 100% Overall Satisfaction** (NSS 2025) 
  • 8th in the UK Overall (Daily Mail University Guide 2026) 

Sociology at Swansea is ranked: 

  • Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026) 

The School of Social Sciences offers a vibrant and diverse academic community.  Our core teaching staff have a strong, international profile in research, and regularly consult on policy in Wales, the UK and beyond.  

*Based on the average positivity score for question 1 - 26 NSS 2025 and 

**Q28, NSS 2025 

Your Sociology and Social Policy Experience

Our flexible degree structure with a wide range of specialist modules gives you the scope to tailor your course to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study. 

To enrich your learning, we offer a wide range of activities such as field trips to places of social and political interest, including the Senedd, Big Pit, the Swansea Copperjack Boat, South Wales Police HQ and Swansea Prison. We also regularly welcome guest speakers to share their specialist knowledge in workshops and seminars, giving you the chance to hear directly from professionals across the sector.  

You will have the opportunity to undertake either a Year Abroad or a Year in Industry, allowing you to choose the pathway that best suits your interests and future ambitions. The Year in Industry can be spent in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you will need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.

Sociology and Social Policy Employment Opportunities

A Sociology and Social Policy degree opens up a wide range of further study or career opportunities. Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in many different fields, including: 

  • Education 
  • Research 
  • Journalism 
  • Policy Development 
  • Marketing and Advertising 
  • Youth Work 
  • Legal, Police and Probation Services 
  • Ecology and Environmental Planning 
  • Human Resources 

Depending on the sector, Sociology and Social Policy graduates can expect to earn an average annual salary of £22,000, rising to £50,000 for more senior posts. 

The Sociology and Social Policy degree can also be a gateway to further professional and vocational training in fields such as teaching and social work. 

The Sociology and Social Policy degree can also be a gateway to further professional and vocational training in fields such as teaching and social work.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Sociology and Social Policy, BSc (Hons)

Sociology and Social Policy with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Sociology and Social Policy with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)