Swansea University
Politics and Social Policy BA (Hons)
Swansea University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 15 graduates of Politics and Social Policy BA (Hons) and other courses in Social Policy at Swansea University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Social Policy.

Overall student satisfaction
85 /100
15 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Politics & International Relations

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Social Policy at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25500 £22500 £28000
25-75 percentile range £20000 - £30000 £17000 - £30000 £21500 - £37500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Politics & International Relations

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25499 £23851 £29086
25-75 percentile range £21854 - £29990 £18574 - £30212 £21979 - £38531

Course Description

Studying a Politics and Social Policy degree gives a broad perspective on political theory in the context of local, national, European and global politics, alongside closely related issues concerning how societies address the needs of ordinary people.

You will have the competitive option of an internship at the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff, working closely with assembly ministers, and you will be taught by specialist academics and members of parliament.

Our three-year degree helps to provide graduates with a wealth of inspiring career opportunities thanks to numerous transferable skills which are highly valued by employers.

Politics at Swansea is ranked:

  • Top 20 in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2023)

Social Policy at Swansea is ranked:

• 3rd in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2022)

  • 5th in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide 2023)
  • Top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2023)

• Top 10 in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2022)

  • Top 15 in the UK for Overall Score (Times Good University Guide 2023)

Your early studies will concentrate on international relations, the politics of social policy, and politics and people. But whether your true passion lies in American politics and society, theories of war, or ethics and justice, our generous range of modules has it covered. This range allows you to learn, discover and narrow your interests in the following years.

You will have the ability to tailor your degree according to your specific interests as you progress. The second year gives you a chance to study abroad for a semester in the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enriching the student experience and boosting your career prospects.

Later studies are shaped by modules around your specific political and social policy interests, as well as a substantial dissertation project. Several work placement programmes are available to help you prepare for graduate life. Politics and Social Policy students typically develop oral and writing skills by presenting ideas in different formats, supported by strong research and rigorous analysis.

Assessment is conducted through essays, coursework, examination, presentations, and a dissertation. Teaching is informed by a vibrant and supportive research environment that unites academics, postgraduates and visiting scholars around shared subject matter and international impact.

Graduates have advanced to careers in sectors such as politics, education, the media, and humanitarian services.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Politics and Social Policy BA (Hons) at Swansea University

25% Skilled trades occupations
15% Teaching and Childcare Associate Professionals
10% Elementary occupations
10% Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
5% Caring personal services
5% Elementary occupations
0% Artistic, literary and media occupations

Grading & Study Time

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include: **• Group-based tasks** **• Presentations** **• Personal Reflections ** Throughout your undergraduate Politics and Social Policy degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. For full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/social-sciences/politics-philosophy-international-relations/ba-politics-social-policy/ or get in touch with us at [email protected]

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Social Policy

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All Degrees

If you are an international applicant please visit our international pages for more information and details on how to apply: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Politics and Social Policy, BA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Swansea University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Swansea University in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #2 
    • #183 
    Social Sciences
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #251 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]

See all 27 university rankings of Swansea University

About Swansea University

Swansea University was established in 1920 and is located in the large city of Swansea, in Wales. There are two campuses, the flagship campus is located between Singleton Park, with its green parkland and botanical gardens, and Swansea Bay beach. The more recent Bay Campus on the other hand is located on an extensive beachfront property on the eastern side of town, past the marina. Apart from a vibrant academic life, students can attend the numerous yearly festivals that take place in Swansea, guaranteeing plenty of opportunities for getting out and about in your free time.

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Where is this programme taught

Singleton Park Campus
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