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Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year
Birkbeck, University of London
Entry requirements
Here's what you will need to get a place on the Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year course at Birkbeck, University of London.
Select a qualification to see required grades
UCAS Tariff
48
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.
Most popular A-levels studied
The Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year course at Birkbeck, University of London features content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below to find out about the students taking courses in each of those subject areas at this uni.
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| Government and Politics | A* |
| History | A |
| French | A |
| Mathematics | B |
| Psychology | A |
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| Sociology | C |
| Economics | A |
| English Literature | B |
| Art and Design | A |
| Business Studies | C |
Course summary
What this course is about
UCAS code: M114
Here's what Birkbeck, University of London says about its Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year course.
Our BA Social and Political Sciences will help you gain a strong grounding in the key skills and methods used in the study of modern social and political sciences. Drawing on the interdisciplinary strengths of Birkbeck’s School of Social Sciences, this course offers you the means to understand, analyse and propose solutions to some of the central social and political problems of today.
Why choose this course?
-
This course emphasises a global perspective and is taught by lecturers at the cutting edge of applying their knowledge to real-world problems.
-
It benefits from an interdisciplinary approach that brings in knowledge from across the social and political sciences, including politics and international relations, sociology, human geography, political economy, criminology and psychosocial studies.
-
It offers you the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge you can apply in professions and fields such as political leadership, policy-making, community organisation and social or political activism.
What you will learn
Throughout this course you will develop core skills that you can apply to the study of social and political issues including:
-
the character of the state and politics in the present day
-
conflict and cooperation in the international political and economic system
-
social and public policy in relation to economic development, social inequality, climate change and crime
-
the impact of digital technology on politics and society.
How you will learn
This course is available to study full- or part-time with classes taking place in the evening. It is taught via lectures and seminars.
At the end of the course you will be able to design an independent research project on a topic of your choice.
Foundation Year
If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.
Highlights
-
Birkbeck’s location at the centre of important policy and research communities in London provides an opportunity to engage directly with real-world political and social issues. Its research institutes, such as the Centre for British Political Life, the Birkbeck Institute for Social Research and the Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research, host regular events.
-
This course is taught by researchers whose work is at the cutting edge of their disciplines, demonstrating significant impact on matters of social and public policy and politics more generally.
-
We have built up a strong reputation over more than 50 years for the excellence of our teaching and the international significance of our research in politics.
Careers and employability
On successfully graduating from this course you will have gained an array of transferable skills, including an ability to:
-
discuss and critique concepts and theories utilised in modern social and political sciences
-
gather and analyse data, demonstrating understanding of the distinction between qualitative and quantitative methods
-
identify and evaluate the significance of real-world social and political problems, and propose solutions to them
-
understand ongoing debates and the interconnection between bodies of knowledge, events, practices and institutions within the field.
Our course provides skills and knowledge ideal for employment in politics and policy and working for political parties, government administration, NGOs and international organisations. It can also be used to progress on to postgraduate study.
You will find our graduates following career paths including:
-
political leadership
-
public administration and policy-making
-
research and leadership in NGOs
-
journalism
-
teaching
-
community organisation
-
political campaigning and activism.
Source: Birkbeck, University of London
Course details
There are a few options in how you might study Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London.
Check the
2 course options available.
Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Department
School of Social Sciences
Location
Main Site | London
Duration
4 Years
Study mode
Full-time including foundation year
Subjects
• Social sciences
• Politics
Start date
October 2026
Application deadline
14 January 2026
Tuition fees
| Location | Fees |
|---|---|
| International | £18,500 per year |
The modules you will study
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
How you will be assessed
Assessment is via short written exercises, essays which will develop in length and expected complexity as you progress through your studies, take-home or online examinations, quizzes and multiple-choice questionnaires, case studies and problems to solve.
Birkbeck, University of London student reviews
Showing 24 reviews
Foundation year student
1 year ago
Although i haven't engaged with the student union alot. Its been a not so bad experience. The student union does its best to solve issues.
Foundation year student
1 year ago
The uni life is amazing. Students are respectful in terms of culture and diversity. Its fun to engage with new people and make new friends. London's a big city with lots of opportunities.
Foundation year student
1 year ago
As its based in London. The cost of living is very high. But i cannot comment on the financial support offered as I did not take it.
Foundation year student
1 year ago
The service has been great. Teachers engage with students alot. Especially in seminars
Foundation year student
1 year ago
Although i expected there to be a gym. But otherwise, the rest of the facilities such as the library or the student union experience has been fantastic.
Foundation year student
1 year ago
Overall, my experience has been extremely great. I only attend university once a week while being a full-time student. Its always fun attending classes and studying in your own time, flexibility is one of the biggest benefits.
National Student Survey (NSS) scores at Birkbeck, University of London
The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
The Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year course at Birkbeck, University of London features content from more than one subject area. Using the options below, you can see ratings from students who took courses in each of these subject areas at this uni
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
73%
low
Teaching on my course
73%
low
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
67%
low
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
80%
low
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
73%
low
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
73%
low
Learning opportunities
69%
low
Learning opportunities
69%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
67%
low
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
67%
low
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
73%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
67%
low
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
73%
low
Assessment and feedback
69%
low
Assessment and feedback
69%
low
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
80%
low
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
87%
med
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
53%
low
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
60%
low
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
67%
low
Academic support
57%
low
Academic support
57%
low
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
60%
low
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
53%
low
Organisation and management
57%
low
Organisation and management
57%
low
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
71%
low
How well organised is your course?
47%
low
Learning resources
56%
low
Learning resources
56%
low
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
46%
low
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
64%
low
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
58%
low
Student voice
47%
low
Student voice
47%
low
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
36%
low
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
53%
low
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
53%
low
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
33%
low
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
60%
low
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
64%
low
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
87%
med
Teaching on my course
87%
med
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
81%
low
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
94%
med
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
84%
med
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
90%
med
Learning opportunities
79%
low
Learning opportunities
79%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
80%
low
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
83%
low
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
76%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
78%
low
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
77%
med
Assessment and feedback
78%
low
Assessment and feedback
78%
low
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
84%
med
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
86%
med
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
70%
low
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
68%
low
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
80%
med
Academic support
82%
low
Academic support
82%
low
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
84%
low
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
79%
low
Organisation and management
69%
low
Organisation and management
69%
low
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
70%
low
How well organised is your course?
68%
low
Learning resources
73%
low
Learning resources
73%
low
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
67%
low
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
80%
low
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
75%
low
Student voice
66%
low
Student voice
66%
low
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
53%
low
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
72%
low
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
73%
low
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
55%
low
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
82%
low
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
77%
low
Student information
The Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year course at Birkbeck, University of London features content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below to find out about the students taking courses in each of those subject areas at this uni.
Graduate prospects
What graduates do next
Facts and figures about Birkbeck, University of London graduates who took Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year - or another course in the same subject area.
Graduate statistics
35%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
75%
In work, study or other activity
50%
Say it fits with future plans
65%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
25%
Sales occupations
10%
Administrative occupations
10%
Artistic, literary and media occupations
10%
Protective service occupations
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings after graduation
The Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year course includes content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below for Birkbeck, University of London graduate earnings across each of those subject areas.
Earnings
£30.7k
First year after graduation
£25.9k
Third year after graduation
£38.9k
Fifth year after graduation
Earnings
£26.6k
Third year after graduation
£30.7k
Fifth year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Social and Political Sciences with Foundation Year.
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree
Discussions
Discussions
Students are talking about Birkbeck, University of London on The Student Room.
Birkbeck, University of London open days
Are you thinking of applying to this university?
Before you do, it's a good idea to go to an open day. You can have a good look around campus, getting a better idea of what it's like to study there. You'll meet current students and staff and get the chance to ask them questions.
Universities will list upcoming open days on their websites. Most will also have virtual open days; these are a great alternative if you really can't get there in person. For tips on preparing for open days, check the advice section here on The Uni Guide.
