Sociology with Global Affairs, Politics and International Relations BSc (Hons)

Discover the world and your place in it with the University of Chester's pioneering combined honours degree in Sociology with Global Affairs, Politics, and International Relations. This dynamic degree course is tailored for those who aspire to understand and engage with complex global debates and issues.

Explore the Global Landscape: Dive into the intricate international relations and politics network, gaining insights into the forces shaping our world. From the nuances of diplomatic relations, to global governance mechanisms, this course offers a comprehensive understanding of international affairs.

Sociological Perspective: At the heart of this degree is a strong foundation in sociology. You'll explore how societies are constructed, maintained, and transformed. Learn to analyse social behaviours, institutions, and structures, understanding their impact on global affairs. This unique blend equips you with the tools to critically assess how societal issues influence, and are influenced by, global events.

Real-World Relevance: Our curriculum is designed with an emphasis on current global challenges. Engage with pressing issues such as climate change, human rights, global poverty, and international conflicts. This contemporary focus ensures that your learning is relevant and impactful.

Expert Academic Staff: Learn from experienced academics who are actively engaged in research and international collaborations. The University of Chester offers a vibrant, multicultural environment, providing rich perspectives on global issues.

Join us at the University of Chester and become a part of a new generation of informed, globally aware individuals ready to make a difference. Apply now for our degree in Sociology with Global Affairs, Politics, and International Relations, and start your journey towards understanding and shaping the global landscape.

 The course offers an in-depth understanding of the key social and global issues and challenges affecting our lives today and in the future, alongside giving you the skills needed to explore and respond to such issues independently.

In Year 1 (Level 4), you will develop an understanding of what Sociology is, key themes within the discipline, and how sociologists look at and study the world using theory and research skills. You will then be introduced to foundational concepts in global governance, political theory, and international relations. You’ll also explore the role of the media in a globalised network society, and the ways that different groups are represented. Another key topic concerns environmental changes and their interconnection with global inequalities, enabling you to participate in debates on ecology and climate change.  

In Year 2 (Level 5), you will build on your learning and skills, by engaging in theoretically informed debates on contemporary social issues such as mobilities, globalisation, status, social class, and decolonisation. You will also study race, ethnicity, nationality and citizenship in a historical perspective that takes account of power and inequalities. This entails an exploration of how human mobility and the categorisations of groups of people transform societies, and how these social phenomena can contribute to and explain continued social inequalities. You will delve into intermediate topics in international relations theory, global political economy, comparative politics. You will also explore thematic courses in areas such as diplomacy, human rights, and conflict resolution, alongside practical modules in research methods and regional studies.  

In Year 2, you are also offered opportunities to put your learning into practice through real-world experience to support and develop your future career plans. This includes the chance to gain relevant work experience, study abroad, engage with a research project, or learn a language.   

In Year 3 (Level 6), key topics explored include the sociology of consumption, where you will engage in critical consideration and reflection on the predominance of consumer culture in our everyday lives, and the social and ecological implications of this. You will also engage in advanced studies of global governance, diplomacy, and international policy analysis.  Education is another key topic, where you will critically evaluate its role in society, placing such debate within the wider context of neoliberalism, capitalism and postmodern thinking. Furthermore, you will get the chance to consolidate your knowledge and skills through undertaking an independent project on a key issue of your choice, with continued support and guidance from experienced researchers. 

Theoretical understandings span across all three levels of study, with students building the ability to apply and appraise theory in reference to a variety of real-world social and global problems. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study 40 credits comprising either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and ten hours per week, depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is primarily delivered in-person, with some online learning. You can expect to take part in interactive sessions comprising lecture content, task-based workshops and peer-led seminar discussions that enhance subject knowledge and build key academic skills.  

As a student, you will be involved in the design, delivery, and experience of your learning at university, recognising the importance of student agency and co-creation in education. Opportunities to collaborate in your learning process include student representation; feedback; inclusive teaching initiatives (such as workshops or discussions around making the curriculum more inclusive, where your input is crucial); student-led workshops and seminars; collaborative curriculum design; peer teaching; access to digital platforms where you can share resources; project-based learning (such as coursework projects where you will have choice over the topic); being part of a learning community with your fellow students; and having input into how these communities are structured and operate. 

Outside of timetabled teaching, you should expect to spend an average of 30-34 hours per week on independent study, which might include undertaking weekly learning activities for each module in your own time, undertaking wider reading, using the University’s library, one-to-one tutorial time with staff, working with peers, and preparing work for summative assessments. 

There will be a broad range of assessment methods to optimise learning and skill development for a diverse range of learners with unique needs and preferences, and to enable you to build a wide array of skills to thrive in the workplace. These will include formative assessment such as group tasks and discussions where you can receive feedback from lecturers and your peers to build your confidence and skills. Summative assessment will include written coursework, such essays (short and long form), summaries and critical reviews of literature and/or policy, case study reports, and writing for public as well as academic audiences. In addition, summative assessment will focus on visual, verbal and practical skills, encompassing, for example, posters and presentations.  

You will be given ongoing support with assessments throughout each module, in addition to being guided on how to utilise past feedback. We continuously review the assessment methods used, to ensure they are inclusive and engaging, and so that they equip you with all of the skills that graduate-level employers are looking for.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core – building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Job prospects

A degree such as this equips graduates with a broad understanding of societal structures, political systems, and international affairs. This interdisciplinary foundation can lead to various career opportunities across multiple sectors. Here's a list of potential career paths: 

Government and Public Service 

• Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer 
• Policy Analyst 
• Legislative Assistant 
• City Planner 
• Immigration Officer 

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and International Organizations: 

• Programme Coordinator/Manager 
• Human Rights Advocate 
• Refugee Support Worker 
• International Development Worker 
• Volunteer Service Officer 

Research and Academia: 

• University Professor or Lecturer 
• Research Analyst 
• Think Tank Researcher 

Media and Journalism: 

• Political Journalist or Correspondent 
• Editor for Political or Cultural Publications 
• Documentary Filmmaker 

Business and Industry: 

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist 
• International Business Consultant 
• Market Research Analyst 

Law and Criminal Justice: 

• Paralegal or Legal Researcher 
• Human Rights Specialist 
• Immigration Lawyer (with additional certification) 
• International Law Specialist 

Social Services: 

• Social Worker (with additional certification) 
• Community Outreach Coordinator 
• Advocacy Specialist 

Consulting: 

• Political Consultant 
• Public Affairs Consultant 
• International Relations Consultant 

Intelligence and Security: 

• Intelligence Analyst (for agencies like the CIA, MI6, etc.) 
• Security Consultant 
• Public Relations and Communications: 
• Public Relations Specialist for Governmental or International Organisations 
• Communication Strategist for NGOs or Multinationals 
• Lobbyist 

Non-Profit Sector: 

• Programme Director 
• Fundraiser or Grant Writer 
• Volunteer Coordinator 

Think Tanks and Foundations: 

• Research Associate 
• Project Manager 
• Policy Advocate 

These career opportunities can vary in terms of requirements, so it's beneficial for graduates to seek internships, network with professionals in their field of interest, and possibly pursue additional certifications or graduate studies to better qualify for specific roles. The diverse skill set from studying this degree can be applied in many contexts, making these graduates valuable in a variety of professional settings. 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.