Study social studies

From systems to society – explore the ideas and organisations shaping our political world

Come to an open day

Oliver Goodwin, 3rd year BSc (Hons) Politics with International Relations student

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1st in the South West for student satisfaction for politics courses in the UK Complete University Guide 2026

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1st in the South West for student satisfaction for sociology courses in the UK Complete University Guide 2026

6 Gain real-world insight

Explore how social, economic and political forces shape our everyday lives and understand the systems that drive change.

6 Build career-ready skills

Develop the analytical, critical thinking and communication skills that are in demand across a wide range of professions.

6 Shape your future impact

Broaden your horizons and take your studies beyond the classroom with opportunities to engage in global perspectives and real-world experiences.

Evolve your understanding of society

Unleash your intellectual potential with our innovative social studies degrees. Whether you're drawn to Sociology, International Relations, Politics – or the intersections between them – our programmes offer a dynamic, real-world approach to exploring the systems, ideas and organisations that shape our world.

BSc (Hons) International Relations

Big Ben and Houses of parliament, London, credit: sborisov, courtesy of Getty Images

BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations

Power to the people! - Getty stock photo

BSc (Hons) Sociology

Foundation courses

If your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to degree level, these courses are for you.

Postgraduate degrees

Take your skills to the next level with postgraduate study that builds on your undergraduate knowledge and enhances your career prospects.

Studying sociology gives you a detailed understanding of how society functions...the social, economic and political aspects in our everyday lives.

Conor, BSc (Hons) Sociology graduate

Plymouth my honed critical thinking skills – and this is important. Never stop questioning in life: the system, society, other people.

Rebecca, BSc (Hons) International Relations with Sociology

You learn about everything. You learn about equality, about people and our differences. It’s all relevant to today’s society.

Chloe Pettit, BSc (Hons) Sociology

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