BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology
Course Overview
Our BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology at Aston University provides a comprehensive understanding of the major political and social issues faced by governments across the world. You will become an expert critical thinker, equipped with the skills and knowledge to understand and address inequalities, social constraints, societal dynamics and global issues. You will be taught by research-active staff who are experts in their respective fields and who constantly update their teaching based on research findings.
Key Program Highlights
- Experiential learning: Experience learning by doing with innovative modules like the award-winning EuroSim module
- Gold standard teaching: Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)
- Top 5% in the world: Top 5% of global evaluated institutions (QS World University Rankings 2027)
- Highly ranked: Aston University ranked 15th overall in the UK for International Relations (Guardian, 2026)
- Earn more: Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £38,100 five years after graduating (Sociology, Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025)
Course Overview
Our BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology at Aston University provides a comprehensive understanding of the major political and social issues faced by governments across the world. You will become an expert critical thinker, equipped with the skills and knowledge to understand and address inequalities, social constraints, societal dynamics and global issues. You will be taught by research-active staff who are experts in their respective fields and who constantly update their teaching based on research findings.
Key Program Highlights
- Experiential learning: Experience learning by doing with innovative modules like the award-winning EuroSim module
- Gold standard teaching: Aston University was awarded Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)
- Top 5% in the world: Top 5% of global evaluated institutions (QS World University Rankings 2027)
- Highly ranked: Aston University ranked 15th overall in the UK for International Relations (Guardian, 2026)
- Earn more: Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £38,100 five years after graduating (Sociology, Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025)
Requirements
Modules
- Introduction to the Concepts and Methods of International Relations
- Introduction to the European Union
- Introduction to Social Theory
- Becoming a Social Scientist
- The Making of the Modern World
- What’s Trending (Current Affairs in Politics and International Relations)
- International Relations: Theories
- Critical Approaches to Security Studies
- Research Methods
- Advanced Research Methods
- West European Politics and Society
- North American Politics and Society
- East Asian Politics and Society
- South Asian Politics and Society
- Security Studies: Theories and Issues
- The Politics and Policies of the European Union
- International Political Economy
- International Climate Politics
- Social Theory for a Changing World
- Global Society
- Embodiment and Feminist Theory
- Media and Society
- Kith and Kin: Family Lives in a Social Context
- Material Worlds: Culture, Objects and Practices
- Racisms
- Digital Methods for Social Science and the Humanities
- Integrated Placement Year
- Dissertation (Sociology)
- Research Skills and International Relations Dissertation
- African Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present Day
- The American Presidency
- Chinese Politics and Society
- Writing and Reporting of Conflict and Violence
- EuroSim: Learning Negotiation through Simulation Games
- Gender and Politics
- Interest Groups and Lobbying
- Politics and Islam: Past and Present
- Religion and Politics in Contemporary Europe
- Sport and Politics
- Technology and Digital Politics
- Debates in Contemporary British Politics
- Political Parties
- Understanding Foreign Policy
- Work, Organisations and Society
- Bodies, Power and Resistance
- Contemporary Social Movements
- Pregnancy and Politics
- Education for the 21st Century
- Religion and Society
- Corporate Power
- Migration, Borders and Belonging
- Health Policy
- The Challenges of Climate Change
- Community Engagement
- Elites
