Why Choose Lincoln
Options to study abroad for a year
Field trips to international organisations and political institutions
Select from a range of optional modules
Opportunities to visit the UK parliament

Domestic and global politics are at the heart of society, and these courses provide an insight into how political institutions respond to the needs of a changing society and tackle some of its most pressing problems.
BA (Hons) Politics and Social Policy at Lincoln combines a detailed exploration of political ideas, institutions, and processes, with an in-depth analysis of how policies are developed and implemented to deal with the world's social problems.
As well as addressing big questions about concepts such as democracy and equality, the course provides an opportunity to examine and experience the policy responses to social problems affecting our communities.
The programme includes a strong emphasis on skills development. Students can begin to collect and analyse data from day one, providing the chance to develop transferable research and analytical skills.
Teaching is informed by the research expertise of academic staff from the School of Social and Political Sciences, who contribute regularly to national policy debates in both fields, and have a particular interest in the politics of welfare.
Domestic and global politics are at the heart of society, and these courses provide an insight into how political institutions respond to the needs of a changing society and tackle some of its most pressing problems.
BA (Hons) Politics and Social Policy at Lincoln combines a detailed exploration of political ideas, institutions, and processes, with an in-depth analysis of how policies are developed and implemented to deal with the world's social problems.
As well as addressing big questions about concepts such as democracy and equality, the course provides an opportunity to examine and experience the policy responses to social problems affecting our communities.
The programme includes a strong emphasis on skills development. You can begin to collect and analyse data from day one, providing the chance to develop transferable research and analytical skills.
Teaching is informed by the research expertise of academic staff from the School of Social and Political Sciences, who contribute regularly to national policy debates in both fields, and have a particular interest in the politics of welfare.
Options to study abroad for a year
Field trips to international organisations and political institutions
Select from a range of optional modules
Opportunities to visit the UK parliament
This programme includes a strong emphasis on skills development, which runs across all three years. In the first year, the course aims to provide a broad introduction to both subjects with core modules on British politics and social policy. Students can begin to collect and analyse data from day one, providing the chance to develop transferable research and analytical skills.
In the second and third years, core modules encompass British politics, political theory, new forms of political participation, welfare policy, and the policy process. Students may tailor their degree programme through a range of optional modules on subjects drawn from politics and social policy, as well as related disciplines such as criminology, international relations, and sociology.
This degree involves both directed and independent learning. Each module is usually delivered through a combination of weekly lectures and associated seminars and workshops. The seminars aim to provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues raised in the lecture and engage in critical reflection on the issues being studied. Students also have the opportunity to meet with module staff in tutorial sessions. As well as directed study, students are expected to undertake independent learning using traditional library resources as well as a wide range of electronic resources.
This programme includes a strong emphasis on skills development, which runs across all three years. In the first year, the course aims to provide a broad introduction to both subjects with core modules on British politics and social policy. You can begin to collect and analyse data from day one, providing the chance to develop transferable research and analytical skills.
In the second and third years, core modules encompass British politics, political theory, new forms of political participation, welfare policy, and the policy process. You may tailor your degree through a range of optional modules on subjects drawn from politics and social policy, as well as related disciplines such as criminology, international relations, and sociology.
This degree involves both directed and independent learning. Each module is usually delivered through a combination of weekly lectures and associated seminars and workshops. The seminars aim to provide an opportunity for you to discuss issues raised in the lecture and engage in critical reflection on the issues being studied. You'll also have the opportunity to meet with module staff in tutorial sessions. As well as directed study, you'll be expected to undertake independent learning using traditional library resources as well as a wide range of electronic resources.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
The assessment strategy adopted within the course is designed to test students' knowledge, skills and abilities, and aims to prepare them for the demands of work. This course has been developed to provide students with an in-depth subject knowledge and a range of transferable skills.
The course aims to develop written communication skills through essays and examinations, oral communication skills through presentations, literature searching and review through essays, examinations and presentations, and computer literacy skills.
In the final year students are expected to combine their study skills to undertake their own chosen area of study in preparation of an Independent Study.
Assessment types vary throughout each year of study, however, students can expect a range of assessment methods including coursework, practical exams, and written exams.
The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
The assessment strategy adopted within the course is designed to test students' knowledge, skills and abilities, and aims to prepare them for the demands of work. This course has been developed to provide you with an in-depth subject knowledge and a range of transferable skills.
The course aims to develop written communication skills through essays and examinations, oral communication skills through presentations, literature searching and review through essays, examinations and presentations, and computer literacy skills.
In the final year you'll be expected to combine your study skills to undertake their own chosen area of study in preparation of an Independent Study. Assessment types vary throughout each year of study, however, you can expect a range of assessment methods including coursework, practical exams, and written exams.
The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
We're proud of our wide-ranging international connections and the unique opportunities those offer to our students. The University’s partner institutions in the USA, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands offer you the chance to study abroad during the third year of study, before returning to Lincoln for the final year. The initiative enables you to experience your subject from a different perspective and to explore different societies and cultures. Spaces are limited and are allocated competitively, subject to academic criteria. During the year abroad, you won't need to pay a tuition fee to either the University of Lincoln or host university, but you'll be responsible for travel, accommodation, and general living costs. Where applicable, you'd also need to cover visa costs.
You can participate in field trips to key international organisations and political institutions. In recent years, students have visited New York, Washington DC, Ypres, Brussels, The Hague, Berlin, Krakow, Geneva, and Strasbourg. The course also offers the opportunity to undertake unpaid, competitive work placements with a local council. Please note, there are a limited number of places available. Students are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs when undertaking field trips or placements.
Studying for a degree has broadened my knowledge and understanding of politics and social policy. I particularly enjoyed learning about and discussing political philosophy, and the ideas and concepts which inform contemporary social policy.
Rosemary Robinson
BA (Hons) Politics and Social Policy
During your studies, you can also make the most of the University's Great Central Warehouse Library, which is home to more than 260,000 printed books and approximately 750,000 electronic books and journals, alongside databases and specialist collections. The Library has a range of different spaces for shared and individual learning.
Graduates have gone on to positions across the public sector, including central and local government, policy development within parliament, lobbying or research with think tanks, and the charity and not-for-profit sectors. A number have continued on to postgraduate study or professional training.
A Level: BCC (104 UCAS Tariff from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent qualifications.
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
We also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.
A Level: BCC.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
We also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
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