Undergraduate Course

Course details

Study options

Full-time: 3 years

UK fee

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

International fee

£14,900 per year (2024/25)

UCAS points

112 (September 2024 entry)112 (September 2025 entry)

UCAS code

L2L0

Start date

September

Location

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Take a transdisciplinary approach to the study of world affairs and global issues and tackle a range of issues to gain an insight into the trends that affect human societies, policies and the planet so you can navigate and influence some of the world’s most important questions and problems.   

Explore how the modern world has developed, where it’s going, and ways to bring about change for the better. While we all have our own ideas about society, our course helps you build a more accurate picture of the dramatic and diverse changes influencing our lives today. 

Real-world learning

On your International Relations modules, you will get the opportunity to devise solutions to real problems and present your ideas to external audiences. In year two for example, there is a work experience module in which you'll be expected to work with a group, organisation or company on a project that either recommends or implements change. Then in year three, you'll get another opportunity to problem-solve with an advanced community or digital project. So even while you're studying, you will have the chance to start making a difference. 

Your Sociology modules will explore a variety of societal issues such as media, culture and society, patterns of inequality, globalisation and social change, youth justice, the sociology of politics and protest and a Sociology Independent module providing you with a full understanding of societal issues.

Top10for teaching qualitySociology subject area, Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2024
Top5for satisfaction with feedbackSociology and Social Policy subject area, Guardian University Guide 2024
Top20for assessment and feedback - SociologyNational Student Survey 2023
A student in the library reading a book on Social Science

Real-world research

We give you a thorough grounding in research methods, fieldwork, data collection and the analysis of statistics. Through your independent study module, you will have the chance to conduct in-depth research into the sociological themes that have most captured your interest. 

By the end of your degree, you will have developed skills in applying research findings to practical uses, together with the ability to analyse arguments and the confidence to justify your opinions. 

You will get the opportunity to devise solutions to real problems and present your ideas to external audiences, so even while you're studying, you will have the chance to start making a difference.

Choose your pathway

Studying an International Relations and Sociology Joint Honours degree allows you to choose whether you major in one subject or study them both equally.

You begin this degree by studying both subjects equally in your first year. By the end of your first year, you will then decide whether you would like to major or minor in a chosen subject or continue to study them both equally.

In this combination International Relations is the major subject and Sociology is the minor subject.

In this pathway you study International Relations and Sociology equally.

In this pathway you study Sociology and International Relations equally.

In this pathway Sociology is the major subject and International Relations is the minor subject.

What is a Joint Honours degree?

A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.

A Joint Honours degree is a great option if:

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Big spaces for big ideas

Kedleston Road offers it all: study in our largest library, relax at Basecamp, train in real-world healthcare settings, and stay active in our state-of-the-art Sports Centre.

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What you will study

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

Undergraduate Open Days

The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

Book your Undergraduate Open DayBook your Undergraduate Open Day

How you will learn

For International Relations and Sociology, you’ll learn through:

We are determined to keep things fresh and interesting and involve projects that include the close reading of music videos, the design of your own conspiracy theory, the production of wikis and an extended final year piece of research in which you showcase your sociological interest in a topic of your choice.

How you are assessed

You will be assessed through a broad range of methods which allows you to demonstrate your individual strengths and abilities. These include:

Who will teach you

You will be taught by our team of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts.

Subject Leaders 

Dr Phil Burton-Cartledge
Course Director, Business, Law, and Social Sciences

Dr Phil Burton-Cartledge is Course Director for the School of Law and Social Sciences and Programme Lead for Sociology. Prior to joining the University in 2013, he previously had worked for a Member of Parliament. A regular commentator on current affairs, his teaching and research interests reflect these concerns.

Email
P.Burton-Cartledge@derby.ac.uk
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Alen Toplisek

Dr Alen Toplisek
Senior Lecturer in Global Affairs and Politics

Alen is a Senior Lecturer in Global Affairs and Politics and programme leader for BA in Global Affairs and Politics. His research focuses on comparative politics and political economy in Central and Eastern Europe, questions of dependent capitalist development and industrial policy.

Email
a.toplisek@derby.ac.uk
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Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Find out more about personal academic tutoring

Entry requirements

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112
A LevelBBB-BBC
BTECDMM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEN/A

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112
A LevelBBC
BTECDMM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and funding

2024/25

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,250 per year

N/A

International

£14,900 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


UK students

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS

If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.

Apply directly to the University

Careers

Because this course delivers such a broad spectrum of skills and insights, it’s no surprise to find our graduates excelling in a wide variety of careers where critical thinking, analytical know-how and research abilities are valued.

Our graduates have used their degree to become teachers, lecturers, social workers, probation officers, civil servants, social researchers, business owners, marketeers, counsellors, charity workers, journalists and to work in politics – to name but a few roles.

Careers and Employment Service

Our Careers and Employment Service can help you boost your employment skills by connecting you with employers for work placements, part-time jobs and volunteering. They can also offer guidance on career options, CV writing or starting your own business.

Getting you career ready

Your degree is only part of your story.

We're here to help prepare you for life after university.

Career Support Image

96%
of UK graduates are in employment or further study.

Top 5
for employability.
Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.

87%
of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

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Additional information about your studies

You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Discover Uni

This is a new course so the data displayed via Discover Uni is for students studying in another subject area.

Full-time