Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social and Political Sciences (Plus Optional Placement Year)

at University of York United Kingdom

There has never been greater need for scientists who understand how the Earth system functions and responds to human activities, and who can apply this knowledge in the broader social and economic context of managing the environment to ensure a sustainable future.

Research-led teaching with a multi-disciplinary focus will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex environmental problems such as climate change, air pollution and energy transitions.

Build the skills crucial to your interests and career ambitions in development economics.

You'll join a vibrant programme which provides a structured transition to independent research.

Taught by leading researchers in the field, you'll gain a sound training in best practice methods of theory and applications in development economics with special emphasis on emerging market economies. You'll also have the opportunity to follow specialist pathways in topics including finance and health.

This intellectually demanding course will provide you with the essential skills you need to follow professional careers in these areas or to pursue further research.

Aimed at students with a prior knowledge of economics, this course will give you a thorough grounding in theoretical and applied finance and economics. You'll join one of the largest economics departments in the country and be taught by highly qualified staff.

Physics is the study of the fundamental forces of the Universe, understanding the nature of waves and particles, and the structure of matter.

You will gain a thorough grounding in physics, scientific principles and methods. You'll investigate subjects like nanosystems, semiconductors, fusion plasmas, biophysics, and quantum computing.

You'll learn to analyse real-life problems, write scientific reports, communicate complex concepts, and design and perform experiments.

Work with world-renowned physicists with access to unique facilities like our Astrocampus and the York Plasma Institute. On graduation, you’ll possess key career skills demanded by employers across a huge range of sectors.

You'll develop knowledge, critical analysis and skills in environmental science, and learn about its application to the management of natural resources. You will be prepared for a wide range of careers in environmental consultancy and business, in government and non-governmental organisations and in environmental research.

You'll take part in problem solving especially in issues that are at the forefront of our research. You will also examine case-studies that allow you to analyse and tackle the complex problems that characterise environmental management.

The course is also suitable for highly motivated individuals who are seeking to convert to an environmental career through developing specialist skills in environmental science and management.

We have a number of partnerships with major environmental organisations that will be of benefit to our students through lectures, workshops and research and internship opportunities.

Chemistry is often referred to as the 'central science' as it covers topics as diverse as quantum mechanics and the study of atomic particles, to the molecular nature of biological systems and the Human genome project.

Environmental change raises important concerns over the future well-being of our planet. Although it is apparent that some changes result at least in part from human activities, it is equally clear that natural variations also play a major role.

This course will give you the opportunity to learn about the chemical basis of the environment and to understand our impact upon it.

Course Highlights

• Chemical evolution of the Earth
• Chemical oceanography
• Meteorology and climate change
• Archaeological environments in the geological past
• Atmospheric modelling and measuring techniques
• Impact of air pollution on climate and human health

The Master in Social Work (Hons) is a professional qualification which entitles you to apply to register as a social worker: a challenging and rewarding career.

This four-year course, which includes two years of postgraduate study, provides an advanced alternative to standard three-year BA Social Work degrees. You'll gain a Masters-level qualification which is highly valued by employers. You'll have opportunities to gain experience on placements in three diverse social work settings and receive a broader grounding in the social sciences.

Through a carefully tailored programme of coursework and practical learning, you'll gain the knowledge and skills required as a professional social worker. You will develop abilities that enable you to join a rapidly changing and fast-paced profession. The integration of practice, theory and research means you will be a competent and critically reflective social worker, able to make informed judgements based on sound analysis, often in unpredictable circumstances.

You will develop professional skills and knowledge to improve the lives of vulnerable people. Service users and carers contribute directly to our teaching, giving you an unparalleled insight into the complexities of social work. You'll gain the ability to face complex and difficult human situations with confidence, creativity, compassion and integrity. You'll learn to work alongside people and to incorporate principles of social justice into your everyday practice.

Join a thriving department, internationally recognised for its teaching and research excellence and gain a solid foundation from which to begin your professional journey.

On this course, you'll learn how people are shaped by their nationality, gender and ethnicity and explore the global effects of culture transformation.

You'll look into how social media impacts society on a global scale, and what this means for people's lives and identities.

You'll also develop advanced research skills to help you design studies, interpret findings and critically evaluate data.

Combine the study of French and Italian with investigations into the nature of language itself. Spend a year abroad studying, working or teaching in Italian and French-speaking countries, consolidating your language skills.

You'll be taught in French and Italian, so you'll become confident using your languages as a means of communication, and for critical thinking. You'll gain an understanding of French and Italian culture and societies which will underpin your abilities as a high-level communicator in both languages.

Your communication skills will be complemented by investigations into the science and structure of language through a range of linguistics modules. The course has flexibility in terms of how much French, Italian and linguistics content you study over the four years. By the end of your studies, you will be equipped for a range of professional roles that call for expertise in language, linguistics and culture.

Accounting is the language of business. It gives managers, investors and governments the information they need to make financially-sound decisions.

In the increasingly complex modern business environment, there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can work flexibly in teams across business boundaries. You’ll need strategic focus and the ability to influence decision making and apply judgement responsibly.

This course places accounting and finance skills in a broader business context. You’ll gain the technical skills and problem solving abilities you might expect from an accounting and finance programme, but will have also have the opportunity to develop strong communication skills, a broad commercial awareness and a critical approach to business problems. An industry placement lets you put theory into practice and will give you valuable experience working in an accounting or finance role.

Accredited by a number of professional bodies, this academically challenging and vocationally relevant degree is an ideal stepping stone into careers in accountancy and management.