Politics and International Relations and Social Policy

About this programme

Graduate outcomes: Strathclyde ranked joint 1st in Scotland HESA Graduate Outcomes results 2026 Ranked: 3rd in Scotland for Social Policy (Complete University Guide 2027), 4th in the UK for Politics (The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026). Study abroad: exchange partnerships in Europe, North America, Australia & Hong Kong As a politics student, you'll look at the work of governments and their policies and study the behaviour of those who govern - and who they are governing - both at home and abroad. You'll also gain knowledge of domestic and international institutions and issues relating to conflict and cooperation. Politics graduates can go on to work in a number of areas, with many pursuing academic research careers in the UK, Europe and North America. Social Policy examines the ways in which societies distribute resources and develop services to meet individual and social needs. Key social policy issues examined include poverty; economic, race, age and gender inequality; social justice health; education; criminal justice and housing. It utilises a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to improve our understanding of how societies organise their resources to meet individual and social needs and how they measure progress in these areas. This programme gives you the opportunity to learn more about the social and economic challenges facing Scottish society and place these in a broader international perspective. It draws on disciplines such as history, sociology, anthropology, economics, law, psychology, social anthropology and politics.