Social and Political Sciences
Let's address global injustice together. 📱
Welcome to the School for Business and Society.
Studying social and political science at York, we combine Sociology, Social Policy and Politics as a single flexible degree, with the added option of Philosophy, giving you the opportunity to learn from world-leading academics across multiple departments.
High ranking
We're ranked 11th in the UK for Sociology, 13th in the UK for Social Policy, 18th in the UK for Politics - according to the Complete University Guide 2025.
Leading research
The Departments of Sociology and Politics were ranked top 10 in the UK for their research. Sociology, in particular, were ranked 1st in research impact according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).
Worldwide reputation
We're ranked 39th in the world for Social Policy and Administration according to the QS World Rankings, by subject 2024
Find another course
Free online courses
You can take our free online courses on a range of topics, including your next steps to university.
Explore what higher education is all about and learn tips for making the most of your university life and study.
Hear from our students
-
Three things to look forward to studying Social and Political Sciences at York
Posted by Teddy Hi! I’m Teddy. I’m going into my third year of studying BA Social and Political Sciences (SPS) at the University of York. Here are…
-
Studying Social and Political Sciences as a mature student
Posted by Tugba Hi! I’m Tugba. I am a final year mature student studying BA Social and Political Sciences. I am going to share my experiences as…
-
My experience as a Social and Political Sciences student
Posted by Christa Hi, my name’s Christa, and I study Social and Political Sciences (SPS) here at York. SPS covers learning across three core departments at the…
-
Reflections on placement life at York: five months in
Posted by Iona Hi everyone! I’m Iona, and I study Social and Political Sciences with Philosophy at York. I’m now on my placement year at GSK. I’ve…
You've completed: 30%