Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Sociology and Global Sustainable Development BASc (UCAS L3L8)

Students studying Global Sustainable Development at the University of Warwick

Explore our Sociology and Global Sustainable Development degree at Warwick

Apply your passion for Sociology to answering the pressing questions of our time by studying it in combination with Global Sustainable Development (GSD). On this course, you will combine sociological concepts, including race, identity, ethnicity, and gender, and apply these to global issues such as wealth inequality, elite power, and food security. Our transdisciplinary approach also gives you the freedom to research the topics that most interest you.


General entry requirements

A level typical offer

AAB.

A level additional information

You will also need grade 6/B in GCSE Mathematics and grade 6/B in GCSE English Language.

A level contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB. See if you're eligible.

IB typical offer

34

IB additional information

You will also need grade 6/B in GCSE Mathematics and English Language or IB grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics and/or English Language or grade 6 in Standard Level Mathematics and/or English Language.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 32. See if you're eligible.

BTEC

We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside one or two A levels.

Scotland Advanced Highers

AA in 2 Advanced Highers and ABB or BBB in three additional Highers subjects OR AB in 2 Advanced Highers and AAB in three additional Highers subjects.

Welsh Baccalaureate

ABB in three A levels plus grade C in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas

We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.

Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.

Additional information

You will also need grade B/6 in GCSE English Language and Mathematics or equivalent.


International qualifications


English Language requirements

All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.

This course requires: Band C

Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.


Frequently asked questions

Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.

Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.

All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).

Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.

We welcome applications for deferred entry.

We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.

Course overview

Sociology – the study of humans in society – is at the heart of the roadmap towards a sustainable future. Each of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals has a sociological aspect, and understanding the social implications of world trade, economic growth, and climate change has never been more critical.

Since the birth of the neoliberal era, major global transformations have redefined societies across the world. Sociologists are now focusing on why the current organisation of society might itself be unsustainable, researching innovative solutions to develop social-environmental relationships that are less environmentally harmful.

On this course, you will combine sociological concepts, including race, identity, ethnicity, and gender, and apply these to global issues such as wealth inequality, elite power, and food security.

    By studying GSD, you will take a transdisciplinary approach and confront issues from a diverse array of perspectives. You will need to be ready to think creatively and embrace new opinions from your peers from across the world. We will challenge you to become an active participant in your own learning.

    You can enhance your skills and studies through optional work placements, study abroad, and certificates.

    IEMA logo

    Our Global Sustainable Development courses are fully accredited with the Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment.

    This means that upon graduation from the courses, our students receive a professionally recognised level of knowledge, skills and tools for working in sustainability practice.


    Study abroad

    Although it is not compulsory, we encourage you to study abroad during your degree.

    Option 1: Part of your second year abroad

    Spend part of your second year either at Monash University (home to the Monash Sustainable Development Institute) or Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). You will learn to appreciate the different concerns and priorities for sustainable development, including different approaches to tackling global issues.

    Your academic achievements abroad will count towards your degree awarded by Warwick.

    Find out more about studying abroad for part of your second year.

    Option 2: Year abroad

    You may choose to apply for an intercalated year spent either studying abroad or on a work placement (subject to you meeting departmental academic requirements). This will mean extending your course to four years.

    Warwick has partnerships with universities across the world. You will spend your first and second years at Warwick, studying abroad in your third year before returning for final year.

    Your year abroad will not count towards your overall final mark, giving you the freedom to choose modules outside of your comfort zone.

    Learn more about spending a year abroad.Link opens in a new window

    Core modules

    Teaching on this course is equally split between the GSD Department and the Sociology Department.

    In the first year, you will study core GSD modules designed to provide a critical understanding of the 'three pillars of sustainable development':

    • Economic Principles of Global Sustainable Development
    • Environmental Principles of Global Sustainable Development
    • Social Principles of Global Sustainable Development

    You will also study the core Global Sustainable Development Project module, giving you the chance to see how the principles of GSD apply to a real case affecting a local community. For the Sociology half of the workload, you will take four introductory core modules:

    • History of Sociological Thought
    • Class and Capitalism in the Neo-Liberal World
    • Introduction to Social Analytics in Social Inequalities Research
    • Researching Society and Culture

    In the second year, in GSD you will have the opportunity to engage with a key issue in sustainability, studying one optional core module from the following:

    • Health and Sustainable Development
    • Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food System
    • Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for All

    You will also choose optional modules with a GSD focus from within GSD or from other departments across the University. For the Sociology half of the workload, you will have one core module, Designing and Conducting Social Research, and a choice between:

    • Modern Social Theory
    • Practice and Interpretation of Quantitative Research

    You will also choose second-year optional modules offered by the Sociology Department.

    You may choose to study abroad for part of your second year at Monash University. In Term One at Warwick, you will study an optional core GSD module, an optional module with a GSD focus, a core Sociology module, and an optional module offered by the Sociology Department. The remaining study will consist of pre-approved modules at Monash University.

    In the final year, you will take the core GSD Dissertation module. You will also study optional modules with a GSD focus from within or outside of the School for Cross-faculty Studies. For the Sociology half of the workload, you will choose from final-year optional modules offered by the Sociology Department.


    Year One

    GSD

    Economic Principles of Global Sustainable Development

    Why and how can economics address issues of global sustainable development? In this module, you will learn about the relationship between economic activity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, and critically analyse the economic theories that underpin sustainable development policy interventions and how those theories impact upon policy design.

    Read more about the Economic Principles of Global Sustainable Development moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Environmental Principles of Global Sustainable Development

    This module focuses on the natural science of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. We will cover well-known topics like climate change and biodiversity loss and less prominent problems like biochemical flows. You will evaluate existing governance and management efforts and develop innovative responses of your own. You will learn how to write a policy briefing and create a policy briefing paper and policy pitch, aimed at a specific decision-making audience.

    Read more about the Environmental Principles of Global Sustainable Development moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Social Principles of Global Sustainable Development

    This module examines concepts that enable you to analyse and interpret social and political issues related to global sustainable development. You will learn to understand and evaluate pressing social and political dimensions of sustainability at national and international levels.

    Read more about the Social Principles of Global Sustainable Development moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Global Sustainable Development Project

    This is an exciting, innovative, and practical module. It is designed to give you research and analysis skills and to enable you to apply the theories from your other first-year core modules. You will learn how to research sustainability by designing and developing a group project on the topic of sustainable transport, under the guidance of an academic supervisor. Staff from across the GSD Department with expertise in transport policy as well as research methods teach this module.

    Read more about the Global Sustainable Development Project moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Sociology

    History of Sociological Thought

    What holds societies together? How do societies change? And how is politics in the conventional sense affected by factors such as class, status, ethnicity or religion, or the state of the economy? These are some of the questions with which you will engage with when you consider the history of sociological thought. You will gain skills of research, analysis and debate by considering the extent to which sociology may be considered a science and how the evolution of sociological thought has been shaped by events and the cultural, economic and political problems of the day.

    Read more about the History of Sociological Thought moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Class and Capitalism in the Neoliberal World

    Protest and anger characterise the contemporary era – young people taking part in militant politics, protest parties gaining more votes, and even NHS doctors taking to the streets.

    In this module, we will explore the social consequences of the economic and political transformations associated with neoliberalism that have taken place in recent decades. We will ask why these changes might be responsible for the global rise in urban unrest and dissatisfaction.

    Topics will include growing inequality and elite power, militant policing, consumerism, anxiety, debt, the destruction of industrial communities, class identity, the marketisation of education, and the diminishing spaces of public life.

    Read more about the Class and Capitalism in the Neoliberal World moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Introduction to Social Analytics in Social Inequalities Research

    In the age of ever-increasing data availability which is paired with a growing sophistication of statistical techniques, the opportunities for social science research are vast. This module will give you an understanding of the basic elements of core descriptive statistics which will allow you not only to critically engage with quantitative findings in existing social science research, but also conduct quantitative analysis yourself. The module covers the topics of conceptualisation, operationalisation and measurement, as well as the principles of sampling and the basics of research design. You will be introduced to the process of social science research and quantitative methods in one hour lectures, and then explore these in extended seminars (2h) both through readings, and the statistical software SPSS. We will be working on real data sets, such as the European Social Survey.

    Read more about the Introduction to Social Analytics in Social Inequalities Research moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Researching Society and Culture

    What is society and how do you study it? Is human behaviour governed by rules similar to the natural world that you can study objectively? Or do human beings consciously act upon their environment and change the world through creativity and intelligence, driven by their own understanding and motivations? These are some of the questions that this module will explore.

    You will be introduced to the core ideas behind sociological research and the practical tools to undertake research yourself. As well as looking at some of the key qualitative methods (for example, interviews, ethnography and discourse analysis), you will also examine the political, ethical and practical issues that social research inevitably entails.

    Read more about the Researching Society and Culture moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Year Two

    GSD

    Health and Sustainable Development

    Viable and equitable solutions in health and sustainable development require interdisciplinary and critical thinking. The first part of the module will introduce you to fundamental concepts of global health governance and health systems, and acquaint you with key global health priorities like drug resistance and mental health from the perspective of global sustainable development. The second part of the module will focus on issues that relate to policies and behavioural change, and are also applicable beyond health, for example in areas like education or technology transfer.

    Read more about the Health and Sustainable Development moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    or

    Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food System

    Goal 2 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to end hunger, end all forms of malnutrition, and ensure sustainable food production systems. However, the world population will likely increase to nearly 10 billion people by 2050. After decades of positive change, the incidence of malnourishment is again on the rise, global stocks of key food are contracting and it is currently more expensive to buy food than for most of our planet’s modern history.

    This module addresses these significant challenges by encouraging students to adopt a 'food systems approach' in responding to the imperative agendas of food security, sovereignty and sustainability. The module is taught in collaboration with researchers from across various disciplines at Warwick, especially those involved in the University's Global Research Priority on Food.

    Read more about the Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food System moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    or

    Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for All

    This module focuses on how inequalities shape our societies, economies, environments and politics. Starting with the question ‘Does inequality matter?’, you will critically reflect on the United Nations' decision to integrate inequalities into the Sustainable Development Agenda. You will then explore six different dimensions of inequalities (work, politics, environmental justice, societal discrimination, automation and globalisation, empowerment) and gain an understanding of the complexities of these problems. Finally, you will appreciate the challenges faced by today’s policy makers who aim to address issues of inequalities while taking into consideration all three pillars of sustainable development.

    Read more about the Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for All moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Sociology

    Designing and Conducting Social Research

    This module will teach you the core concepts and practical skills to undertake qualitative social research in academic and professional settings. These include research design, ethnography, in-depth interviewing, documents and discourse. As well as practical skills, you will investigate how social research has changed in recent decades, considering:

    • ethical questions when researching life online
    • how (and whether) you should study Twitter
    • effects of social media on social interactions
    • how to engage diverse audiences

    You will also gain analytical skills to critically evaluate previous research and develop your ability to collect and analyse data using a range of qualitative methods.

    Read more about the Designing and Conducting Social Research moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Modern Social Theory

    This module will introduce you to the main thinkers and movements in critical social theory. Topics include Marxism, post-structuralism, class and culture. The changing conceptualisation of power and class is a focus throughout the module. This helps you to see how the different theoretical approaches relate to each other, and to historical and political events.

    Read more about the Modern Social Theory moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    or

    Practice and Interpretation of Quantitative Research

    Quantitative methods can help you answer questions such as:

    • Is income inequality in the UK growing?
    • Does marriage improve health?
    • Does growing up in a poor neighbourhood affect your life chances?

    Analysing representative, large-scale social surveys is crucial for sociologists to understand social processes. This module will introduce you to quantitative methods and how to analyse large data sets using SPSS Statistics software. It will help you engage with published quantitative sociological research and to undertake your own basic quantitative data analysis.

    Read more about the Practice and Interpretation of Quantitative Research moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).

    Final Year

    GSD

    GSD Dissertation/Long Project

    In this module you will bring together all of your learning and experiences on the course – the theoretical concepts and principles and your practical know-how – in order to address a specific sustainable development problem of your own choosing. This will be a problem that concerns you most and which you would like to tackle.

    You will be supported by an academic supervisor to devise a suitable project and to undertake research to explore the issue, taking a transdisciplinary approach to your investigation in order to produce an original research output. This may be a concept paper, a practical project, a film production, a long essay, an advocacy campaign...use your creativity!

    You will design a strategy for disseminating your findings (for example at a conference presentation, via online publication or an article in a journal, or at a public meeting that you have arranged). This provides you with an opportunity to have your voice heard in a forum where it matters and could have lasting impact.

    Read more about the GSD Dissertation/Long Project moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).


    Optional modules

    Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules include:

    GSD modules

    • Managing Natural Resources
    • The Energy Trilemma
    • Human Rights and Social Justice in Latin America and the Caribbean
    • Realising Sustainable Development
    • Surviving the Apocalypse
    • Challenges of Climate Change

    Read more about our optional modules.Link opens in a new window

    Sociology modules

    • Becoming Yourself: The Construction of the Self in Contemporary Western Societies
    • Commercial Cultures in Global Capitalism
    • Racism and Xenophobia
    • Punishment, Justice and Control
    • Sociology of End Times

    Co-curricular Certificates

    We offer a range of unique certificates outside of the curriculum as a way of continuing your professional development.

    In the first year, you can complete certificates in Carbon Literacy, Data Literacy and Professional Communication.

    Explore our range of certificates

    Assessment

    Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

    GSD modules

    In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

    In the second year, optional core modules and optional modules in the GSD Department do not have traditional examinations. Depending on your module choices, assessment methods may include case studies, research papers, essays, logbooks, projects, presentations, quizzes, and critical policy reviews.

    The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

    See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

    Sociology modules

    Most modules are assessed entirely by coursework (essays, reports, presentations). In the first year, all of the core modules are currently 100% assessed by coursework. In the second year, there are currently no formal examinations for the core or optional core modules. In the final year, the assessment methods depend on your choice of optional modules offered by the Sociology Department.

    Modules from across the University

    Assessment methods will vary according to the optional modules that you choose from across the University. The overall percentage of the course that is assessed by coursework depends upon the external options taken.

    We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

    Teaching

    In the GSD Department you will be taught by a range of academics from different disciplines. They will communicate their expertise on a specific issue and describe their methodology for addressing it. We expect you to bring together these various approaches and to develop your own informed stance on each issue.

    Throughout the course you will:

    • Attend lectures and take part in seminars, workshops and tutorials.
    • Work with other students in teams on topical problems that pose significant sustainable development questions.
    • Undertake fieldwork, archival research and engage in peer discussion to propose alternative solutions.
    • Review the work of other students.

    Discover how you will learn in GSD modules

    In the Sociology Department, most modules are taught using a combination of weekly lectures and seminars.


    Class sizes

    Seminar groups in GSD comprise of around 20 students.


    Typical contact hours

    First-year core GSD modules have between 20 and 25 hours of contact time. Each module consists of lectures, workshops and, for the 'Global Sustainable Development Project' module, group supervision sessions. Second-year optional core GSD modules have up to 45 and 50 contact hours. The final-year core GSD dissertation module currently involves eight lectures and eight supervision sessions across three terms.

    Optional modules in the GSD Department are available with between 25 and 50 hours for scheduled contact time, depending on the module. Some modules have lectures, workshops, film screenings and research supervision, whereas others only have lectures and workshops. Some modules may also include field trips.

    Module offerings in other departments may involve more or less formal teaching time per week than the GSD modules.

    Tuition fees

    Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.

    Undergraduate fees

    If you are a home student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be £9,250. In the future, these fees might change for new and continuing students.


    How are fees set?

    The British Government sets tuition fee rates.

    Learn more about fees from UCASLink opens in a new window.

    Undergraduate fees

    If you are an overseas or EU student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:

    • Band 1 – £24,800 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
    • Band 2 – £31,620 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)

    Fees for 2025 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2025 fee rates before you apply.


    Fee status guidance

    We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

    Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

    If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

    Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window


    Additional course costs

    As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

    For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

    Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2023/24 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

    • Core text books
    • Printer credits
    • Dissertation binding
    • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

    Further information

    Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.


    Scholarships and bursaries

    Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.

    We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.

    Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window

    If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.

    Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window


    You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.


    Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2023

    We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.

    Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2023.Link opens in a new window

    We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £3,000 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.

    Find out more about your eligibility for the Warwick Undergraduate Bursary.Link opens in a new window

    As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.

    Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarships for asylum seekers.Link opens in a new window

    Further information

    Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.

    Eligibility for student loans

    Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.

    Check if you're eligible for student finance.

    Tuition Fee Loan

    You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.

    Maintenance Loan for living costs

    You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.

    Find out more about government student loans for home students residing in England.Link opens in a new window

    If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.

    Tuition Fee Loan

    If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.

    Help with living costs

    For the 2023 academic year, you may be eligible for help with your living costs if both of the following apply:

    • You have lived in the UK for more than 3 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course

    And

    If you are coming to the UK from 1st January 2021, you may need to apply for a visaLink opens in a new window to study here.

    Please note: Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

    Find out more about government student loans for EU studentsLink opens in a new window

    Repaying your loans

    You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount (for students starting their course after 1 August 2023 the repayment threshold is £25,000). Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.

    Find out more about repaying your student loan.Link opens in a new window

    Placements and work experience

    We encourage you to undertake a work placement as part of your degree.

    You will have the opportunity to take part in short and long work placements. These support you in developing your employability skills and prepare you for future employment.

    • Apply theory to practice
    • Explore a future career path
    • Learn about the professional environment
    • Learn from industry professionals

    We will also support you in sourcing your own work placements outside of the options below.

    Year-long work placement

    You can complete a four-year degree and your work placement will take place in your third year. The work placement can take place inside or outside the UK.

    Short work placement

    As part of the Certificate of Professional Communication, you will undertake a four-week work placement during the summer.


    Your career

    As a GSD graduate, you have a wide range of career pathways available to you. This is demonstrated by the variety of work placements that our students have completed.

    GSD students have secured work placements with employers from the private, public, and third sectors. These include:

    • Research institutions
    • Governmental bodies
    • Non-governmental organisations
    • Intelligence agencies
    • Housing
    • Environmental consultancies

    They have undertaken diverse roles such as:

    • Marketing Assistant
    • Sustainability Officer
    • Intelligence Analyst
    • Researchers

    Transferable skills

    You will learn valuable transferable skills that will help you with your employment prospects, including:

    • Analysing and problem solving: Through your study of economic principles and models, you will learn how to extract the essential features of complex systems, providing useable frameworks for evaluation
    • Critical thinking: You will assess arguments, make judgements, formulate reasoned debates and generate feasible solutions
    • Communication: You will develop advanced communication skills that enable you to communicate with a variety of audiences and in different settings
    • Research: You will undertake an integrated programme of research skills training, teaching you how to source, evaluate and use different forms of information and data
    • Organisation: Through a rigorous assessment schedule and a compulsory dissertation module in your final year, you will learn the essentials of time management, prioritisation and how to be well organised
    • Collaboration: You will have plenty of opportunities to work with others and nurture your emotional intelligence, developing a professional attitude

    Helping you find the right career

    We have a dedicated Employability and Placement Manager who will provide you with one-to-one careers guidance. They work in collaboration with employers, so you will be supported in securing appropriate work placements. You will have access to specialist pre-placement advice, guidance and preparation, as well as on-going support during your placement.

    You will also have access to the University’s Student Opportunity resources (including careers counselling, employment advice, and job fairs).

    Find out more about careers support at Warwick.

    Life at Warwick

    Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.

    Keep exploring life at Warwick

    Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

    Warwick Accommodation

    Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.

    We have 12 self-catering undergraduate halls of residence on campus.

    Our student property management and lettings agency manages more than 8,000 rooms both on and off campus, and provides advice to all full-time undergraduates.

    Explore Warwick Accommodation

    Our campus

    You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.

    Explore our campus

    Food and drink

    We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.

    And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.

    Explore food and shops

    Explore Students' Union venues

    Clubs and societies

    We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.

    So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.

    Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.

    Explore our societies

    Sports and fitness

    Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.

    Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.

    Explore sports at Warwick

    Studying on campus

    Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.

    You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.

    • The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
    • The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
    • Three Learning Grids offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.

    Studying at Warwick

    Travel and local area

    Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.

    The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).

    Travelling from campus

    Wellbeing support and faith provision

    Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.

    Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.

    Student support

    Chaplaincy

    How to apply

    Learn more about our application process.

    Key dates

    Key dates for your application to Warwick.

    Writing your personal statement

    Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.

    After you've applied

    Find out how we process your application.

    3 ways to connect

    Talk to us

    Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.

    See event calendar Link opens in a new window


    Warwick Experience

    Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.

    Book a tour Link opens in a new window


    Student blogs

    Explore our student blogs on Unibuddy. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.

    Ask a student Link opens in a new window

    Explore campus with our virtual tour

    Our 360 tour lets you:

    • Watch student videos
    • View 360 photography and drone footage
    • Learn about facilities and landmarks

    Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour now

    Come to an Open Day

    Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.

    Open Days at Warwick

    Sign up for updates

    Discover more about our courses and campus life with our helpful information and timely reminders.