Program Overview

Introduction to the BA (Hons) Social Sciences Program

The University of Essex offers a comprehensive BA (Hons) Social Sciences program, designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the social sciences, including sociology, politics, and economics. This program is ideal for students who want to explore the complexities of human societies and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Social Sciences program is a four-year course that includes a foundation year, followed by three years of study in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. The program is designed to improve students' skills and support their academic performance, making it an excellent choice for students who may not have the traditional qualifications for a three-year degree course.

Course Structure

The program consists of several components, including:

• Exploring the World through Data (30 credits)
• Research and Academic Skills for University (30 credits)
• Understanding People and Society (30 credits)
• Knowing your World from Language to Politics (30 credits)
• The Sociological Imagination (30 credits)
• Introduction to Economics (30 credits)
• Introduction to Politics (30 credits)
• Unlocking Your Academic Potential (15 credits)
• Optional modules in sociology, economics, and politics

Teaching and Assessment

The program features a combination of lectures, classes, and lab sessions, with a focus on discussion and problem-solving. Assessment is based on a combination of written coursework and end-of-year examinations, with a weighting of 50% coursework and 50% examinations. Students also have the opportunity to complete a supervised dissertation on a topic of their choice.

Fees and Funding

The program fees are as follows:

• Home/UK fee: ｣5,760 per year
• International fee: ｣21,500 per year
• Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee
• Study abroad: 15% of the standard tuition fee for a full year abroad, or the standard tuition fee for a single term abroad

Entry Requirements

The program has the following entry requirements:

• UK and EU applicants: 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent
• International applicants: country-specific requirements, with a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 overall
• English language requirements: IELTS 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Social Sciences program can pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Local and central government
• NGOs
• Social work
• Market research
• Project management
• Fundraising
• Auditing
• Marketing
• Case-work
• Youth and community work
• Voluntary sector management
• Lobbying

Research Areas

The program covers a range of research areas, including:

• Public policy
• Citizenship
• Multiculturalism
• Human rights
• The nature of work and commercial culture
• Political power
• Obligations
• Freedom
• Rights
• Equality
• Applied economics and policy
• Micro and macroeconomics
• International financial institutions and policy
• Strategies of economic development

Departmental Expertise

The Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Essex is ranked 73rd globally and top 15 in the UK for sociology, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. The Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, ranked 2nd in the UK for research outputs in politics and international studies. The Department of Economics is top 25 in the UK for economics and econometrics, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.