Program Overview

BA (Hons) Social Sciences

Overview

Gain a comprehensive understanding of society, culture, and human interaction, and develop relevant skills for employment, including critical and analytical thinking.

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

September

UCAS code:

LC38

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

This course provides knowledge and understanding about the social world, encouraging the development of wider skills relevant to employment.

• You'll have the opportunity to learn about social scientific research on a range of subjects, including Scottish cultural identity, environmental politics, social inequalities, the sociology of organisations, and social change.
• You'll also learn about doing research and carry out your own research projects.
• The most important skill you'll acquire on this course is the ability to think critically and analytically.
• You'll learn to assimilate and interpret vastly differing viewpoints and information, developing them in the context of social theories and practices.
• Your communication and collaborative skills will be enhanced, as will your knowledge of social research methods.

How you'll be taught

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Laboratory sessions
• Independent study

Assessments

• Mixture of coursework, exams, and practical

Work placement

• Options to do work-based learning
• A colleague within the department works on employability

Study abroad

• Erasmus connection in Lithuania: Students have found this really interesting and they study in English at this university.
• International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP): We have connections with universities in Australia, Florida, and San Diego.

Popular modules

Year 1

• Understanding Social Science Research
• Contemporary British History
• Introduction to Sociology
• Social Psychology
• Introduction to Criminology
• Understanding Social Change

Year 2

• Politics in British Society
• Quantitative Research
• Society, Space & Place
• Sociological Theory
• Plus option modules

Year 3

• History of Crime, Correction & Reform
• Sexuality & Gender
• Researching the Social Sciences
• Race & Decolonial Social Theory
• Social & Cultural Lanscapes
• Plus option modules

Year 4

• Sociology of Media & Culture
• Science, Technology & Society
• Social Identities
• Preparing for the Honours Project
• The Honours Project
• Plus option modules

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Entry requirements

Year 1

• SQA Higher: Standard Entry Requirement: BBBC including English or literary subject; Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBCC including English or literary subject
• A Level: CCC including English or literary subject
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Grades H2, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level to include a Literary subject
• BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Award of Diploma with 27 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including English at minimum grade 5
• HNC: Pass in Social Sciences/Social Services with grade B in the graded unit
• T Level: Grade M; T Level must be completed in a Literary subject or A Level Literary subject may be required

Year 2

• SQA Advanced Higher: BBC to include a Literary subject
• A Level: BBB to include a Literary subject
• HNC: Pass in Social Sciences with grade A in the graded unit

Year 3

• HND: Pass in Social Sciences with Grades AB at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units

English language

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
• Overseas and EU: £16,680

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.

Careers

What can you do with a degree in Social Sciences?

By studying for a BA in Social Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University, you will gain strong critical and analytical thinking skills that will equip you for a wide range of careers across criminology, psychology, politics, teaching, marketing/journalism, governmental and non-governmental organisations, business, and more!

Career examples

• Civil Servant: A civil servant is a public sector employee who works for government departments or agencies, helping to implement policies and deliver public services.
• Community Development Worker: Community development workers help individuals, families or communities to bring about social change and improve the quality of life in their local area.
• Journalist: Journalists gather, verify, and report news and information to the public through different media sources.

There are many different careers graduates can pursue with this degree, and some careers may require further study, training, and/or work experience.