Degree type: BA (Hons)
UCAS Code: L300 BA/SocSc
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
This course offers a broad range of social science subjects which you will be introduced to in the initial years of your studies. Building on these introductory years you have the choice of specialist option modules from six subject areas in social sciences. These are:
As well as this choice you are required to complete a set of core modules considered necessary for a full appreciation of the key issues that the social sciences address.
This core element provides you with a range of academic skills that are associated with the different disciplinary approaches within the social sciences. The hallmark of this course is therefore breadth of study, although there is scope to specialise in one of the subjects.
You will study eight modules per year. At year 1 you will have core common modules from across the spectrum of social science subject pathways. This will enable you to experience choice in the complete range of pathway opportunities whilst providing a sound foundation at the introductory year of your degree.
At year 2, 3 and 4 you will study core modules in social sciences and option modules in particular subject areas of your choice. These will be selected by you from the suite of option modules available to the degree, but will be made in conjunction with support from your year tutor.
You can achieve a broad coverage of topics by selecting modules combining the whole range of subject areas offered. This leads to the award of BA Social Science or BA (Hons) Social Science. Alternatively, you can choose to major in a particular subject leading to the award of BA (Hons) Social Science with (Subject).
You will develop your critical reasoning skills, your ability to collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data, and your proficiency to communicate and debate with others. These are all skills that are relevant to your own personal development and employability.
How you learn
The course uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, practical classes, seminars and tutorials, as well as electronic supporting materials.
An important aspect of your learning is the development of graduate attributes such as having confidence in your thinking and to be able to work in teams with others. These are fostered through active learning techniques and you will be in typically be in class for approximately 12-15 hours per week and will work independently for approximately 20-25 hours per week.
How you are assessed
Assessments include essays, presentations, self-evaluation exercises, practical reports, multiple choice examinations and written examinations. Modules vary from 100% coursework to 50% coursework and 50% examination.
Higher BBC; A Level CC; ILC (H) BBC; UCAS Tariff 168 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: English or a literate subject (e.g. History).
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language. The University's minimum requirements are IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.0), TOEFL CBT 223, TOEFL 563, TOEFL IBT 85 or a suitable equivalent qualification.
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Career
The course is designed to prepare graduates for people-orientated careers – jobs that require an understanding of how people think and act and have high levels of interaction with others.
Graduates from our course have successfully entered fields such as social work, community education, care services, and public relations work. Some have also continued their studies to gain careers such as teaching and lecturing and the police service.
