Dive deep into the social sciences to understand and analyse the key issues affecting society. Explore business management, criminology, psychology, sociology and sport, and learn how to apply the latest theories to a wide range of real world situations.
Please note: Entry to this course is available to years 2, 3 or 4 only.
Abertay’s fascinating Social Science degree provides you with the opportunity to study human behaviour and actions, offering you a broader scope than many conventional social science programmes.
This cross-disciplinary degree aims to develop your ability to think in different ways and acquire valuable intellectual skills, preparing you for working in an ever-changing, knowledge-based economy.
The Social Science BA (Hons) curriculum is built around a core module set, with a wide variety of options and modules available for you to build a programme that reflects your interests and preferences.
You can also organise your degree studies around a subject pathway preference from any of those on offer. This way, you can specialise in a particular subject stream, and will have this as a named component of your final degree award.
Please note: September entry to this course is available to years 2, 3 or 4 only with the appropriate qualifications.
Please visit our Entry from College pages for suitable College courses.
| Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects |
| Advanced Higher | ABB | To include Sociology, Politics, Modern Studies, History or Psychology |
| A-Level | ABB | To include Sociology, Politics, History or Psychology |
| HNC/HND | Our Entry from College pages list approved HNC/HND courses |
| Qualification | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects |
| HND | Our Entry from College pages list approved HND courses |
| Qualification | Grade Requirement | Essential Subjects |
| Ordinary Degree in Learning Disabilities/Difficulties from Fife College | Learning Disabilities/Difficulties at Fife College |
If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.
We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.
If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have either ...
... we encourage you to submit an application.
Social science allows you to study human behaviour and society from a variety of angles. This variety provides you with a broad perspective on the world and a diverse range of skills - ideal for today's constantly-evolving job market. Ready to jump in?
Please provide certified proof of your English language level. Our accredited International English Foundation Course can help. To further enhance your academic English, Intensive English for Academic Purposes can help you achieve your potential.
Discover whether you're eligible for entry and learn more about the country-specific qualifications you need to study at Abertay.
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Discover the range of English language courses on offer at Abertay University.
Learn more about visa requirements for studying at Abertay University.
The module information shown here describes the modules our students are taking this year. The modules do change over time to keep our programmes up-to-date and relevant. This means the exact modules you take could be different. If you receive an offer to study with us, you will receive a Programme Information document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme.
Please note: As well as Key Modules outlined below, you may also be required to choose Elective Modules.
Introduction to the work of three key social theorists of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Karl Marx, Max Weber and Émile Durkheim. Their work is used to critically illustrate the nature of capitalist modernity and the foundations of contemporary sociological theory and practice. Module content: Karl Marx; Max Weber; Émile Durkheim.
Media discourses of criminal activity and the state. Module Content: Crimes of the Powerful; Media, Crime and Power; Investigative Journalism, Corruption and the Political Process; State Corporate Corruption; The Nation State and Violence; Terrorism and Counter Terrorism in the Global War on Terror; Crimes Against Humanity; Transnational Organised Crime; The Geopolitical War on Drugs; Discourses from Below – Urban Legends, Conspiracy theories and other Stigmatized Knowledge.
The arguments of leading schools of social theory. Develop your analytical capacities by discussing and further elaborating some of the main developments in social thought over the past half century. Module content: Norbert Elias and the Civilizing Process; The Frankfurt School and Critical Theory; Relational Sociology of Pierre Bourdieu; Foucault; Postmodernism.
The importance of empirical research to the social sciences. Learn the skills and capabilities to identify and use appropriate data collection tools, apply analysis techniques to data generated and reflect upon their meaning, relevance and ethical implications. Module content: Principles of quantitative research; Qualitative data collection skills; Approaches to qualitative data analysis; Research ethics and ethical issues.
Conduct and present a simple research investigation into a sociological topic of your choice. Devise and conduct a piece of independent research, write a 10,000 word dissertation and publicly present your research findings. Module content: Research Design; Reviewing Literature; Analysing and Interpreting Data; Presenting Findings.
Undertake a work placement with an external organisation for two terms. Learn to apply academic learning to real-world situations as they will undertake a work placement with an external organisation for the duration of two semesters.
The diversity of our social science programme is its strength.
Reflecting its range of subject areas, this degree also offers a wide variety of teaching and assessment styles.
This includes formal lectures and tutorials, industry placements, sports science laboratories, essays, business portfolios, and psychological testing.
A wide variety of assessments will be used to assess you throughout your degree, including essays, reports, critical reviews, case studies, examinations, presentations and the opportunity to do a final year dissertation or a community work placement.
Around a third of the course is assessed through examination, although the precise proportion will be dependent on your module choices.
For more information on the course content, please download the 2019P programme document - BA (Honours) Social Science (2018 document available here).
We offer a range of scholarships to help support your studies with us.
As well as Abertay scholarships for English, Welsh, Northern Irish and international students, there are a range of corporate and philanthropic scholarships available. Some are course specific, many are not. There are some listed below or you can visit the Undergraduate scholarship pages.
This is an award of up to £12,000 for prospective international undergraduate students.
This is a £9,200 award for prospective undergraduate students applying from England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Two £1,000 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.
Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year. Fees are normally funded through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland for eligible students.
Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details.
Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.
Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details.
Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.
Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details.
This degree prepares you for people-oriented jobs that require an understanding of how people think and act, and have high levels of interaction with others.
Our graduates have successfully gone into diverse fields such as social work, community education, teaching, care services, the police service and public relations work.
We’re proud of our social science graduates who leave us with the ability to ask more questions than when they arrive. Our aim is not simply to produce graduates who ‘know’ the world, but who can interrogate ideas and generate creative and novel ways of dealing with issues and problems.
A significant feature of the BA Social Science programme is its emphasis on skills required for the workplace.
This culminates with the opportunity to complete a final year placement module that enables you to put your acquired knowledge and abilities to use in a workplace suited to your individual skills and interests.
You’ll be placed with a third sector, NGO employer in your final year, giving you experience of the world of work first hand, in preparation for your graduation and entry into employment.
Unistats collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. The core information it contains is called the Unistats dataset (formerly the Key Information Set (KIS)).
Meet some of our Social Sciences graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.
David realised journalism was the right pathway for him during his time at university.
a.panay@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8714
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Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.
We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.
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Our latest undergraduate prospectus is a great read if for those looking to start at Abertay in 2019.
Learn everything you need to know about applying to study with us from UCAS deadlines to entry requirements.
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