Social Science

Study a Social Science degree from Abertay analyse the key issues affecting society.

Course detail

Start Date

September

Duration

1, 2 or 3 years (depending on whether students join the programme in Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4)

Award Title

BA (Hons)

UCAS Code

L300

Why study Abertay's BA (Hons) in Social Science?

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.

Entry Requirements

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

Not sure if you're eligible for entry?

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 ...

been in care
participated in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West, or Aspire North
no family background of going to university
attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university

... we encourage you to submit an application.

Your Journey Starts Here

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?

Information for International Applicants

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.

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Entry Requirements by Country

Discover whether you're eligible for entry and learn more about the country-specific qualifications you need to study at Abertay.

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English Language Requirements

Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.

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English Language Courses

Discover the range of English language courses on offer at Abertay University.

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Visa Information

Learn more about visa requirements for studying at Abertay University.

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About Your Modules

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.

Key Modules (2019/20)

Classical Social Theory (SOC201)

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.

Crime Media and the State (SOC204)

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.

Contemporary Social Theory (SOC301)

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.

Researching Society (SOC305)

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.

Sociology Honours Project (SOC400)

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.

Community Links Project (SOC406)

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.

How the Course Works

Learning and Assessment

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).

Programme Fees for 2019

Scottish & EU students

£1,820

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.

English, Welsh & Northern Irish Students

£9,250

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details.

International Students

£14,000

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Please see our Undergraduate Fees and Funding page for further details.

Scholarships

Rest of UK Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

International Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from international countries (outside of the EU) to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

In addition, we offer a range of corporate/philanthropic scholarships shown below, which are available to all students to support your studies with us.

The Robert Reid Bursary

Two £1,000 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.

Career Opportunities

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.

Industry Links

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

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)).

Social Science (Full time)

Get inspired

Meet some of our Social Sciences graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.

Evie Dalrymple

Evie works as a Prison Psychologist at the Scottish Prison Service.

Find out more

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Vikki Allan

Vikki is a Service Delivery Manager and FIFA Assistant Referee.

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David Proctor

David realised journalism was the right pathway for him during his time at university.

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Programme Leader - Social Science

Mr Andrew Panay

School of Business, Law and Social Sciences | Lecturer

a.panay@abertay.ac.uk
+44 (0)1382 30 8714

View profile

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