Area of study

Social Sciences

Develop the knowledge, analytical skills and practical understanding to explore the complexities of society, human behaviour and social change.

Understand. Challenge. Change.

Explore society and develop the insight to make a difference

Social sciences explore how people, communities and institutions interact, and the social, cultural, political and economic factors that influence our lives. You’ll examine areas such as human behaviour, social issues and public policy, while developing skills in research, critical thinking, communication and analysis.

By exploring different perspectives and real-world issues, you’ll learn to understand evidence, question ideas and consider how societies respond to change. These skills can lead to opportunities across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Explore Courses

Social Sciences courses

Choose from undergraduate and postgraduate courses delivered
by leading partner universities.

Levels
Levels
Campuses
Campuses
MSc Politics and Social Justice

The MSc Politics and Social Justice course explores political change, globalisation and social justice, helping you analyse contemporary challenges from local to global contexts.

Duration: One year full-time or two years part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance

The MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance course develops advanced understanding of public policy, global governance and the organisations working to address complex global challenges.

Duration: One year full-time or two years part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice

The MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice course explores theoretical and applied criminology, preparing you to analyse contemporary issues in criminal justice policy and practice.

Duration: One year full-time or two years part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
MSc Applied Social Science

The MSc Applied Social Science course develops broad, applied knowledge of social science research and contemporary social and political issues in a global context.

Duration: One year full-time or two years part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The MPA Master of Public Administration course develops the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute to public administration, governance and policy in a global context.

Duration: 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
MSc Psychology (Conversion)

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) course is a British Psychological Society-accredited conversion degree for graduates who want to develop core psychology knowledge and progress towards psychology-related careers or further study.

Duration: One year full-time or two years part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
BSc (Hons) Psychology

The BSc (Hons) Psychology course develops your understanding of how and why people think, feel and behave, with British Psychological Society accreditation and a strong focus on real-world application.

Duration: Four years full-time or eight years part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
BA (Hons) Criminology & Psychology

The BA (Hons) Criminology & Psychology course combines two interconnected social science disciplines, helping you understand crime, justice, behaviour and the psychological factors that shape real-world issues.

Duration: Four years full-time or eight years part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice

The BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice course explores crime, justice, policing, criminal law and the institutions involved in responding to crime locally, nationally and globally.

Duration: Four years full-time or eight years part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
BA (Hons) Social Work

The BA (Hons) Social Work course leads to a professional social work qualification, combining campus-based learning with two substantial practice placements.

Duration: Four years full-time
Start Date: September, January, May
BA (Hons) Social Sciences

The BA (Hons) Social Sciences course gives you a broad grounding in social sciences, with pathways in Politics and Policy, Sociology and Policy, and Sociology.

Duration: Four years full-time or eight years part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
BA (Hons) Law

The BA (Hons) Law course at UWS develops your knowledge of Scots law, legal systems and the wider social, economic and political contexts in which law operates.

Duration: Four years full-time or up to six years part-time
Start Date: September, January, May
Where your social sciences degree can take you

Career Prospects

A qualification in social sciences can open doors to careers across government, education, healthcare, charities, research organisations and international agencies. Whether you’re interested in shaping public policy, supporting communities, conducting research or influencing social change, you’ll graduate with the analytical, interpersonal and problem-solving skills valued by employers across a wide range of sectors.