Social science covers various categories of academic disciplines, concerned with society and the relationships among individuals within a society. Studying Social Science offers you a broad-based education in areas such as humanities, economics, business and education. A BSc. (Hons) degree in this subject will appeal if you are interested in the social sciences in general and do not wish to specialise in one discipline.

What are the university entry requirements for Social Science degrees?

To apply to universities for a Social Science degree, you should have, or be working towards achieving, a relevant Access to HE Diploma in Health Science or 3 A Levels. Note that many universities do not accept general studies as one of the three. Universities can advise on their particular entry requirements and they publish these on the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website.

With the A Level route, you may also be expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs. With the Access to HE Diploma route, you are normally only required to have GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade C or above.

Access to HE Diplomas are normally aimed towards adults 18+ returning to education or wishing to change to a new career. There are no upper age limits. The Diploma qualification is viewed as being equivalent to 3 A Levels. Access to Higher Education Diplomas can be studied from home via online learning or at a local college.

There are many websites that track university performance in all subject areas. Students are encouraged to research carefully which university has a good track record in the particular degree course they are interested in. It is also worth looking into the department that you are applying to and see what facilities are available, what sort of placements are on offer and the student satisfaction rate for each degree course. 

Enrol on an Access to HE course Now

Career pathways for Social Science graduates

This degree covers a wide range of subject areas and opens up a vast array of possible careers. Often in the 2nd and 3rd years of study universities offer students the possibility to focus on particular areas such as business, social policy, economics or education. These are just some of the possible careers that Social Science graduates can pursue:

• • • Advice Worker
    • Civil Service Careers
    • Charity Officer
    • Community Development Worker
    • Community Education Officer
    • Equality and Diversity Officer
    • Family Support Worker
    • Housing Officer
    • Human Resources Officer
    • Immigration, Customs and Border Roles
    • International Aid/Development Worker
    • Legal Careers
    • Local Government Careers
    • Probation Officer
    • Psychologist
    • Psychotherapy, Counselling and Mental Health Roles
    • Social Researcher
    • Social Worker
    • Substance Misuse Worker
    • Teacher/Lecturer/Education Roles
    • Victim Care Officer
    • Volunteer Co-ordinator
    • Youth Offending Team Officer
    • Youth Worker

What personal attributes are desirable in Social Sciences?

• • • Be able to make reasoned arguments and question assumptions
    • Confidently draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information
    • Good communication skills to clearly and accurately interact with others
    • Good understanding of IT to identify and present information
    • The ability to manage time well and identify priorities
    • Be capable of responding positively to critical feedback

What are the pay and working conditions like?

This degree opens up many career pathways but for illustration here is an example of the salary for a Social Researcher:

• • • Starting salaries at researcher level typically range from £20,000 to £29,000
    • You're likely to earn between £30,000 and £50,000 as a senior social researcher with significant experience
    • Salaries at manager/director level can rise to £70,000, depending on the sector

Income figures act as a guide only. Actual salaries depend on your experience, the sector you work in and your location.

Did you know?

• • • The study of social science can be traced back to the industrial revolution, helping to understand a rapidly changing society
    • The world's population 'exploded' during the past century or so, growing from 1.6 billion in 1900 to 7.6 billion people in 2018. This inevitably leads to social challenges, which researchers help to highlight
    • The world's eight richest billionaires control the same wealth between them as the poorest half of the globe's population

How is the degree funded?

Studying for a Social Science degree allows you to apply for the standard student support package in the form of a student loan. Scholarships, bursaries or grants may also be available for example, through the university or your place of work. 

If you would like to complete an Access to HE course to obtain the qualifications for entry onto a Social Science degree course at university, please choose your payment options below or contact us for more information. Studying and achieving this qualification provides a flexible way of achieving, as it is fully online and recognised and accepted by UK universities.

Careers in Psychology