Social Science
BA(Hons)

Course summary and entry requirements

Course duration

Full-time: 3 years

Part-time: 6 years (max 8 years)

UCAS code L540

About the course

Social Science is a very flexible degree, and allows students to choose from a wide range of modules in applied psychology, criminology, health and social care, politics and social policy. These are then combined with a set of sociological and social research modules, which focus on core debates and issues across the social sciences.

Typical entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2014. Entry requirements for students thinking about starting a course in 2013 can be found in the online prospectus. Individual offers may vary

A-levels:
BBB.

BTEC
DDM.

International Baccalaureate:
32 points.

Access to HE Diploma
pass with at least 45 credits at level 3. Social sciences courses preferred.

GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

Foundation degree/HND
/HNC may enable you to start the course in year 2 or 3 provided content is relevant.

For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

Other:
relevant professional experience.

For equivalent international qualifications


Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language entry requirements
For help meeting English language requirements contact our
Language Institute.

We can help you meet our academic entry requirements
For help meeting academic entry requirements contact our
International College.

If you cannot find your country listed, please email admissions@brighton.ac.uk

Course content

Course structure

The degree aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding in general sociological theories and social research methods, while giving them the opportunity to choose an area of applied social science in which to exercise that knowledge and understanding.
These option choices can be focused on one area, for example criminology or psychology, throughout the degree. Alternatively, students can choose to take a variety of options drawn from different areas of applied social science.
There is great emphasis on developing both academic and vocational skills.
Opportunities are available for exchange study in France, Spain, Sweden and the USA. Students with competence in Spanish and/or French are particularly welcome.

Areas of study

Year 1 introduces the key social sciences of sociology, psychology, and economics along with social research methods.
Year 2 continues this exploration by deepening students' understanding of key perspectives in sociological theory and social research methods. Students choose options in the applied social sciences of criminology, psychology, social policy, and environmentalism. There is an opportunity to take a vocationally-oriented placement, and to investigate in depth topics of interest within the applied social sciences.
The year 3 dissertation gives students a chance to analyse at length a topic of interest within their area of study. The dissertation is supported by other modules, and students broaden and deepen their understanding of their optional areas of applied social science.

Syllabus

Year 1
Sociological Imaginations
Contemporary Social Inequalities
ICT for the Social Sciences
Foundations of Sociology
Social Science Research Methods
One from:
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Criminal Justice Studies
Social Policy and Social Welfare
What is Politics? / Politics in Brighton
One from:
Social Policy
Human Needs and Social Problems
Developmental Psychology
Theories of Crime
The UK Political System
Year 2
Theorising the Social World
Research project
Community Participation and Development or Analysis and Review
One from:
Social Psychology
Criminologies of Crime Control
History and Social Policy
Comparative Politics
One from:
Transcultural Issues in Crime and Justice
Critical Psychology: Theory and Method
Sociology and the Life Course
Social Justice, Welfare and Wellbeing
Political Ideas
Year 3
Sociological Analysis: Critical Methodologies
Dissertation
One from:
Policy Analysis
Psychology and Social Change
Critical Criminology and Criminal Justice
Global Social Policy
Environmental Politics
Health Policy in the UK
Ecopsychology
One from:
Cyberpsychology
Developing a Therapeutic Relationship
Transport, Environment and Society
Sociological Analysis: Concepts and Theories
Contemporary Studies in Crime and Justice
The Global Political Architecture
Critical Addiction Studies
Community Participation and Development
Care, Ethics and Social Policy

You can view the programme specification for this course as a PDF file by clicking on the link below:

Programme Specification
Fees and costs

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2013-14. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

What's included in the fee?

When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

BA(Hons) Social Science [L1EA005]

UK/EU (Full Time) 9,000 GBP
Island Students (Full Time) 9,000 GBP
International (Full Time) 12,900 GBP
Location

Location Falmer

Our Falmer campus is located on the edge of the South Downs National Park on the outskirts of Brighton. Approximately 7,000 students are based here.
View campus maps and directions
Living in Brighton
Brighton’s rich mix of historic architecture, lively arts scene, varied shopping and cosmopolitan community make it a vibrant, enjoyable place to live. It is no wonder that many Brighton graduates choose to stay here.
Social scene
Alongside the traditional seaside attractions, Brighton is famed for its exciting social scene with a wide choice of pubs, clubs and restaurants.
Arts
The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. Brighton is also home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Duke of York’s, which shows alternative and mainstream films. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival.
Sports
Whether you take your sport seriously or just want to keep fit, Brighton offers all kinds of sports opportunities and facilities, on and off campus. You can also make the most of the location, and play volleyball, basketball and windsurfing down by the beach. The seafront is also the finishing point for the famous London – Brighton bicycle ride and the quirky veteran car run.
Student views

Robin Corker, Social Science BA(Hons), Graduate 2012

I loved the course; I can unashamedly say it has changed my life and future for the better. There were many positive aspects of the course. These included some exceptional teaching, inspiring modules, wonderful administrative support and tutor guidance.

Specific modules such as Global Social Policy, Sociological Analysis: Concepts & Theories and the Dissertation have significantly impacted on my future. The enjoyment, subsequent success and feedback I have had in these modules have made me realise that I can have a really successful academic career.

Now that I have completed my degree with a First Class Hons, I am going to do a Masters in Public Administration at the University of Brighton. Having spoken to my forthcoming Masters tutor I am also beginning my initial planning into my future PhD application. Following the completion on my PhD, ultimately I want to become a lecturer in Social Policy.

Virginia Silberberg, Social Science BA(Hons)

The best part of the course is that it covers such a wide range of subjects, I have not only learnt about psychology, but sociology, economics and aspects of care. I really enjoyed the applied psychology module I completed last term. It demonstrated how psychological theory is implemented in everyday life.

I also liked doing my research project earlier this year. We had the freedom to choose which area we wanted to look at and I chose to focus on body image as I have always been interested in this topic. It didn't feel like doing work at all. I know it sounds geeky but I did really enjoy reading lots of journals and strengthening my knowledge in the area.
Career opportunities

A variety of careers is open to social science graduates, depending on which applied areas they choose. Potential vocations include educational psychology, health psychology, occupational psychology, social work, research or management in pressure and interest groups, local government, personnel management, the probation service, the prison service and the police.

Visit the careers service website.
More...

Excellent Facilities

The School of Applied Social Science is located on the attractive Falmer campus, only four miles from central Brighton. Facilities at Falmer include a state of the art computer centre, extensive library and a media resources centre for student use.

Other student support services include the university’s careers centre, welfare service, a counselling service, chaplaincy and childcare provision.

Research

Our lecturers in social science are all involved in national and international research cultures, publishing and speaking to national and international audiences, and are frequently reported in local, national and international media.

Ongoing research work informs our teaching, making it contemporary, innovative and dynamic.

Our degrees enable students to acquire the essential research skills needed for investigating experience and behaviour, supporting students to develop the ability to conduct research independently.

Community participation and development

Teaching and research within the School of Applied Social Science is supported by our links with local communities.

The School’s close working relationship with the university’s Community University Partnership project (Cupp) allows us to offer our undergraduate students the opportunity to combine practical experience within a community or voluntary organisation with academic study.

The Community Participation and Development (CPD) module offers the opportunity to explore some of your personal values and aspirations while working for 30 to 50 hours on a relevant placement. Staff and students provide their skills and expertise, working alongside community organisations to help them achieve their aims. For example students on criminology courses may wish to work with a crime prevention organisation while sociology students may wish to work in a homeless shelter or a local pressure group.

It is offered in 10- and 20-credit modules at levels 2 and 3, and assessment is based on reflective as well as analytical assignments which encourage you to look at your own personal journey as well as the policy and practice of the organisation in which your placement is based.