Social Science

Social Science (BSc)

Explore the forces shaping society—and your place within it.

Want to understand how human societies work? This dynamic degree invites you to investigate today’s most pressing social issues, from inequality and justice to policy and community development. With a flexible modular structure, you can tailor your studies to match your interests —whether you're drawn to sociology, criminology, law, politics, social policy or social work.

You’ll learn to critically examine how societies function, how individuals and communities interact, and how historical context informs the present. Along the way, you’ll build essential skills in communication, critical thinking, research methods, and data analysis—skills that employers across sectors value highly.

Policy in the real world

• You'll gain experience in the workplace through​​ our optional volunteering module

• You'll explore policy in action by evaluating real-world services and interventions

• You'll undertake activities that deepen your understanding of cultures and communities in modern Britain

Look to the future

This degree opens doors to a wide range of careers in the public and third sectors, including, community development, education and youth work, health and social care, advocacy and policy and national and international relations. You’ll also be well-prepared for postgraduate study in areas such as education, social work, law, global health, international development or public policy.

We sometimes make changes to our courses to improve your experience. If this happens, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Course Modules

Core Modules

Year 1

• Social Problems and Social Policy

• Perspectives on People in Society

• Introduction to Politics and Government

• Issues in Ethics

• Law in its Social Context

• Academic Integrity

Year 2

• Contemporary Welfare States

• Research Methods for Social Scientists

Year 3

• Research Project/Dissertation

Optional Modules

Below is a taster of some of the exciting optional modules that students on the course could choose from during this academic year. Please be aware these do change over time, and optional modules may be withdrawn or new ones added.

Year 2

• Crime and the Law

• Sociology of the Family

• Introduction to Social Care

• Youth in Society: The Sociology of Youth & Youth Culture

• Madness and Society

• Perspectives on Ageing and an Ageing Society

• Politics Outside the West

• Democracy in Britain

Year 3

• Sociology of Health and Illness

• Housing and Homelessness

• Race, Ethnicity and Migration

• Critical Perspectives on Children, Families and Communities

• Interpersonal violence and harm

• Parliamentary Studies

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/social-work/social-science/

You will complete 120 credits each year mainly made up either 15 or 30 credit units.’In the first year all units are compulsory in the second and third year there will some choice of optional units, including a 30 credit ‘Year in Industry’ unit.

Teaching will involve a range of methods including, lectures, seminars, individual tutorials, peer group work and practical activities (such as court visits and engagement with community groups)

Assessment will involve a range of methods including, essays, examinations and tests and practical projects.

Throughout the course a tutor will be available to you to provide advice on the choice of courses and to offer pastoral support.

In the final year of the programme you will undertake a research project and you will be allocated a specialist dissertation supervisor to support you with this.