Social Sciences

Explore the fascinating world of social science, where you will examine how society works and how individuals interact within it.

This dynamic degree lets you explore criminology, sociology, psychology, and social policy, giving you the freedom to specialise in what excites you most. Whether you're passionate about understanding crime, exploring human behaviour or shaping social policies, you can tailor your studies to fit your goals.

You will gain real-world experience through a community placement, building practical skills that employers love. Plus, inspiring guest lecturers will keep you engaged with the latest ideas and debates in social science.

TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS COURSE

• Develop new ways of thinking about the social world by exploring diverse perspectives on the relationship between the individual and society.

• You will be encouraged to ask questions about social situations, challenge assumptions and base decisions on evidence.

• The optional placement will give you hands-on experience and help you stand out to potential employers.

• Guest speakers will add to your learning and provide networking opportunities.

• You will learn through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, student presentations, group work, independent activities, individual and group tutorials, and through research and personal development activities.

• Visiting guest speakers give insight into their work. Speakers have come from organisations including:  Eastbourne Foodbank, St Mungo’s, the Troubled Families Programme, Boing Boing and the Trust for Developing Communities.

• Our Sociology of Brighton lecture series brings speakers who deliver lectures in different locations around Brighton such as the Palace Pier. Content has included: sociology of the seaside, LGBTQ spaces, crime and gentrification.

• We work with MindOut, a local LGBT mental health project, to bring a Living Library to the campus. The library is designed to challenge prejudice and stigma. Trained volunteers act as ‘books’ to help you explore social issues.

Year 1
Social Policy and Social Welfare
Contemporary Social Inequalities
Doing Social Research
Foundations of Sociology

Options*
Political Ideas
Introduction to Applied Psychology
Sociological Imaginations
Criminal Justice Matters
Comparative Political Systems
Developmental Psychology
Theories of Crime

Year 2
Theorising the Social World
Researching Social and Cultural Life
Social and Cultural Research Practice

Options*
Self and Society: Conceptualising Subjectivity
UK Politics
Topics for Contemporary Debate
Authority, Democracy and Justice
Critical Perspectives on Justice
Global Cultures
International Institutions
Sociology and the Life Course
Policing and Society
Psychology Mental Health and Distress
Nations and Nationalism
Punishment, Power and the State
Gender and Power
Community Engagement: Theory into Practice
Sociology Skills
Debates and Conflicts in Criminology

Optional Placement Year

Final year
Dissertation
Global Social Policy

Options*
Radical Political Economy and Anarchist Politics
Politics of the Right
Sociology Topic 1
Contemporary Studies in Crime and Justice
Community Wellbeing and Social Justice
Violence and Society
Society and Outer Space
Class and Power
Sociology of Globalisation
Politics in the Middle East
Race and International Relations
Cyberpsychology
Sociology Topic 2
Ecopsychology and Ecotherapy
Global Issues: Harm, Crime and Power
Sexualities
Criminology of Borders
Utopian Theory and Practice
Human Rights
Class and Conflict in Contemporary Britain
Sociology and the Climate Emergency

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.