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.

Course Modules

Year 1
Introduction to Researching Social and Cultural Life
Contemporary Social Inequalities
Social Policy and Social Welfare
Foundations of Sociology

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

Year 2
Theorising the Social World
Social and Cultural Research Practice

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

Optional Placement Year

Final year
Dissertation
Global Social Policy

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

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