Key stats
159,670 students were studying this subject in 2014/15.
- 86% UK
- 14% international
- 85% full-time
- 15% part-time
Top five graduate destinations:
- Public administration and defence
- Health and social work
- Education
- Wholesale and retail trade
- Professional, scientific, and technical
What courses are available?
Universities and colleges in the UK are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Economics
- Politics
- Sociology
- Social policy
- Social work
- Anthropology
- Human and social geography
- Development studies
Subject combinations and available course options include:
- single, joint, and multiple subject combinations
- full-time, part-time, and flexible study options as well as courses with a placement (sandwich courses)
- qualifications ranging from BA and BSc, (Hons) degrees, through to a small number of HND, HNC, and Foundation Certificates
There are many different subject combinations on offer – common joint courses include business, modern foreign languages, English, history, and law, to name a few.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are available in the following areas:
Degree apprenticeships:
- Accountancy – e.g. professional accountant
- Banking and financial services – e.g. relationship manager (banking)
Higher apprenticeships:
- Accountancy – Level 4 – e.g. management accountant, actuarial technician
- Banking and investment – Level 4 – e.g. financial adviser, investment operations specialist
Advanced apprenticeships:
- Senior healthcare assistant
- Care supervisor
- Senior support worker
- Social work assistant
- Social services officer
- Outreach development worker
- Community support worker
- Family support worker
- Personal assistant
Find out more about apprenticeships
Entry requirements
A levels – To get on to a social studies related degree, you will usually require a minimum of two A levels, with three A levels and A/B grades required for the most popular courses. For most degrees there are no particular A levels required, (although some universities ask for an essay based subject) apart from:
Economics – Although economics A level is not required (it may be an advantage), some universities ask for maths A level.
‘Some courses require A level Maths, but most do not. Virtually all require GCSE maths at grade C or B. No courses require A level economics, although it may be an advantage.’
The Economics Network
Human geography – A level geography may be required or preferred by some universities.
Anthropology
‘If the undergraduate programme includes courses in physical/biological anthropology or forensics, there may be an expectation that students have an A-level in biology or a related subject.’
Royal Anthropological Institute
Selection
Social work – Interviews form a key part of the selection process and applicants are also required to complete a written test. Relevant work experience is essential (up to six months part time experience is required by some courses) and universities will look for evidence that you are suited to social work including your:
- interest and motivation to undertake the career
- interpersonal and communication skills
- ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds
- resilience to deal with challenging and emotionally difficult cases
‘People who want to undertake the social work degree need to show that they have an understanding of social work and will need some experience of social work or social care prior to studying. This experience can be achieved through paid work, voluntary work, work placements or life experience.’
British Association of Social Workers
Personal statement
Competition for places can be high so personal statements form an essential part of the selection process. Admissions tutors want to see you have aptitude, interest, and motivation in you chosen subject. In general, this means they are looking for:
- an explanation of what drives your interest in your chosen field
- evidence that you have a real enthusiasm for the subject, which could be demonstrated by:
- relevant work experience/shadowing or voluntary work
- additional reading and research
- membership of related societies/clubs
- a range of interests outside of academic study – e.g. sport, music
- a well written statement that shows you are a motivated individual who has something to contribute to the university
- ability to work individually and in teams
How to write your personal statement
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Key areas of employment
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Related careers
Where can I find out more?
Visit the websites of the following professional bodies to find out more about courses and careers in social studies.