Applied Social Sciences

Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle the big social science challenges facing society today including inequality, injustice and health. You'll learn how to undertake high-quality research, how to communicate results to different audiences and how it can be applied to make a difference to our lives.

Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle the big social science challenges facing society today, including inequality, injustice and health.

As part of this course you’ll learn how to undertake high-quality research, how to communicate results to different audiences and how research can be applied to make a difference to our lives.

You’ll have the flexibility to focus on your own study pathway from the disciplines we teach:

• Criminology

• Politics

• Education, culture and childhood

• Sociology

• Human geography

• Social policy

In the first year, you'll study up to three of these subjects, examining societal issues from various points of view. In the second year, you choose up to two subject areas. In your third year, you'll choose one area to specialise in.

Studying your own mix of social science topics alongside applied practical research skills will equip you with a unique insight into how you might approach challenges facing society today. You'll also have the opportunity to take up a language.

We’ll teach you how to collect, interpret, apply and present a wide variety of data. This might include managing interview transcripts, conducting focus groups or thinking critically about statistics presented in the news.

You'll be asked to present your findings in a variety of formats, allowing you to develop the skills necessary to articulate yourself and your data confidently to different audiences.

You’ll become confident in writing reports, as well as learning how to create websites, podcasts and posters. These are all essential skills for continuing into the workplace.

We offer valuable work experience as part of your degree, giving you the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you have gained on your course into live work projects. This might include undertaking a module, summer or year long placement at a variety of organisations including YouGov, Shelter and South Yorkshire Police.

If you want to know more about Applied Social Sciences and the Sheffield Methods Institute, follow @shefmethods on Instagram.

Why study this course?

• Tackle the big challenges facing society - develop the knowledge, understanding and experience to help address big societal challenges such as inequality, injustice and health.

• Tailor your learning experience - study your own mix of social science topics alongside applied practical research skills.

• Get hands on experience - module, summer and year-long work placement opportunities will give you a chance to put your learning into practice and build up valuable experience to help boost your career after you graduate.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS