Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham
TW20 0EX
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Course contact details
Main Contact
Email:Admissions.Enquiries@RoyalHolloway.ac.uk
Phone:01784 414944
Social Science
- BSc (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 22/09/2025
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Our School has an intellectually challenging approach to research and education. Studying Social Science at Royal Holloway means that you will learn from internationally renowned experts from within sociology, criminology, law, social policy and social work who will share their research and experience so that you gain invaluable skills, such as research and data analysis, which are highly sought after by employers.
The BSc Social Science will help you to take a broad view of current social issues, and explore them from a range of different perspectives. It will introduce you to understanding society and people in society, not only from sociological and social policy perspectives, but also from socio-legal and applied ethical viewpoints.
Our approach to social issues involves a practical approach to research which includes evaluating policy and service provision and undertaking practical research projects.
This degree course will also provide you with practical experience of working with individuals and groups in society through a credited volunteer module, and there is also an optional year in industry module.
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A rigorous and critical approach to understanding people in society
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Practical experience of working with individuals and groups in communities
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Broad academic training including social legal perspectives and applied ethics
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Practical skills in evaluation and research
Modules
Please find a list of modules on our website.
Assessment method
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.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 22/09/2025
Apply by
29 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L301
- Institution code:
- R72
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Royal Holloway, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L301
- Institution code:
- R72
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not acceptedA level
ABB - BBBWhere an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required.
Socio-economic factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants.
General Studies and Critical Thinking A-levels are not accepted.
At least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9-4 including English and Mathematics are also required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDMin a relevant subject area.
Access to HE Diploma
D: 27 credits M: 18 creditsPass in a relevant subject with at least 24 level 3 credits at Distinction and the remaining level 3 credits at Merit.
Please note that the Access to Higher Education Diploma will only be acceptable if the applicant has had a considerable break from education
Scottish Higher
AABBBAABBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDIn a relevant subject area plus an A-level grade B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
DPlus A-level grades BB.
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
DDDin a relevant subject area.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
D*DIn a relevant subject area plus an A-level grade B.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 points6,5,5 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Requirements are as for A-levels where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2, H2, H3, H3, H3Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
We require at least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9 - 4 including English and Mathematics.
Combinations of qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, please contact us on study@royalholloway.ac.uk to discuss your situation
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
At Royal Holloway, we know every student approaches university with different experiences and backgrounds. We look at each application individually, and different factors can affect the exact offer a student receives. For instance, our contextual offer scheme means students from disadvantaged socio-economic background can receive a different offer. For full details please see our website.
Learn more on the Royal Holloway, University of London website
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £21400 | Year 1 |
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| International | £21400 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
The tuition fee for Home (UK) undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. The fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £9,535.
This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for all students. For further information see fees and funding and the terms and conditions.
These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
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