University of the West of Scotland
Paisley Campus
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Paisley
PA1 2BE
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Social Sciences (Politics & Policy/Sociology & Policy/Sociology)
- Study level:
- Undergraduate
Course summary
OVERVIEW
SOCIAL JUSTICE, POWER AND INEQUALITIES ARE THE CENTRAL THEMES OF THE UWS BA (HONS) IN SOCIAL SCIENCES.
The first two years of this programme equip you with a firm grounding in the essential disciplines of politics, policy and sociology. After this, you can choose to follow one of three specialist pathways:
• Politics and Policy
• Sociology and Policy
• Sociology
Investigating social and political change, you will explore both how we understand society and how we can change it for the better, developing your critical thinking alongside a wide range of research and transferable skills that are highly valued by the public, private and voluntary sectors.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
• You will investigate the driving forces behind and potential solutions to complex local and global challenges in society, using a range of theoretical lenses and research methods.
• Specialist pathways will provide you with the opportunity for in-depth exploration of social issues such as activism, migration, gender, nationalism, and international relations.
• You will develop your understanding and experience of social sciences as a creative problem solver, drawing on cutting-edge research, policy analysis and evaluation.
• You will work with expert academic staff by choosing your own preferred course theme, completing an in-depth independent research project in your Honours year.
CAREERS
Graduates from UWS’s BA (Hons) Social Sciences programme are equipped with highly sought-after skills, entering careers in:
• Politics, such as working as or with elected representatives
• Public services, such as housing and planning
• Policy and academic research
• Health and social care
• Private sector employment
• Teaching in primary and secondary schools
You will be well positioned to undertake further study at Masters level, including UWS programmes such as:
• MSc Applied Social Science
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• MSc Policy Analysis and Global Governance
Modules
Year one
Term 1:
You will be introduced to social science disciplines by developing your ‘sociology imagination’ and understandings of the key issues in modern society such as social class, gender identity and gender inequality, masculinity, health and race and ethnicity. You will also be introduced to research and academic skills and competences. Your modules will include:
• ASPIRE
• Introducing Sociology
• Introduction to Social Research
• Making the Modern World
Term 2:
You will learn about the world of social sciences research and will be introduced to the study of politics as well as the critical role of policy in supporting employment, health and education.
Your modules will include:
• ASPIRE
• Introduction to Social Research
• Democracy in the UK
• Development of Social Policy
Year two
Term 1:
In second year, you will deepen your engagement with the key debates in social sciences. Core modules will equip you with knowledge of comparative politics and the classical works of social and political thought. You will also develop your qualitative research skills and knowledge. Your modules will include:
• Foundations of Qualitative Research
• Comparative Politics
• Foundations of Social and Political Thought
Term 2:
The core modules will address questions of global society and will focus on the relationship between social policy and social change. You will further develop your research skills by undertaking foundations to quantitative research. Your modules will include:
• Global Society
• Social Policy and Social Change
• Foundations of Quantitative Research
Year three
Starting from Year 3, you can choose a specialist pathway in: Sociology; Politics and Policy; or Sociology and Policy. In addition, you will develop your research skills and knowledge to hone your research practice ahead of your final year dissertation.
Term 1:
You will be required to choose three modules from the following:
• Data Analysis for Social Science (we strongly advise students to select this module if they are planning to collect empirical data for their dissertation)
• Contemporary Issues and Policy Responses (Policy)
• Gender in Society (Sociology)
• Capitalism Culture and Celebrity (Sociology)
• Scottish Society (Politics and Policy)
• American Politics and Policy (Politics and Policy)
• Work, Welfare and Society (Sociology and Policy)
Term 2:
Designing Your Dissertation Project (core module)
You will be required to choose two modules from the following:
• Ethnicity, Racism and Social Relations (Sociology)
• Art, Culture and Society (Sociology)
• Environmental Damage, Policy and Justice (Policy)
• Democracy and European Political Parties (Politics)
• Contemporary German Politics (Politics)
*Please note that the selection of modules may occasionally change
Year four (Honours)
In your Honours year you will undertake your independent research project (a 40-credit dissertation). You will be supported by staff in using the methods skills that you have developed throughout the course to explore, in depth, the programme theme that has most interested you. In addition, you will increase the range of your specialist knowledge by choosing from a variety of electives.
Term 1:
Social Sciences Dissertation (40 credits; Term 1 and Term 2)
Plus two modules from:
• Social Activism and Social Justice (Sociology and Policy)
• Making Sustainable Cities (Policy)
• Education Politics and Policy (Politics and Policy)
• Participation and Democracy (Politics)
Term 2:
Social Sciences Dissertation (40 credits; Term 1 and Term 2)
Plus two modules from:
• Embodiment of Social Inequality (Sociology)
• British and Irish Political History since WW2 (Sociology and Politics)
• Migration, State and Society (Sociology and Policy)
• Nationalism (Sociology and Politics)
• Parliamentary Studies (Politics)
Assessment method
The Social Sciences programme offers students a variety of formative and summative assessments, ranging from traditional exams and essays to case studies, group and individual presentations, real life scenarios (e.g. policy briefs, research proposals) or policy analysis and evaluation. These assessments allow you to demonstrate your development of the following: subject knowledge and understanding in politics, policy and sociology; applied knowledge, skills and understanding; generic cognitive skills; communication, ICT and numeracy skills; and autonomy, accountability and skills in working with others.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
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
How to apply
Apply by
14 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:
- L310
- Institution code:
- U40
- Campus name:
- Paisley Campus
- Campus Code:
- P
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Year 2 Entry:
SQA HNC/BTEC Level 4 HNC: Social Sciences; Social Studies with B in Graded Unit
SQA HND/BTEC Level 5 HND: Social Sciences; Social Studies
Year 3 Entry:
SQA HND/BTEC Level 5 HND: Social Sciences; Social Studies with BB in Graded Unit
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.
Course optionsInternational applicants
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. These are shown below.
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
A level - CCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Scottish Higher - BBCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
Scottish HNC - Pass
Entry to Year 1 with HNC in one of the following titles: Social Sciences; Social Studies; Social Care/Services; Legal Services; Police Studies; Working with Communities; Applied Science; Childhood Practice
Entry to Year 2 with HNC with one of the following titles, with a B in the Graded Unit: Social Sciences; Social Studies
Scottish HND - Pass
Entry to Year 1 with HND in Childhood Practice.
Entry to Year 2 with HND in Social Sciences or Social Studies
Entry to Year 3 with HND in Social Sciences or Social Studies with BB in the Graded Unit.
T Level - Pass (C and above)
Entry to Year 1 with SWAP (BBB) Access to Humanities; Access to Social Sciences; Access to Law, Criminal Justice & Social Sciences; Access to Primary Education
Entry to Year 2 with Glasgow University Access Course with grades BB
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 63 points
-
A level - CCC
-
Scottish Higher - CCC
Alternative Minimum Entry Requirements: CC (42 UCAS Tariff points) PLUS successful completion of one of the following:
UWS Foundation Academy
Foundation Apprenticeship
UWS Next Steps to University module
Top-Up
LEAPS
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
-
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests |
| PTE Academic | 54 | An overall score of 54 with no element below 51 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17 |
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The reason for this is that it’s essential that you are able to read, speak and understand the English language to get the most out of your time at UWS.
All international applicants are required to meet minimum English language standards, with the exception of:
// Native speakers of English
// Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise)
// non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification)
The qualifications above must have been gained within two years prior to the start of your course at UWS.
UWS's English language requirements https://www.uws.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/
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.
Our Minimum Entry Requirements are applicable to those applicants who have not had an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic ability at school or college and are known as ‘widening access’ applicants. We also sometimes refer to this type of applicant as receiving a ‘contextual’ offer. For more information, please visit our website using the link below.
Learn more on the University of the West of Scotland 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.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| EU | £15500* | Year 1 |
| International | £15500* | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS:
Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS:
Eligible students who are domiciled in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or the Republic of Ireland will qualify for tuition fees of £9,250 per academic session of study to a maximum of three years if you are studying on a four year bachelor degree course (eg. BAcc (Hons) / BA (Hons) / BEng (Hons) / BSc (Hons)). So, if your degree is four years' duration, you will only be charged tuition fees for three years. Similarly, if you are studying a five year integrated master's degree course (eg. MEng (Hons)) the you will only be charged tuition fees for four years.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS:
These tuition fees apply to all non-EU, EEA, and all other EU students (excluding those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whose fee level is as per UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details).
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory.
Check the course entry on our website for more more information.
Sponsorship information
Visit www.uws.ac.uk/scholarships
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