Applied Social Science is the study of the society we live in and the relationships people have within that society.

This course is built around the core disciplines of psychology and sociology, providing the best possible launching pad for a career in these fascinating areas. Innovative elective modules in the final years allow you to tailor your degree around your own areas of interest. All teaching is underpinned by research and real-world experience, ensuring you are prepared for a career in your chosen field. Approachable, friendly staff and relatively small group sizes create an informal learning environment, which is valued highly by our students.

Year 1

• Introductory Psychology: Social Sciences
• Social Sciences and Society
• Gender, Culture and Society
• Research Methods and Study Skills
• Cognitive and Social Psychology
• Sociology of Identity, Difference and Deviance
• Governing the UK
• Ethics, Personal Relationships and Social Life

Year 2

• Children, Youth and Society
• Research: Statistics and Data Analysis
• European Union
• The Sociological Problem of Crime
• Psychology: Personality and Individual Differences
• Discovering Psychology: Classic Studies and Debates
• Theorising Social Life
• Exploring Research

Year 3

• Qualitative Research Methods (core)

Elective subjects that you can choose from include:

• Health Psychology
• Health, Self and Society
• Biological Foundations of Behaviour
• Sports Psychology
• Sociology of Consumer Culture
• Political Participation and Pressure Groups in an Age of Global Politics
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Counselling
• Urban Sociology
• Violence, Crime and Conflict
• Contemporary Issues in Politics

Year 4

• Dissertation (Core)

Elective subjects that you can choose from include:

• Social Psychology
• Organisational and Management Psychology
• Developments in Counselling
• Art, Culture and Society
• Terrorism, People and Places
• The Body in Society
• Abnormal Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Crime, Criminology and the Justice System
• Risk, Fear and Uncertainty

SQA Higher: BBCC to include a subject requiring the use of English.

GCE A Level: CCC to include a subject requiring the use of English.

Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: B2B2C1C1 to include a subject requiring the use of English.

IB Diploma: 26 to include a Higher Level subject requiring the use of English.

Alternative Qualifications: Equivalent overseas qualifications, BTEC, S/NVQs and some Access programmes will be considered.

Degree Link Programme
A relevant HND from one of our partner FE colleges may be considered for year 3 entry.

Advanced Entry
Entry to stages 2 or 3 will be considered for candidates with appropriate HNC/HND qualifications in Social Sciences or related areas. Candidates are advised to contact the Admissions Tutor to discuss prior to application. 

English Language Qualification
All applicants whose first language is not English are required to have an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 7.0 in all elements or an appropriate equivalent.

Interview
You may be required to attend an interview.

* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.

Study Abroad

You will have the fantastic opportunity in years 2 and 3 to undertake an exchange with one of our partner institutions in Europe through the Erasmus programme. There is also the opportunity to study at the University of Tennessee for one semester. This allows you to enhance your personal development and confidence and benefit from studying your subject in a different culture.

If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

• England - http://www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk/
• Wales - http://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/
• Northern Ireland - http://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/

Scholarships

• Information on Social Work & Social Sciences Scholarships

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change. Published fees apply to the course's mode of delivery.

Undertaking a course in the social sciences keeps your career options open and offers a wide variety of routes into employment including housing management, health management, human resources, the police, education, marketing and PR. Many of our graduates also undertake taught postgraduate study, enabling them to specialise in a variety of areas including social work, teaching, management, psychology and sociology, or actively engage in further postgraduate research.