The Applied Social Sciences degree from Robert Gordon University is built around the core disciplines of psychology and sociology, providing the best possible launching pad for a career in these fascinating areas. You will learn about the society we live in and the relationships people have within that society.
Our teaching is underpinned by research and real-world experience, so that you are prepared for a career in your chosen field. Approachable, friendly staff, and relatively small group sizes create a more informal learning environment, which is valued highly by our students. Innovative elective modules in the final years allow you to tailor your degree around your own areas of interest; preparing you for a rewarding career in your field of interest.
After Year 2 you will have the option to specialise in Psychology or Sociology, or you can continue studying a mixture of both through the Applied Social Sciences route.
1st in Scotlandfor overall student satisfaction in Social Sciences
(National Student Survey 2023)
Excludes colleges, small, specialist and private providers
Year 1
The first year of this course is an opportunity to explore introductory social science theories and applications including elements of psychology, sociology, research methods and politics. Additionally you will develop generic academic skills such as writing reports, presenting and study skills.
Year 2
You will build upon the skills developed in year one, by exploring the topics in greater depth and introducing specialist modules. Academic skills will also be developed further.Year 3
This year allows you to tailor your degree by choosing to study specialist modules of interest. There will be one core module that must be taken, and the other seven modules can be chosen from a range of psychology, sociology or politics modules.
Year 4
You will develop the knowledge and experiences built in previous years by again choosing modules that support your interests and future career. This year offers modules that investigate more complex personal and societal issues, along with how and why these can affect our lives and the world we live in. You will also complete a dissertation module (core).
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Our sustainability commitment
Sustainability in all of its forms is deeply woven into the values of the School of Law and Social Sciences. Our courses engage critically with the causes of inequality in relation to genders, class and ethnicities and why people are denied the opportunity to flourish according to their capabilities. We also seek to develop applied solutions for individuals and communities to create sustainable futures. Centring students and their ideas and values is fundamental to our approach to sustainability with the value of co-creation and working with people, which is vital in realising a more sustainable present and future.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 1, 3, 10 and 16. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
You will be taught through a wide-variety of teaching methods including formal lectures, seminar activities, group work, project work and directed reading.
In Years 1 and 2 everyone studies the same modules, however in Years 3 and 4 you are given the opportunity to specialise in psychology, sociology or politics by electing to study specific modules. You can choose to specialise, or continue with all three disciplines.
Activity Summary
The activity depends on the module and includes:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- e-Learning activities
- Directed and private study.
- Student led seminars.
- Practical work
- Class discussions
How long is a BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences course?
The duration of an Applied Social Sciences degree is 4 years.
Independent Study
We encourage you to be an independent learner from the start of your course. Each module involves two to three hours of timetabled teaching each week, but you will have considerably more follow-up work beyond this.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Our class sizes are small and this, along with a high level of contact time with staff, enables us to provide a friendly and supportive learning environment.
Our team of academic staff are actively engaged in applied research which underpins the teaching in areas such as drug abuse, homelessness, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, forensic psychology, the body and political violence. Such research activity ensures that our course is kept current and relevant.
Assessment
Assessment is through a combination of exams and coursework which may be a mix of essays, reports and presentations including:
- Written coursework
- Portfolios
- Exams
- Essays
- Oral presentations
- Case Studies
- Dissertation
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Job Prospects
Undertaking a course in the social sciences keeps your career options open and offers a wide variety of routes into employment.
Is Applied Social Sciences a good career choice?
Previous BA Applied Social Sciences graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Health and social care management
- Human resources
- The Police
- Education
- Careers Guidance
- Marketing and PR
Many of our graduates also undertake postgraduate study, enabling them to specialise in a variety of areas including social work, teaching, management and postgraduate research. 95% of our students are in work or study six months after finishing the course (Unistats, 2018).
RGUflex
Collect academic credit flexibly and claim an award from the University. RGUflex delivers on-demand flexible learning where you can upskill, reskill or pursue a passion. It can also be used by employers to allow them to build an education pathway for their employees to gain the skills and knowledge to meet business needs.
What are the entry requirements for a BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences degree?
Standard Entry Requirements
Year 1 entry
- SQA Higher: BBBC to include a written subject requiring the use of English.
- GCE A Level Year 1 entry: BCC to include a written subject requiring the use of English.
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3 to include a written subject requiring the use of English.
- IB Diploma Year 1 entry: 27 to include a Higher Level written subject requiring the use of English.
Year 2 entry
- GCE A Level Year 2 entry: BBC to include a written subject requiring the use of English.
- IB Diploma Year 2 entry: 29 to include a Higher Level written subject requiring the use of English.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC to include a written subject requiring the use of English
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3 subject to meeting requirements.
Applicants from Foundation Pathway Providers
Entry to year 1 or year 2 may be possible for students who have completed a Foundation Certificate or Foundation Undergraduate Pathway programme, from an approved UK provider, at 60% or above. For courses which require a specific subjects match, such as English or Maths, these would need to provided in addition to the Pathway Programme Certificate or result.
Advanced Entry
All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6250 |
| Year 2 | £6250 | |
| Year 3 | £6250 | |
| Year 4 | £6250 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16980 |
| Year 2 | £16980 | |
| Year 3 | £16980 | |
| Year 4 | £16980 | |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5890 |
| Year 2 | £5890 | |
| Year 3 | £5890 | |
| Year 4 | £5890 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5890 |
| Year 2 | £5890 | |
| Year 3 | £5890 | |
| Year 4 | £5890 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16490 |
| Year 2 | £16490 | |
| Year 3 | £16490 | |
| Year 4 | £16490 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.