Degree Subject

Study Social Science Abroad

Social Science degrees study human society, social relationships, and social institutions through systematic research and analysis.Programmes integrate sociology, social policy, research methods, and often elements of politics, psychology, and economics to understand social phenomena.Social Science develops understanding of how societies function and prepares you for careers in social research, public policy, social work, charity sector, local government, and any role addressing social challenges or working with communities.

Entry Requirements

A-Levels: AAB-BBB (requirements vary significantly by university)
International Baccalaureate: 32-35 points
No specific subjects required
Social sciences, humanities, or sciences all acceptable
Minimum IELTS 6.5 for international students
Interest in society, social issues, and research
Strong analytical and communication skills

Required High School Subjects

No specific A-level subjects required
Sociology, Psychology, Politics, or History all relevant
Mathematics useful for research methods and statistics
Any subjects demonstrating analytical thinking

Personal Statement Tips

Your Social Science personal statement should demonstrate genuine interest in understanding society and social issues, awareness of current social challenges (inequality, poverty, crime, education, family change), engagement with social research or sociological ideas, relevant experience (volunteering with social services, community organisations, charities working with disadvantaged groups, youth work), understanding that social science involves research and evidence not just opinions, awareness of different social science disciplines and approaches, specific social issues or questions that interest you, examples of working with diverse communities or social issues, and understanding of how social science research informs policy and practice. Discuss social issues that concern you and demonstrate analytical rather than purely emotive engagement.

Interview Preparation

Social Science interviews (less common for undergraduate but some universities use them) assess understanding of social issues and motivation. Be prepared to discuss social issues you're passionate about with analytical depth, demonstrate understanding of social research and evidence-based approaches, show awareness of different perspectives on social problems, discuss relevant experience working with communities or social services, explain why you want to study social science and what you hope to achieve, demonstrate critical thinking about social policy and interventions, show understanding of social science methodology (research methods), discuss current social challenges and debates, and explain career aspirations in social sciences. Avoid overly emotional or simplistic responses - demonstrate analytical understanding of complex social issues.

Top Universities for Social Science

London School of Economics (LSE)

A*AA-AAA

University of Oxford

AAA + TSA + Interview (HSPS or PPE with Sociology)

University of Cambridge

A*AA + Interview (HSPS)

University of Edinburgh

AAA-ABB

University of Manchester

AAB-ABB

University of Bristol

AAA-AAB

Career Opportunities

Social Researcher

Policy Analyst

Social Worker (requires postgrad training)

Community Development Officer

Charity Sector Programme Manager

Local Government Officer

Probation Officer

Social Policy Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Social Science, Sociology, and Social Policy?

Social Science is broad term covering all disciplines studying society (sociology, social policy, politics, economics, anthropology, human geography). Sociology specifically studies social behaviour, relationships, institutions, and social change through theoretical and empirical research. Social Policy focuses on welfare systems, government policies, social problems, and policy solutions. Many programmes combine elements as "Social Sciences" allowing study across disciplines. Choose Sociology for theoretical understanding of society and social research. Choose Social Policy if interested in welfare, government intervention, and policy analysis. Choose broad Social Sciences for flexibility and multidisciplinary approach. Check specific programme content - titles vary but content often overlaps significantly.

Do I need work experience with social services or vulnerable groups?

Relevant experience significantly strengthens applications and demonstrates genuine commitment to understanding social issues. Valuable experience includes: volunteering with charities supporting disadvantaged groups (homeless, refugees, elderly, disabled), youth work or mentoring, community development projects, social services shadowing, care work, work with social enterprises, or research assistance on social projects. However, quality of reflection matters more than quantity of hours. Demonstrate what you learned about social challenges, inequality, or community needs. If lacking formal experience, showing deep engagement with social issues through reading, awareness of social research, and critical thinking about social problems is important. Many applicants have limited formal social services experience - don't worry if yours is modest but ensure you demonstrate genuine interest in society and social justice.

What career paths require social science degrees and what are prospects?

Social science careers span public, charity, and research sectors. Social researchers in government, charities, or research organisations earn £24,000-£35,000 starting, rising to £35,000-£55,000 for senior researchers. Social work requires postgraduate Masters (starting salary £28,000-£32,000 qualified). Policy analysts in government or think tanks earn £26,000-£35,000 starting. Charity sector programme managers earn £24,000-£35,000. Local government officers £22,000-£30,000. Many social science graduates also enter: teaching (sociology/social sciences via PGCE), HR and recruitment, marketing research, management consultancy, civil service, or postgraduate study (Masters in Social Work, Social Research, Public Policy). Social science develops research, analytical, and communication skills transferable across sectors. Combine degree with relevant volunteering and work experience for best prospects.

Is social science too political or opinion-based?

Good social science is evidence-based research, not political activism or personal opinion. While social science studies political topics (inequality, poverty, crime, welfare), academic approach emphasises: rigorous research methodology (surveys, interviews, statistics, ethnography), critical evaluation of evidence, understanding multiple perspectives on social issues, theoretical frameworks for analysing society, and empirical testing of hypotheses. Social science teaches you to research social phenomena systematically, distinguish evidence from opinion, analyse data critically, and construct evidence-based arguments. Universities expect analytical engagement with social issues, not political advocacy. However, social science inevitably addresses value-laden topics - the key is approaching them with intellectual rigour, methodological awareness, and openness to evidence rather than predetermined political positions. Social research informs policy across political spectrum.

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Related Subjects

psychology political science economics

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