BA (Hons) Social Sciences at University of the West of Scotland

Entry to BA (Hons) Social Sciences on our Lanarkshire Campus is from Year 2 onwards. There will be no Year 1 entry at our Lanarkshire Campus. The BA (Hons) Social Sciences is a multi-disciplinary degree exploring how people, institutions and ideas shape society and drive social change. Combining Sociology, Political Science and Criminology, this degree helps you understand today’s biggest social and political challenges while developing the skills to make a difference to the world.

Duration: Paisley: 4 years full-time, variable part-time; Lanarkshire (Year 2 entry): 3 years, (Year 3 entry): 2 years, variable part-time  |  Study mode: full-time; part-time  |  Intake: Paisley: September; Lanarkshire (Years 2 & 3): September  |  Location: Paisley, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

On the BA (Hons) Social Sciences at UWS, you’ll explore key ideas in Political Science, Sociology and Criminology while building strong foundations in understanding how society works. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop essential skills in critical thinking, research, data analysis, information literacy and effective communication. Year 1 (Paisley only - no Year 1 entry at Lanarkshire): Core modules, Introduction to Social Research, ASPIRE – Foundations of Success*, Optional modules, Introducing Sociology, Making the Modern World, Introduction to Politics, Criminal Behaviour and Deviance. Year 2: CORE MODULES, Foundations of Qualitative Research, Foundations of Quantitative Research, OPTIONAL MODULES, Understanding Society: Introduction to Social and Political Thinking, Introduction to Comparative Politics, Global Society, Crime and Inequality. Year 3: CORE MODULE, Designing Your Dissertation Project, OPTIONAL MODULES, American Politics: Democracy in Crisis, International Politics, Scottish Society, Gender in Society, Contemporary Studies in Criminal Justice.

Career pathways

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Social Sciences go on to build exciting and meaningful careers across the public, private and third sectors. Your ability to understand society, analyse evidence and communicate ideas clearly opens doors to a wide range of roles. Some graduates work directly in politics or policy-making, supporting elected representatives and helping shape decision-making at local and national level.

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