What courses are available?
Universities and colleges in the UK are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Economics
- Politics
- Sociology
- Social policy
- Social work
- Anthropology
- Human and social geography
- Development studies
Subject combinations and available course options include:
- single, joint, and multiple subject combinations
- full-time, part-time, and flexible study options as well as courses with a placement (sandwich courses)
- qualifications ranging from BA and BSc, (Hons) degrees, through to a small number of HND, HNC, and Foundation Certificates
There are many different subject combinations on offer – common joint courses include business, modern foreign languages, English, history, and law, to name a few.
Are you considering an accelerated degree? Click here to read more about the possibility of completing your undergraduate course in two years rather than three.
The Economics Network
Entry requirements
A levels – To get on to a social studies related degree, you will usually require a minimum of two A levels, with three A levels and A/B grades required for the most popular courses. Entry requirements range from CCC to AAB, with the universities and colleges most commonly asking for BBB. For most degrees there are no particular A levels required, (although some universities ask for an essay based subject) apart from:
Economics – Although economics A level is not required (it may be an advantage), some universities ask for maths A level.
Human geography – A level geography may be required or preferred by some universities.
Scottish Highers – Entry requirements for Highers (the most common qualification) range from BBBB to AAABB, with universities or colleges most frequently requiring AABBB. Occasionally, universities ask for Advanced Highers to supplement Highers. If Advanced Highers are requested, universities or colleges typically ask for ABB.
Selection
Social work – Interviews form a key part of the selection process and applicants are also required to complete a written test. Relevant work experience is essential (up to six months part time experience is required by some courses) and universities will look for evidence that you are suited to social work including your:
- interest and motivation to undertake the career
- interpersonal and communication skills
- ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds
- resilience to deal with challenging and emotionally difficult cases
Royal Anthropological Institute
Personal statement
Competition for places can be high so personal statements form an essential part of the selection process. Admissions tutors want to see you have aptitude, interest, and motivation in you chosen subject. In general, this means they are looking for:
- an explanation of what drives your interest in your chosen field
- evidence that you have a real enthusiasm for the subject, which could be demonstrated by:
- relevant work experience/shadowing or voluntary work
- additional reading and research
- membership of related societies/clubs
- a range of interests outside of academic study – e.g. sport, music
- a well written statement that shows you are a motivated individual who has something to contribute to the university
- ability to work individually and in teams
British Association of Social Workers
Apprenticeships
If you want to combine work and study while earning a salary, you could consider an apprenticeship. Which apprenticeships are available, and how you apply, depends on where you live.
Find out more about apprenticeships across the UK.
Each apprenticeship sets out occupational standards for specific job roles, designed by employers. The standards outline the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to demonstrate that an apprentice is fully competent in the job role.
Higher apprenticeships (Level 4)
- Children, young people & families practitioner
- Police community support officer
- Senior housing/property management
Degree apprenticeships (Levels 5 – 7)
Key areas of employment
Key areas of employment include:
- local and central government policy development and research
- health, social and education support services – including, social work, youth work, probation, careers advice and guidance, learning mentoring, and education administration
- finance and commerce
- voluntary and charitable organisations
- media, journalism, and public relations
Related careers
Examples of related careers include the following job titles:
