Overview
The social sciences involve the study of human society and social relationships. This degree will empower you to explore, understand and shape the world we live in. You will explore some of the most pressing challenges in modern societies, from crime, justice and democracy, to globalisation, migration, gender and human rights.
In Years 1 and 2, you’ll get a solid foundation in core social science subjects, including:
- criminology
- economics
- history
- politics
- sociology
In Years 3 and 4, you can tailor your degree to reflect your interests and career goals.
You’ll develop a deep understanding of the social values, relationships and institutions that shape our world. You’ll learn to think critically and engage positively with real-world challenges at a local, national and global level. You’ll also enhance your employability with practical, career-ready skills to set you up for success in a dynamic job market.
Throughout the course, we’ll encourage you to be considerate and compassionate, so you can develop into a confident and well-rounded professional, committed to the wellbeing of society.
Why study Social Sciences at GCU?
- Study a broad degree that gives you a solid foundation across criminology, economics, history, politics and sociology, equipping you with versatile skills that open doors to diverse careers.
- Specialise in subjects that reflect your interests and career goals, allowing you to shape a degree that genuinely aligns with your future.
- Learn from leading academics who advise organisations like the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and Police Scotland.
- In Years 3 and 4, you can opt for a work placement module that gives you real‑world experience across sectors – including cold case investigation, policing, social research, heritage, and policy work.
What you will study
We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.
The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.
Core modules
Criminology 1: Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
International Economic Issues and Challenges
History 1: The Rise of Modern Societies 1757 - 1914
Politics 1: Structures and Institutions
Core modules
Sociology 2: Culture and Society
Politics 2: Concepts, Themes and Responses
History 2: The Making of the Contemporary World
Optional modules
Good Times, Hard Times: America in the 1920s and 1930s
Poverty, Inequality and Policy
Work Placement: Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit
Work Placement: Cold Case Unit (WPCCU)
Placement module: Political communications and policy unit (PCPU)
Placement module: History and Heritage work placement
Ending Empire in South Asia: The Twentieth Century
International Politics: Structures, Theories, and Issues
Impact of International Trade Policy
Applied Research in Social Science 1
Applied Research in Social Science 2
Lion versus Eagle: Britain, Germany, and the First World War 1914-1918
Work Placement (Special Constabulary)
Comparative Youth Crime and Justice
Sport and Popular Culture in Britain 1850-1939
Critical Theories of Politics, Culture & Society
Core modules
Optional modules
Hitler's War: The Third Reich, German Society and the Second World War
Environmental Economics and Sustainability
Critical Issues in Global Politics
Criminological Perspectives on Violence
Contemporary Issues in the World Economy
Victimology, Trauma & Social Harm
Making and Managing Public Policy
Democratic Challenges: Ideas and Issues
Ireland: From Famine to Independence, 1845-1923
'The American Century: 20th Century American Popular Culture'
Careers
You will benefit from a wide range of employment opportunities that reflect the diversity of the degree.
You can develop professional links through optional work placements with organisations such as Police Scotland, or by conducting research with partners like the Poverty Alliance through the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit (SPIRU). Regular guest lectures give you the opportunity to connect with practitioners from local, national and international organisations, including the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, the Scottish Parliament and the United Nations, setting you up for your future careers.
Previous students now work in:
- civil service
- criminal justice
- social work
- political and social research
- media
- counselling
- marketing
- HR
- charities
- heritage and tourism.
Graduates have taken on a wide range of roles, including:
- Senior MP Caseworker
- Higher Executive Officer
- Fundraiser
- News Producer
- Widening Participation Officer
- Housing Officer.
They work in a variety of organisations, such as:
- BBC Scotland
- House of Commons
- Civil Service
- Shelter Scotland
- Turning Point Scotland
- Edinburgh Napier University.
Course information
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Download the programme specification
In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.
Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.
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