Social Sciences

取得日期：未有保存

https://www.uwl.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/social-sciences?start=1898&option=33

BSc (Hons) Social Sciences | University of West London

Skip to main content

Search Open menu Close menu

Current students

New students

Returning students

Support for students

Semester and term dates

Policies and regulations

Learning tools and resources

Your feedback

Studying off campus

IT Services

Results and graduation

Student Portal

Student handbook

Student news

Search UWL.ac.uk

Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Social Sciences

Full-timePart-time

September 2027

Fees per year†

£17,250 – International

£10,050 – UK

Duration

Location

Overview

Course details

Our students

Entry and fees

Facilities

Teaching staff

Related courses

How to apply

Register for open day

Start date

Are you interested in tackling the challenges we face in today’s rapidly evolving world? Our BSc (Hons) Social Sciences degree will prepare you to understand these societal issues through an interdisciplinary approach.

During the course, you will focus on the central topics of social science and learn about human behaviour and social interactions at various levels, from individual and family to community and national.

With the guidance of our expert teaching staff, you will explore a range of societal topics, such as crime, democracy, globalisation, decolonisation, inequalities in education, and social justice, with a focus on inequity, sustainability, and inclusion.

Throughout the social science degree, you will be encouraged to consider multiple perspectives and understand diverse viewpoints. In an increasingly globalised world, these intercultural skills are invaluable.

Our BSc (Hons) Social Sciences undergraduate course will also emphasise the importance of enterprise and venture-making, and prepare you to thrive in fast-paced, evolving workplaces.

Why study this course?

2nd modern** London university (non-specialist) - Complete University Guide 2027

Ranked top 50 in the UK and 2nd modern** London university - The Guardian University Guide 2027

Top 20 in the UK for teaching quality - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027

2nd London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2026*

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to

see relevant course information:

Study options:

We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Full-time

Duration: 3 years

Part-time

Duration: 5 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available,

try selecting a different study option.

What you'll study

On our social sciences degree, you will study a range of core and optional modules, covering politics, criminal behaviour and process, education, psychology and social justice.

During the course, you will develop an interdisciplinary approach to your studies and consider multiple and contrasting perspectives.

You will explore why individuals often fail to implement solutions to social science challenges and will understand how to develop effective policies and interventions that promote positive outcomes for individuals and societies.

Module options

In Level 4, all modules are compulsory.

In Level 5, you will study two compulsory modules and then choose four optional modules - two in the first semester and two in the second semester.

In Level 6, you will complete a dissertation and one compulsory module, and select three optional modules.

Please note: Part-time students take up to 80 module credits per academic year and the structure will vary depending on the number of credits undertaken.

Course subject to approval

Approval is the formal process by which the University ensures that the proposed design, content and delivery of a course will provide a high quality learning experience for all students.

Please note, we regularly review our course content to offer relevant, impactful and career-shaping learning. Therefore, the following modules are indicative and subject to change.

Compulsory modules

Modern Political Thought

This module takes you on an intellectual journey through the ideas that shaped the modern world. From Plato’s search for justice and Aristotle’s vision of the polis, to Machiavelli’s realism, Hobbes’ Leviathan, Locke’s liberalism and Rousseau’s social contract. But it’s more than a history of thought. It’s the story of how power, freedom, and governance were imagined, contested, and redefined.

You will explore how revolutions in industry, science, and society transformed Europe from feudal kingdoms to democratic states, and how ideologies like liberalism, socialism, nationalism, and feminism emerged to challenge the status quo.

By connecting classic thinkers to modern diplomacy, leadership, and political communication, this module grounds you in the foundations of strategic thought that underpin today’s global politics - giving you the intellectual toolkit to understand, critique, and ultimately shape the political narratives of your own time.

Criminal Process and Responsibility

Explore the intricacies of legal procedures and individual accountability, from investigation to trial and beyond with our Criminal Process and Responsibility module.

Delve into theories of culpability, mens rea, and the moral dimensions of criminal behaviour through real-world case studies and landmark legal decisions, preparing you to navigate the complexities of criminal justice while honing your legal analysis skills. Through this module you gain a nuanced understanding of the ethical and legal implications of criminal actions and become equipped to contribute meaningfully to the fair and effective functioning of the criminal justice process.

Understanding Education

This module is designed to enable you to gain an understanding of how education and early years provision in the UK have developed since the 19th century. You will explore philosophical questions about the role of education and consider the aims/purpose of education. You will be introduced to key concepts such as marketisation, social mobility and meritocracy and explore ways in which inequalities related to race, class, gender and disability are reproduced within the education system.

Development in a Social World

In this module you will be introduced to social and developmental psychology. You will learn how humans develop over the lifespan and how individual and group behaviour changes based on the presence of and our interaction with others.

Decolonising the Mind and Social Justice

Media, Culture and Society

This dynamic module explores how media, culture and politics collide in shaping the modern world, and how power, persuasion and freedom are negotiated through them. You will uncover the evolution of media freedom from its liberal roots to today’s algorithmic battlegrounds, questioning who really controls the flow of information and ideas.

From radical art and propaganda to spin, fake news and AI-driven persuasion, the module challenges you to think critically about the global information order. Through lively debates, case studies and media analysis, you will examine how digital platforms influence elections, diplomacy and democracy itself. Key skills for future leaders in politics, international relations and strategic communication.

Whether dissecting global media ownership, exploring censorship, or designing your own counter-narratives, this module gives you the analytical edge to navigate and shape the political media landscape of the 21st century.

New Methods in Social Research

London Enterprise Lab

This module connects academic learning with real-world impact through collaborative projects with external partners in London’s Enterprise Hub. Working in teams, you will apply theoretical knowledge to address pressing challenges related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Sustainability, and Community Engagement. The module fosters innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving, enabling you to translate ideas into practical proposals that generate meaningful social value.

In developing five key areas of graduate capability - Human, Social, Cultural, Psychological and Identity capital - you will build both confidence and professional competence. You will enhance your knowledge base, establish networks, and engage with the complex organisational cultures shaping contemporary work environments. The module also emphasises adaptability, resilience and self-awareness, helping students understand their personal values and professional identities while preparing them to thrive in diverse political, social and institutional contexts.

Optional modules

Personality and Individual Differences

This module will take your understanding of individual differences to the next level. In this module you will explore the role of culture and how assessment and measurement vary across general and diverse populations. You will also cover hands on topics such as psychometrics testing in personality and intelligence.

Sociological Inquiry

Justice Through Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

With diversity being a central pillar of society’s doctrines this module examines diversity, equity and inclusion within the criminal Justice System of England and Wales and examines the causes of perceived and apparent inequities based on gender, social class, race, sexual orientation, religion and other characteristics, protected or otherwise.

The module delves deeper in examining the causes of and society’s response to; hate crime, human trafficking and sex crime and explores the causes and consequences of drugs and crime. The Criminal Justice System itself is examined, diversity within it analysed and the causes of disproportionate representation and underrepresentation explored.

Comparative Education for the Globalised World

This module explores educational goals, policies and practices around the world through a comparative lens. You will gain a critical understanding of the factors, such as poverty, globalisation, migration and conflict, that impact economic and social mobility, school enrolment, girls’ education and access to quality education in different parts of the world.

You will critically examine the colonial and postcolonial roots of comparative education and the distribution of power among the policy actors in the field.

Taking a human rights perspective, you will evaluate the shift from increasing access to formal schooling for all children and communities (Millennium Development Goals) to improving the quality of teaching/learning (Sustainable Development Goals #4) and its implications across various global contexts.

International Order

Through a combination of theoretical exploration and practical engagement, this module provides you with a deep understanding of international institutions and their effectiveness in shaping global policies. It equips you with problem-solving skills through simulations of real-world issues, fostering critical thinking and research abilities. Additionally, the course emphasises the changing nature of global governance, the evolution of multilateralism, and the importance of sustainability in international relations.

By integrating employability-focused activities, such as structured class discussions, you will develop communication skills essential for future careers in diplomacy, policymaking, and global affairs. International organisations exist to address global challenges and facilitate cooperation among nations. While traditional international relations theories view the global system as anarchic, international organisations have become key actors in global governance, particularly since WWII.

However, the last two decades have seen a decline in the effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy, with institutions like the UN, EU, and WHO facing significant challenges. At the same time, the world has become increasingly complex in the context of maintaining international order, with crises such as climate change, refugee displacement, ongoing conflicts, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic testing the resilience of international institutions. This module encourages you to critically analyse the role of these organisations and assess the feasibility of frameworks like the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in tackling contemporary global issues.

Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Resilience in Psychology

This module will provide you with a holistic understanding of resilience and wellbeing. In this module you will journey through the applications of positive psychology and its role in managing mental health. You will also cover topics such as prevention interventions and trauma informed care approaches.

Intersectionality and Identity Formation

Explaining Criminal Behaviour

Explore the world of criminal behaviour with our dynamic module, Explaining Criminal Behaviour. Explore the psychological aspects of crime, unravelling diverse theories to discover the motivations behind criminal actions. This module guides you through a critical examination of human behaviour, emphasising foundational concepts like psychopathy, personality disorders, and behavioural disorders.

From cognitive processes to social learning, gain invaluable insights into the driving forces behind criminal decision-making. Engaging case studies and empirical research bring theory to life, allowing you to analyse the intricate relationship between psychological factors and criminal conduct. Address both psychological and societal perspectives for a well-rounded viewpoint, fostering cultural competence and adaptability—key attributes in the diverse landscape of criminological professions.

Digital Literacies and New Technologies

Politics of the Global South

This module offers a critical comparative analysis of politics in the Global South, focusing on how development, democracy, globalisation and governance unfold across Asia, Africa and Latin America. It examines key themes such as civil society, corruption, aid, migration, clientelism and authoritarianism, while interrogating the enduring legacies of imperialism, orientalism and neo-colonialism. You will explore how historical and structural inequalities shape state-society relations, social movements and international engagement within low- to middle-income countries.

Through case studies, debates and interactive learning activities, the module encourages the application of theory to real-world contexts, developing both analytical and communication skills. You will also investigate the role of NGOs, transnational corporations and foreign interventions in shaping political and economic outcomes, gaining a nuanced understanding of how power operates across the Global South in an increasingly interconnected and contested global landscape.

Dissertation

Venture Making and Social Enterprise

Health Psychology

This module introduces you to the health psychology pathway essential for the healthcare sector. You will learn how psychological principles can be applied to the understanding of illness and health and how to promote healthy behaviours in people and communities.

Race, Ethnicity and Popular Culture

The module explores the relationships between social and cultural ways of understanding identity formation through ideas of ‘high’, ‘low’ and ‘popular’ culture, which are arguably central to our understanding of ‘self’ and ‘other’ in our everyday lives. Consequently, we will interrogate how language and symbolism give meaning to everyday social arrangements, forcing us to challenge the traditional criteria for self-identity, belonging and group membership in a rapidly shrinking global world. This means that criteria such as class, gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, occupation, political affiliation, which would be used to understand your structural placement in society in the past, are now unstable and always in flux. This has resulted in looser and more fluid social arrangements where particular, formerly discrete notions of race and ethnicity, as somewhat fixed and rooted in time and place, are no longer viable ways of ‘knowing’. This is because our social, political and cultural identities transcend narrow local, national and international forms of identification as many locate themselves as global citizens.

Moreover, with the radical shift in social stability in the UK as a consequence of BREXIT, the influx of Eastern Europeans and the issues surrounding refugees and economic migrants, we are faced with very public debates on Britishness and who does and does not belong. This contemporary climate and the increase in far-right extremism in many ways mirrors what happened with the influx of West Indians - The Windrush Generation - in Post War Britain. Therefore, the module will examine how our understanding of race and ethnicity are dependent upon a system of shared meanings and practices, that cannot be reduced to a simple dichotomy between a ‘white’ and ‘non-white’ presence, to determine who does and does not belong in contemporary Britain. Consequently, there will be discussions of the different theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of popular culture, and its association with cultural artefacts such as language, signs and symbols.

Policy and Practice for Teaching and Learning

Education is guided by policy at local, national, and, increasingly, global levels. This module will help you to understand how and why policy is made, the impact upon practice and their role in policy as an educator, and the role that politics, ideology, society, and the economy play in education policy.

Criminal Law and Youth Justice

Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of diplomacy as a tool for conflict resolution and crisis management, combining conceptual, theoretical and practical perspectives. It examines how diplomatic mechanisms operate within contemporary international relations, focusing on negotiation, intelligence, security cooperation and public diplomacy. Through detailed case studies, you will evaluate the effectiveness of traditional and emerging approaches to peacekeeping and mediation, while considering the growing influence of non-state actors, international organisations and sustainability frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By engaging in interactive learning, including live crisis simulations, you will apply theory to practice, collaboratively managing hypothetical international conflicts that test strategic thinking and decision-making under pressure. The module enhances research, analytical and communication skills while deepening understanding of diplomacy’s evolving role in shaping global order. It prepares you to think and act effectively in the complex, fast-changing environments of modern international affairs.

Psychology of Culture and Diversity

This module explores how social psychological theory can be applied to understand issues related to culture and diversity. You will learn how concepts such as multiculturism and social identity can be better understood by adopting a social justice lens.

Migration, Displacement and Social Change

Learning in Multicultural Environments

This module will provide you with the tools to examine and interrogate the assumed neutrality of everyday processes in education settings, explore attitudes to cultural differences, and reflect on the ways in which education practitioners can develop learning environments that can help every child reach their own potential.

Crime Scene Investigation

Fancy yourself as the next Sherlock Holmes? Then this module is for you.

Tackling real-life cases, you'll find out what it’s like to be at the forefront of decision-making in complex crime scenarios. Building on your knowledge of criminal behaviour, you will explore how crime scene investigation can both help and hinder justice being served.

Learn from actual cases and forensic experiments, honing your ability to critically evaluate crime scenes and form analytical judgments. You will develop advanced skills in evidence interpretation, understanding how experts weigh physical, digital, and interview evidence for compelling prosecutions.

Gain core employable skills, including first-hand experience with police techniques for establishing and following leads. Develop an experiential understanding of science's role in the justice system, mastering the skills to navigate error and uncertainty in evidence. Unleash your potential in the exciting realm of forensic sleuthing!

International Human Rights

This module provides a critical exploration of the global human rights system from its origins in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to its contested application in contemporary politics. It examines the legal, philosophical and political foundations of human rights, interrogating why the principles of freedom, equality and dignity, though widely endorsed, often remain unfulfilled in practice. You will analyse the roles of key actors, including states, the United Nations, transnational corporations and NGOs, in shaping how and for whom human rights are protected or denied.

Through case studies on issues such as security, terrorism, Guantánamo Bay, refugee protection, indigenous and minority rights, corporate accountability and climate justice, you will evaluate the tensions between human rights ideals and geopolitical realities. The module culminates in a policy recommendation paper, where you identify a current human rights challenge and propose actionable solutions. Combining debate, critical reflection and applied research, this module develops the analytical, ethical and policy skills essential for understanding and engaging with human rights in global governance.

What our students say

2nd London university for student satisfaction - National Student Survey 26*

I picked UWL because the facilities looked amazing and I loved the focus on helping students secure the right career once they graduate.

Damian Pop

Entry requirements

Requirements:

International

104 UCAS points required

from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

A levels at grade B, C, C or above

BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit

Access to HE Diploma

T Levels.

You must hold a GCSE in English (grade 9 - 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry

To directly enter the second year of this course, you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry

To directly enter the third year of this course, you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, foundation degree or HND in a related subject area.

6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement – a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Fees & funding

Funding:

per year†

Please note:

Fees for the 2027/28 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.

Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs over 2 academic years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year, except if otherwise stated.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependents and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships.

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

Financial support for international students

University of West London facilities

Explore the fantastic facilities at our West London campus, including our Paul Hamlyn Library, places to eat and drink, a brilliant Students' Union, a gym and fitness classes, and more.

Play the video

UWL Libraries will help you to succeed as you progress through your studies. Find out more information about our libraries.

Study facilities

Discover our specialist teaching and study facilities.

Previous slide Next slide

Your future career

On completion of your social sciences degree, you can also engage in further training and attain postgraduate qualifications that may lead to careers in journalism, teaching, law, policing and social work.

If you want to continue your studies and specialise in an area of interest or explore something new, why not browse our postgraduate courses?

Taught by experienced lecturers

Career-focused modules

One-to-one, life-long careers support

Alumni networking events

On campus, specialist careers fairs

Support with CV and interview skills

Work on real-world industry projects

Guest lectures and seminars with industry experts

Job roles

A degree in social sciences will equip you for a range of jobs and career paths, including in:

politics

charities

think tanks

non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

international non-governmental organisations (INGOs)

criminal justice

public administration.

Dr Alice Mukaka Course Leader

My teaching, like my research, is interdisciplinary and spans sociology, politics and cultural studies. I teach on the BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations and BA (Hons) Sociology. I use creative and participatory methodologies in my research and teaching practice to create authentic, collaborative and experiential learning experiences.

View more

View full profile

Natasha Hendry

Dr Stuart Isaacs

How to apply:

Play the "How to apply for university | The University of West London" video

Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:

our institution code - W05

the UCAS course code (below)

Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you.

Call us free on 0800 036 8888

Email us at courses@uwl.ac.uk

We're here to help

Any questions about a course or studying at UWL?

We're here to help - call us on

(Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm GMT)

Or email us anytime:

courses@uwl.ac.uk

Apply for this course:

Institution code W05 Institution code

UCAS code currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code UCAS code

Apply on UCAS.com

You will need our institution code and the UCAS code (above)

You can apply online at any time by clicking on the 'Apply now' button.

Our application form will ask you for some information about what you want to study, your previous qualifications or experience, and how we can contact you.

Apply now

You can apply to us in two ways:

on the UCAS website you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (see top of page)

directly on our website – follow the ‘Apply now’ link

Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.

Ask the International Recruitment Team a question

Learn more about international student applications

Find out more about why you should study in London at the Career University

The University of West London does not offer Student visa sponsorship for part-time courses.

Our application form will ask you for some information about:

what you want to study

your previous qualifications or experience

your visa (if required)

how we can contact you.

Email international@uwl.ac.uk

International student applications

Politics and sociology

Our wide range of career-focused politics and sociology courses at the University of West London will give you the knowledge required to pursue your professional aspirations.

Politics and sociology courses

BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations

BSc (Hons) Criminology

BSc (Hons) Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Educational Practice

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Clinical and Counselling Skills

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminal Investigation

Search for courses

Student life at UWL

Play the "Why choose the University of West London" video

Find out more

Discover seven reasons to study with us and how studying at UWL will support your future career.

Find out about student accommodation and the support for students.

Explore our campus and sites and book onto a campus tour or open day.

Chat to our students

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

†Fees - the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the course. Fees are subject to change. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught international fees are subject to an annual increase.

Teaching - your course will primarily be delivered in-person, however it may include delivery of some activities online, either in real-time or recorded.

Testimonials - quotes are provided by current or former UWL students. These are mostly from the course but quotes from a UWL student on another course may be used if, for example, the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming, however staff and course content may have since changed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route and a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.

Rankings

*The National Student Survey 2026 result is based on the average of all answers by the taught student populations.

**Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and after, 1992.

***PRES - rank out of 53 institutions.

Calling from outside the UK

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Accessibility

Privacy policy

Modern slavery statement

© 2026 University of West London - St Mary's Road, Ealing, London, W5 5RF

Chat with our students

Chat now

院校未公布 DSE 對應等級，請向院校確認。

請查看下方完整入學要求原文，或向院校確認。