BA Social Sciences
University of the West of Scotland
About this course
BA (Hons) Social Sciences is a social sciences and sociology degree exploring human institutions and social change. The course combines sociology, political science, and criminology to address complex societal challenges. Students build foundational knowledge in the first two years before specializing through dissertation topics and specific pathway routes including Politics & Sociology, Sociology & Criminology, Politics & Criminology, Politics & Policy, and Sociology & Policy.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Accelerated Entry Direct entry into year 2 and 3 is possible for suitably qualified applicants. | Year 1 -- Scottish Highers: Standard Entry Requirements: BBCC (96 UCAS Tariff points); Minimum Entry Requirements: CCC (63 UCAS Tariff points); Alternative Minimum Entry Requirements: CC (42 UCAS Tariff points) PLUS successful completion of one of the following: UWS Foundation Academy Foundation Apprenticeship UWS Next Steps to University module Top-Up LEAPS; A Levels: CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points); Irish Leaving Certificate: H3 H3 H3 H3; International Baccalaureate: 27 points; Scottish Wider Access Programme: Access to Humanities; Access to Languages, Arts & Social Sciences; Access to Law, Criminal Justice & Social Sciences; Access to Primary Education; Access to Social Sciences; Access to Social Work; All with Grades BBB.; Glasgow University Access Course: BB; SQA HNC / BTEC Level 4 HNC: Applied Science; Childhood Practice; Counselling; Legal Services; Police Studies; Social Care/Services; Social Sciences; Social Studies; Working with Communities; SQA HND / BTEC Level 5 HND: Childhood Practice; T Level: Pass / Grade C (96 UCAS Tariff points), or above | Year 2 -- SQA HNC / BTEC Level 4 HNC: Social Sciences; Social Studies; With Grade B in Graded Unit.; Qualifications Scotland (QS) HNC (NextGen): Social Sciences; With passes in all subjects, modules or units, and a final classification of Merit; SQA HND / BTEC Level 5 HND: Social Sciences; Social Studies | Year 3 -- SQA HND / BTEC Level 5 HND: Social Sciences; Social Studies; With Grades BB in Graded Units.; Qualifications Scotland (QS) HND (NextGen): Social Sciences; Social Studies; With passes in all subjects, modules or units, and a final classification of Merit
What students say
Based on about 26 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 99%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 125 students who started
- Continued on course: 67%
- Left higher education: 30%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 107 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 74%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 6%
- Unemployed: 1%
Most common jobs
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 15%
- Welfare Professionals: 12%
- Teaching Professionals: 12%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 81%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 81%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 66%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 645 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- Scotland: 99%
Who gets in
Based on about 65 students who started
- A levels: 62%
- Access course: 3%
- A degree: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 32%
- No formal qualifications: 2%
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Social Sciences at University of the West of Scotland earn?
The median salary is £29,500 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £34,500. The £27,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Social sciences.
What do graduates of BA Social Sciences at University of the West of Scotland do next?
91% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Social Sciences at University of the West of Scotland?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Social Sciences at University of the West of Scotland?
The typical offer is CCC at A level, or 27 points in the IB. The average entrant had 114 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Social Sciences at University of the West of Scotland?
67% of students continued into their second year, and 30% left higher education.