Social Sciences BA (Hons)

Course code L300

What is special about this course?

How curious have you become about how society works and the ways people interact with one another in the way they do? Have you thought about applying this curiosity at degree level with a BA (Hons) Social Sciences?

You will study society, its people and institutions, giving you an insight into the everyday life of our communities and workplaces. You will be able to study and debate with fellow learners and subject specialists, on many of the significant issues that affect our lives.

You will focus on sociology, politics and psychology and develop transferable skills in problem solving, group working and communication, all of which are highly valued by employers. There is strong emphasis on research methods that will give you the skills necessary to carry out independent research for your future career, including your dissertation in the fourth year.

There are also other options available to you including criminology, history, literature, philosophy and theology.

Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.

Special features

  • You will develop your research and methodological skills, which you can take with you into your future career
  • You can specialise in particular disciplines as you progress through your studies
  • You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances
  • You can study individual modules for personal or professional development

Entry requirements

Entry to year one:

  • 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or
  • 2 A levels at grade BC or above
  • At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects
  • Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
  • This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage

Advanced entry to year two:

  • HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7 which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, will be considered for direct entry to year two

Access routes

SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
 

Social sciences is an area I have always been interested in and, speaking to friends from other universities, I feel my experience has been unique here! I really enjoy the modern style of lecturing where the materials are provided to you in advance and instead of a lecture we have a collaborative discussion. It gives us the chance to argue points with peers, and I feel that helps students engage more in the classroom.  

Kirsty studied the BA (Hons) Social Sciences at UHI Perth. 

Apply for Social Sciences BA (Hons)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025 or Jan/Feb 2026

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.