Social Science

Social Science is an umbrella discipline that draws together the systematic study of human society and behaviour, using the methods and insights of sociology, criminology, politics, social policy, and related fields to understand how societies are organised, how they change, and how power, inequality, and social institutions shape the lives of individuals and communities. It is a field oriented towards the most pressing questions of contemporary life: how do inequalities of class, race, gender, and disability intersect, how do criminal justice systems work, how are social policies made and with what effects, and how can communities develop and thrive?

At Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, this three-year, full-time degree offers a flexible modular structure that allows you to tailor your studies to your particular interests within the broad field of social science, whether you are drawn to sociology, criminology, law, politics, social policy, or social work. You will investigate today's most pressing social issues, developing the analytical tools to understand them and the communication skills to articulate your findings clearly. The degree includes a sandwich year, work placements, and the option of a year abroad, giving you professional and international experience that complements your academic study.

Social science graduates work across a wide range of careers in which understanding society and human behaviour is professionally relevant: social work, youth work, probation, community development, the civil service, research, journalism, policy analysis, NGOs, and the charity sector are all common directions. The flexibility of the degree and the breadth of disciplines it spans make graduates versatile in the job market. Postgraduate study in sociology, criminology, social policy, social work, or politics provides routes to more specialised professional and research roles.