Social Science

If you’ve always wanted to understand the world we live in, the way it shapes us and the opportunities we have to shape the future of our society, then this course is for you. This is an excellent course that offers progression onto the HND Social Sciences as well as routes into a range of degree courses, employment and vocational training. You’ll consolidate your existing knowledge from previous study of Social Subjects and enhance your knowledge of a wide and exciting variety of new subjects.

For entry to this course you’ll need:

• Two Highers at B, including English and Social Subjects, OR
• To have successfully completed a relevant Level 6 course
• An interview with us

This course looks at social issues that impact on our daily lives, from individual life experiences to global politics. Here’s just some of what you’ll be doing:

• You’ll look at the social and historical context in which Sociology developed as an academic discipline.
• You’ll explore the founding theories and how these help our understanding of societal issues such as gender, race, class and age inequality, as well as mass media, crime and deviance, education and family.
• You’ll learn about the development of the major schools of thought in Psychology and the theorists that helped shape them.
• You’ll develop a psychological understanding of issues affecting individual and social behaviour such as Forensic Psychology and the nature of criminal behaviour.
• You’ll also explore Psychopathology (schizophrenia, depression, eating disorders, phobias), memory and stress.
• You’ll develop an understanding of the structures and relationships within and between Westminster and the Scottish Parliament.
• You’ll learn about the ever-changing nature of UK and Scottish politics, before looking at some of the philosophical theories, principles and ideas that helped shape the modern Western political world.
• You’ll study major events in Scottish history and evaluate their social and political impacts. Topics may include the experience of Irish Migrants, the impact of industrialisation to the rural population and the changing political landscape of the 20th century.
• Finally, you’ll examine the importance of research in social science, looking at the crucial role it plays in legitimising the work of social scientists. You’ll look closely at the research process and evaluation methods, before conducting your own social science research project.

When you successfully complete this course, you’ll have the choice of:

• Moving onto HND Social Sciences.
• Moving onto a range of degree programmes, such as Social Sciences and Arts degrees, or BA Combined Social Science with the Open University.
• There’s the possibility of 2nd year entry, depending on the university, your graded unit result and references.
• Exploring a number of career opportunities in the public, private and voluntary sectors, such as education, central and local government, health and social care, campaigning and research, voluntary sectors, media and HR. 

By choosing HNC Social Sciences, you may gain: 

• insight into societal dynamics and human behaviour 
• versatile cognitive skills applicable in diverse fields including evaluation and analytical skills based on evidence and fact-finding 
• enhancing communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities 
• opportunities for further study or exciting career paths 
• Increased digital skills including use of Microsoft 365 Suite 

Throughout the course, you will meet with guest speakers from universities, various companies and third sector organisations as well as ex-students who have studied the course and gone on to further study. Some the organisations we work with include Thriving Communities, Police Scotland, Dundonald Castle, Kilwinning Heritage, and East, North, and South Ayrshire Councils.

BA (Hons) Social Science, BSc (Hons) Psychology at GCU, UWS, Glasgow University, Stirling University, and many more options.