Applied Social Sciences BA

Course description

Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle the big social science challenges facing society today, including inequality, injustice and health.

As part of this course you’ll learn how to undertake high-quality research, how to communicate results to different audiences and how research can be applied to make a difference to our lives.

You’ll have the flexibility to focus on your own study pathway from the disciplines we teach:

• Criminology
• Politics
• Education, culture and childhood
• Sociology
• Human geography
• Social policy

In the first year, you'll study up to three of these subjects, examining societal issues from various points of view. In the second year, you choose up to two subject areas. In your third year, you'll choose one area to specialise in.

Studying your own mix of social science topics alongside applied practical research skills will equip you with a unique insight into how you might approach challenges facing society today. You'll also have the opportunity to take up a language.

We’ll teach you how to collect, interpret, apply and present a wide variety of data. This might include managing interview transcripts, conducting focus groups or thinking critically about statistics presented in the news.

You'll be asked to present your findings in a variety of formats, allowing you to develop the skills necessary to articulate yourself and your data confidently to different audiences.

You’ll become confident in writing reports, as well as learning how to create websites, podcasts and posters. These are all essential skills for continuing into the workplace.

We offer valuable work experience as part of your degree, giving you the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you have gained on your course into live work projects. This might include undertaking a module, summer or year long placement at a variety of organisations including YouGov, Shelter and South Yorkshire Police.

If you want to know more about Applied Social Sciences and the Sheffield Methods Institute, follow @shefmethods on Instagram.

With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

• Standard offer
• Access Sheffield offer

English language requirements |

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course, we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

Equivalent English language qualifications

Visa and immigration requirements

Other qualifications | UK and EU/international

Graduate careers

Graduates from this course have secured employment in organisations such as the Civil Service, National Centre for Social Research and Capita in roles such as Data Analyst, Research Officer and Research Analyst. In these jobs, they've directly applied skills they’ve learned on their degrees.