Combined Honours in Social Sciences,BA

If you are curious about the big issues that shape our society, this course may be for you. Taking a research-led approach, Combined Honours in Social Sciences explores systems, institutions, cultures and behaviours that shape the lives of people across the world. 

A multidisciplinary qualification that sits outside of traditional boundaries, this bespoke, academically ambitious course offers exceptional flexibility. 

You can choose to focus on two subjects or spread your learning across three or four to suit your individual interests, strengths and career plans. You can also apply to add a placement year or year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.

Learning from academics working at the forefront of their specialisms, our students graduate feeling confident, intellectually engaged and well prepared for employment or further study. As a graduate you will be well placed to take up a career in fields as diverse as teaching, journalism, social work, in financial services or the charity sector.

In the Social Sciences you can choose from:

• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Business
• Economics
• Education
• Geography
• International Relations
• Politics
• Sociology and Criminology
• Sport

Up to half of your modules can be chosen from subjects in the Arts and Humanities (subject to timetable compatibility and entry requirements):

• Classics and Ancient History
• English Literature 
• History
• Music 
• Philosophy 
• Theology and Religious Studies
• Visual Arts
• Languages, currently Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish

The degree culminates in a dissertation on a relevant topic which draws together the skills developed throughout the course.

Choose from more than 20 subject areas, build a bespoke degree that will broaden your interests and develop your strengths across multiple areas.

A level offer – A*AA.

Contextual offer – AAB.

If you would like to study:

• Business, a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics is required.
• Economics, an A in A level Mathematics is required.
• English Literature, History or Music a grade A at A level (or equivalent) is required in the subject.
• Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Russian, or Spanish at an advanced level, a grade A at A level (or equivalent) in the language is required.
• Arabic, French, German, Italian, Russian, or Spanish ab initio, an A at A level (or equivalent) in a modern foreign language is required.
• Chinese or Japanese ab initio, a grade A at A level (or equivalent) in a modern foreign language is desirable but not essential.
• Sport, a grade 5 in GCSE English Language is required.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and subject specific A levels (or equivalent) as above.

IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects. Subject requirements as listed above for A level. Students wishing to study the subjects listed above would need to achieve Higher Level grade 6 in the subject. For students wishing to study Economics we are happy to accept Higher Level Maths Analysis 6, Higher Level Maths Applications 6, or Standard Level Maths Analysis 7. Standard Level Maths Applications is not acceptable.

After we have received your application we will send you a link, which you will need to follow to submit your subject choices. We will use this information to establish that you have satisfied, or will satisfy, any special requirements for studying these subjects, and to assist us in the evaluation of your personal statement.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

• We are happy to consider applications for deferred entry.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

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