Social Science (foundation year) BA

University of Leeds

United Kingdom, Leeds

University Rank:#83

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Duration4 year(s)

Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

Social Science (foundation year) BA

About

Course overview

This foundation year course is for students who don’t meet the standard admissions requirements for an undergraduate degree.

If you feel you missed out on education and want to realise your potential, this course will give you a firm grounding in the social sciences and prepare you for one of our social science degree courses.

The course lasts four years. Your first-year acts as a ‘Level 0’ foundation year, which gives you the skills for studying social sciences at undergraduate level. It’ll also introduce you to key ideas in sociology, politics, crime, education and law.

You’ll need to pass this year to progress onto one of our three-year undergraduate degree courses in a related subject. These include BA Sociology, BA Social Policy, Sociology and Crime, BA Politics, LLB Law, BA Social Work, BA Criminal Justice and Criminology and many others (see Course details).

In a supportive and friendly environment, you’ll be able to explore society and social change while learning how to study and developing important skills to prepare for an undergraduate degree.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

Alternative entry

Academic entry requirements

We usually look for evidence of prior study at GCSE level, such as Mathematics and English at GCSE. However, we do consider applications from people who can demonstrate their potential and commitment in other ways.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in an informal interview as part of the application process.

Alternative Entry Scheme

If you don't have the required GCSE qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme. As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and Mathematics. Contact the Programme Team for more information: [email protected]

Professional qualifications programmes

If you’re interested in progressing onto one of our professional qualification degree programmes, such as BA Social Work, you will need to have GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or equivalent. For BA Social Work, we would consider your application if you were studying for these qualifications alongside your Foundation Year programme.

If you’re interested in some of our other professional qualification degrees, such as Adult Nursing or Mental Health Nursing, you will need to have passed five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Mathematics, English and two Science subjects.

Career

Career opportunities

Studying at Leeds will help make you an attractive prospect to employers. We’re the 5th most targeted university by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers report, the Graduate Market in 2022).

Graduate destinations

Our graduates secure employment with some of the biggest UK companies in human resources, communications management, broadcasting and advertising. They are also ideally equipped to work in the public and third sector including in the Civil Service, teaching, youth work, fostering/children’s services, probation services, social work, prison service, housing and homelessness prevention.

Postgraduate opportunities

Graduates from this course are well prepared for postgraduate study across a range of disciplines. Our recent graduates have gone on to study sociology, social policy, teacher training, journalism, occupational therapy, human resources, marketing, social work, criminal justice studies and social research.

Fee Information

Social Science (foundation year) BA

University of Leeds

United Kingdom, Leeds

Go to Official Website