Social Science in UK

Geography explores the relationships between people, places and the environment. Our diverse degree has a strong emphasis on applied skills and career development. You can choose to specialise or maintain a broad range of interests, and an optional placement year offers work experience. You learn from expert, accessible, supportive staff who are skilled researchers in their field. Plymouth is the ideal setting as a vibrant urban environment surrounded by iconic rural and coastal landscapes.

Our geography degrees make the most of geography’s strengths in tackling head on the biggest global challenges we face. Modules have been designed to address many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – developed by the UN as the 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all' – all of our degrees are fully accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

The Sociology of Education MA is designed to guide students through the latest theories, concepts and research in the sociology of education, exploring the wider political, social and cultural contexts of policy and practice in education. 

The DPhil in Anthropology is the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography’s advanced research degree, and is awarded to candidates who have completed a substantial original piece of research in the field. 

The DPhil in Anthropology is the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography’s advanced research degree, and is awarded to candidates who have completed a substantial original piece of research in the field. Anthropology - the study of humans - is a very diverse field and a wide range of research foci are reflected within the activities and structure of the department (see the description of the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography and its constituent units). DPhil students in the department research topics across this wide range of research foci, including migration and migrant populations, social and cultural influences on medical practice and health, material culture and its representation in museums, human cooperation and pro-social behaviour, the evolution of human behaviour, human adaptations and interactions with the environment and technology, and the huge range of topics that fall under the social anthropological concerns of learning about different populations’ versions of the world and relating them to each other.

The programme provides training and practice in developing research skills, especially through fieldwork with human subjects, though this is not compulsory. It also offers practice in analysing, interpreting and writing up research-related materials, and in presenting such materials in seminar-type formats. Upon successful completion of the course students will have developed the skills and a body of work that qualifies them to work as researchers within their chosen area.

Our Education, Policy & Society MA is an interdisciplinary course which draws on sociology, political science, economics and history to address the challenges of education policy and provision. It will give you a deep understanding of educational policy and processes in relation to issues of race, social class, gender and changes such as globalisation and new managerialism.

The MEarthSci Geology and Physical Geography programme will develop your understanding of:

• the Earth from its origin, composition and structure (geology)
• how rivers, glaciers, volcanoes, and human impact define the modern and ancient landscape at all scales (physical geography)
   

We will give you an integrated scientific understanding of the Earth as a connected system. The topography of which is developed through the interaction of surface and deep Earth processes.

It is this integrated understanding that underpins research on global change and some of the world's most pressing physical environmental challenges.

This degree is designed to be flexible, and you will have opportunities to focus on your key interests through optional courses.

We also place a strong emphasis on practical experience. This means you will develop the hands-on skills prized by employers, preparing you to join the next generation of researchers.

The Social Inequalities and Research Methods MSc is a wide-ranging course for students interested in social inequality. Join Warwick Sociology to develop theoretical awareness of the social processes that generate social inequality, and a set of cutting-edge research skills to empirically study its causes and effects.

The MA in Geography (Research Methods) - or MARM - aims to give a broad training in social science research methodology as well as more specific training in the approaches and techniques used in human geography. There is a balance between theory and practical application. The course includes skills training and reflection on personal experience, and those who are going on to MPhil/PhD work are encouraged to relate what they learn to their future research. Most of the teaching is in small groups and emphasises student engagement and discussion.

The MARM is an ESRC recognised Masters training course and all modules are designed and delivered in line within the ESRC's requirements. All modules include formative and summative assessment. The teaching is delivered in Terms 1 and 2. From Easter onwards you will work on your dissertation with the support of an allocated supervisor.

If you wish to pursue a career in the charitable, education, government or civil service or the heritage sectors then this course is ideally suited to you. It will also appeal to those who may already be working within an organisation with a strong interest in gender in society.

For those who are interested in pursuing a more research-focused option the MSc Applied Gender Studies can also be taken as a Research Methods route. This allows graduates to meet the criteria for ESRC funding, an important factor if you plan to go on to PhD study in the Social Sciences.

By completing this course you will develop the analytical and practical skills necessary to engage critically with contemporary gender issues including:

• gender theory 
• gender equality
• feminist theory
• queer theory
• LGBT studies
• gender & society

A key focus of this course is how these concepts can be applied within real-world contexts. You will have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience working on a research project with an external organisation from the feminist third sector and organisations committed to gender equality in arts, culture and sport.

For the Research Excellence Framework (REF, 2014), the current system to assess the quality of UK research, SSH submitted to two panels – ‘Area Studies’ and ‘Modern Languages and Linguistics’. The results released on 18 December 2014 ranked Aston amongst the leading institutions in the UK and achieved some particularly outstanding successes:

• Area Studies: 81% of the SSH submission has been judged as “world leading or internationally excellent”. This is the 3rd highest percentage in the UK for this unit of assessment.
• Modern Languages and Linguistics: 60% of the SSH submission has been awarded the highest marks (4*) for research impact. This is the highest 4* percentage in the West Midlands, and places Aston within the top 10 for this unit of assessment regarding impact.
• Area Studies: The submission is ranked 5th out of 23 institutions in the UK for Area Studies in the overall REF 2014 rankings.
  • Modern Languages and Linguistics: 100% of the SSH submission to this panel has been awarded 4* or 3* for research environment, ranking Aston joint 1st in the UK for this measure.

Birkbeck’s BSc Geography with Foundation Year gives you the skills and knowledge to understand our changing physical and social environment, and how this impacts on the challenges facing our world in the twenty-first century. Learning from leading researchers in the field, you will discover the multiple connections between space, place, human culture and the physical landscape in which we live, addressing issues such as climate change, the causes and impact of inequalities, and how we live together in an increasingly urban world.

The Department of Anthropology offers supervision in a wide range of areas for research degrees.

In addition to the particular research interests of each member of staff, we have a number of postgraduate students undertaking research of contemporary social and political relevance in Britain and Europe.

Current students are engaged in research projects covering a broad range of subjects, located in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Are you changing disciplines? Need to improve your level of English? Don't otherwise meet the academic entry requirements for direct entry to a master's degree? Our Graduate Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences offers non-UK students a one-year pathway to postgraduate study at Queen Mary and other UK institutions.

Running from either September to June or January to July, this highly intensive diploma is primarily aimed at those wanting to study business and management, politics and international relations, linguistics or film.

You'll take two compulsory modules along with two other modules of your choice, which will be determined by the subjects you want to study at Masters Level after completing your diploma. You'll develop solid knowledge in your chosen academic field, and improve your ability to use academic English effectively at postgraduate level.

 MA Sociology at Newcastle offers in-depth engagement with contemporary debates in sociology. We are a lively and welcoming team of diverse subject specialists.

We'll help you:

• stretch your sociological imagination
• identify the social issues you really care about
• extend your research skills

Our master's in Sociology equips you with an awareness and understanding of the theoretical traditions and concepts that shape the discipline. A dissertation and a variety of taught options provide you with an opportunity to engage with key sociological questions.

You'll have the opportunity to explore cutting edge research across:

• identity and citizenship
• social institutions and transformations
• patterns of inequality and injustice

You'll receive training in social research methods. You'll then undertake research to inform and shape a substantial dissertation project.

This course covers the fundamentals of sociological and social policy analysis. You'll explore research techniques and information retrieval while developing your presentation and analytical skills.

Social policy is a cutting-edge discipline. Alongside exploring a range of sociological issues, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about complex global challenges such as social inequalities, health, welfare, income, labour and migration.

On this degree you'll be taught by academic staff from the department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion where you will examine how conflicts can be resolved and prevented within the context of global politics and international security. In year one, you’ll be introduced to core concepts through the module International Relations: Theory and Practice plus two further modules either from within the Department or in subjects that complement your studies.

In your second and third years, you’ll examine peace and conflict resolution in detail. You can select from second year modules which include Peace Studies in Action; International Relations, Security and Sustainability and Politics of Development and Global Changes. Final year modules include Politics of Global Danger; Contemporary Issues in Human Rights, and Understanding External Intervention in Violent Conflicts.

On our BSc (Hons) Sociology course we’ll encourage you to apply your intellect to the study of large-scale social trends, the significance of key social institutions and the subtleties of everyday behavior, lifestyles and identities.

You’ll gain a thorough grounding in theoretical and empirical debates within sociology and be trained to apply this understanding to current issues. You will also be equipped with an understanding of social divisions and social inequalities.

Through research methods training from Level 4 onwards, you will gain an understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods which is valued by many employers.

Study with us, and you’ll join one of the most prestigious sociology departments in the UK, which is also well known for its friendly and supportive nature. We are ranked 6th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2022.

International Relations and History explores globalization, human rights, international and regional politics, peace and conflict, political economy, security studies and strategic studies. You will also cover history through subjects including women’s history and gender, memory of war and conflict, and British social history.

Studying this three-year degree course opens up a range of exciting career opportunities by helping you develop skills, which are highly valued by employers.

Learn how to use economic tools to tackle global issues. You're taught both subjects by leading experts whose research influences ground-breaking debate and global economic policy.

You'll gain an understanding of the theories and history of development and aid and explore development within the international economy. You'll learn how economics is used to analyse real-world issues and explore topics such as the principles of economics at macro and micro level, the development process, policy initiatives, and issues and dilemmas in development.

There is a focus on colonialism in understanding modern development policy, and key development thinkers. You’ll study areas such as trade, global imbalances, the financial crisis and financial markets. You'll also get key quantitative skills by studying mathematics and statistics, as well as statistical techniques and research methods from studying econometrics. 

Choose from a range of economics and international development options, including international trade or development economics. They help you explore development issues and the real-world concerns faced by development professionals. You also benefit from having an Academic Success Adviser who can help you with academic study skills including critical thinking, presenting, academic writing and note-making. You can also broaden your experience further with an option to study abroad or apply for a professional placement year.

There is no better city than Leicester to explore fundamental sociological concepts such as ethnicity, migration and social class. With a range of vibrant and diverse communities including Narborough Road, “the most diverse street in Britain”, Leicester offers the perfect environment to develop your craft via observation, participation and guided reflection.

Our Sociology BA will provide you with a thorough grounding in research methods, theory and a variety of substantive topics. Throughout your degree you’ll be getting to grips with topical issues in contemporary society – based on areas where our academics are conducting cutting-edge research. You will develop transferable skills as well as more traditional academic competencies.

We provide many opportunities for you to enhance your degree. Under expert and supportive supervision you can conduct a sociological research project on a topic of your choice. You will collect data in the field, analyse it and write it up. You can also choose to study abroad, a great way of broadening your horizons and experiencing a different academic climate.

We were one of the first Sociology Departments to be established in the UK, and we now have an international reputation, a wealth of experience in teaching and an enviable research pedigree. Particular areas of expertise in sociology at Leicester include:

• Sport and deviance
• Children and childhood
• Identity, fashion and consumption
• Migration and citizenship
• The global sex trade and cosmetic surgery
• Age and the life course
• Happiness and well-being

Flexibility underpins our degree structure, which means that you will get to shape your degree to suit your own interests and career aspirations. Whichever direction you choose, you will be taught by enthusiastic scholars who are keen to share their expertise with you.

tudying geography at Heriot-Watt covers human geography, physical geography, social policy, economics and modern studies. It combines theory and practical work drawn from these main subject areas to create an inherently interesting and broadly defined university degree.