Social sciences subject sessions

This interactive session introduces students to the role of social workers and the impact they have on individuals and communities. Students will explore real-life scenarios to understand the challenges social workers face and the skills required to support vulnerable people.Through practical, skills-based activities, students will develop communication, empathy and decision-making skills while considering how social workers balance care, responsibility and ethical decision-making.

Year group: Years 10-11

Delivery format: On campus

Duration: 1 hour

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Lynn Shorter

This interactive session introduces students to the role of social workers and the impact they have on individuals and communities. Students will explore real-life scenarios to understand the challenges social workers face and the skills required to support vulnerable people.Through practical, skills-based activities, students will develop communication, empathy and decision-making skills while considering how social workers balance care, responsibility and ethical decision-making.

Year group: Years 12-13

Delivery format: On campus

Duration: 1 hour

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Lynn Shorter

This session introduces students to social policy through the exploration of a contemporary case study, helping them understand how governments respond to key social challenges such as inequality, poverty, health and education.

Students will examine how policies are developed, implemented and evaluated, and consider who benefits from different approaches. The session explores how evidence, politics and public opinion shape decision-making, and how policies can have both intended and unintended consequences.

Using real-world examples, students will gain insight into how social policy affects everyday life and how it is used to address major societal issues. The session provides an accessible introduction to social policy as a subject, highlighting how it is studied at university and its relevance to current debates.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: Online webinar

Duration: 45 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Laura Kelly

This session introduces students to sociology through the exploration of a contemporary case study, helping them understand how society shapes people’s lives, opportunities and identities. Students will examine key sociological questions such as: how are societies organised, why does inequality exist, and how do social structures influence behaviour?

Using real-world examples, the session explores how sociologists study issues such as class, gender, race and social change. Students will consider how individual experiences are shaped by wider social forces, and how sociology helps us make sense of current social issues.

The session provides an accessible introduction to sociology as a subject, highlighting how it is studied at university and how it connects to everyday life and global challenges.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: Online webinar

Duration: 45 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Laura Kelly

This session introduces students to criminology through the exploration of a contemporary case study, helping them understand how and why crime occurs and how societies respond. Students will examine key questions such as: what causes crime, who defines it, and how effective are different approaches to prevention and punishment?

Using real-world examples, the session explores how criminologists analyse crime from different perspectives, including social, psychological and political viewpoints. Students will also consider how crime is represented in the media and how this shapes public understanding and policy responses.

The session provides an accessible introduction to criminology as a subject, highlighting how it is studied at university and how it connects to current issues in society.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: Online webinar

Duration: 45 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Laura Kelly

This interactive session uses the University campus as a starting point to explore key ideas in sociology, social policy and criminology. Through a guided campus tour, students will examine how everyday spaces reflect wider social issues such as inequality, youth culture, consumption and the night-time economy.

Students will be encouraged to think critically about familiar environments by asking questions such as: where does your coffee come from? How do cities change over time? Who benefits from economic activity? The session brings social science concepts to life by connecting theory to real-world observations.

Where a campus tour is not suitable, the session can be delivered as an interactive classroom-based activity. Students take part in a fast-paced simulation game that explores inequality and social outcomes, helping them understand how structural factors shape life chances.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: On campus

Duration: 90 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Laura Kelly

This session introduces students to studying Economics at university, exploring how economic ideas are used to understand real-world issues such as inflation, inequality, global markets and public policy.

Students will gain an overview of what studying Economics involves, including key areas such as economic theory, data analysis (econometrics), behavioural economics and financial systems. The session highlights how mathematical and analytical skills are developed and supported throughout the degree, and how these skills are applied to solve real-world problems.

Students will also learn about the structure of the course, including optional modules, assessment methods and opportunities for placements and study abroad. The session concludes by exploring the wide range of career pathways available to Economics graduates, including roles in finance, government, consulting and data analysis.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: On campus, Online webinar, or in school

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Apurav Bhatiya

This session introduces students to studying Business Management at university, exploring how businesses operate and respond to real-world challenges. Students will gain an overview of the degree, including how the course is structured and the key themes studied, such as leadership, strategy, marketing and organisational behaviour.

The session highlights what makes the programme distinctive, including its focus on practical application, employability and the development of analytical and professional skills. Students will learn how business concepts are applied to real organisations and global challenges, helping them understand the relevance of the subject beyond the classroom.

Students will also gain insight into the skills developed throughout the degree and the wide range of career opportunities available in areas such as management, consulting, marketing and entrepreneurship.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: Online webinar

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Session type: Careers pathway

Academic lead: Dr Angela Marqui

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, study and make decisions — but what does that mean for students choosing their future? This interactive series of online sessions explores how AI is reshaping careers, skills and degree pathways across all sectors.

Through a series of five short “fireside chat” sessions, students will hear from academics, current university students and industry voices, gaining a range of perspectives on how to navigate a rapidly changing world. The sessions are designed to help students think critically about their choices, understand how different subjects connect to future careers, and recognise that AI-related opportunities extend far beyond computing.No technical background is required — just curiosity about your future.

The series is particularly valuable for students who are uncertain about what to study or want to better understand how their interests align with future opportunities.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: Online webinar

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Ting Luo

This interactive session explores why women and other marginalised groups remain underrepresented in political institutions. Through a combination of data-led activities, discussion and debate, students will examine what political representation means and why it matters for democracy.

Students will explore key concepts such as descriptive and substantive representation, and consider whether increasing the number of women in politics leads to meaningful change. Using real-world examples, including international case studies, the session examines the barriers to participation in politics and the challenges faced by underrepresented groups.

The session encourages students to engage critically with questions of fairness, equality and power, and to evaluate potential solutions such as gender quotas and policy reform.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: On campus or online

Duration: 60-90 minutes 

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Julian Paenke

This session introduces students to studying Business Management at university, exploring how businesses operate and respond to real-world challenges. Students will gain an overview of the degree, including how the course is structured and the key themes studied, such as leadership, strategy, marketing and organisational behaviour.

The session highlights what makes the programme distinctive, including its focus on practical application, employability and the development of analytical and professional skills. Students will learn how business concepts are applied to real organisations and global challenges, helping them understand the relevance of the subject beyond the classroom.

Students will also gain insight into the skills developed throughout the degree and the wide range of career opportunities available in areas such as management, consulting, marketing and entrepreneurship.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: Online webinar

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Session type: Careers pathway

Academic lead: Dr Angela Marqui

This interactive session explores how ideas about race and identity shape who "belongs" in Britain. Through activities, scenario work, and reflection, students will examine how identities are formed, how race is socially constructed, and how belonging can feel secure for some but fragile for others. Students will take part in practical exercises that encourage debate, critical thinking, and self-reflection.

Year group: Years 10-13

Delivery format: Online webinar

Duration: 60-90 minutes

Session type: General subject taster

Academic lead: Dr Sameera Khalfey