UCAS code
LL00
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Course overview
Explore society’s biggest challenges through our flexible, interdisciplinary BASc Social Sciences programme, empowering you to connect ideas, question assumptions, and understand the world from multiple perspectives.
Our BASc Social Sciences degree lets you study a range of subjects including Sociology, Criminology, Politics, Education, Business, and more - allowing you to shape your degree around your interests and career goals.
This course equips you with the skills to tackle society’s biggest challenges - from shaping policy to driving community change - with the flexibility to thrive across diverse sectors and create meaningful impact.
Why study this course?
Our BASc Social Sciences degree empowers you to explore society’s biggest challenges from a variety of perspectives, drawing on the key social science disciplines. By blending these fields, you’ll gain the critical tools needed to examine global and local issues, equipping you to make meaningful, informed contributions to change.
- Think across disciplines: Combine Sociology, Criminology, Politics, Business, and more for powerful problem-solving.
- Tailor your degree: Choose modules to focus on favourite subjects or explore new interests.
- Develop career-ready abilities: Build critical thinking, research and problem-solving skills for today's job market.
- Explore global challenges: Address urgent issues like climate change and inequality to create lasting impact.
- Learn from experts: Study with world-class academics offering insights across social science disciplines.
- Broaden your experience: Gain global insights or hands-on skills with a Year Abroad or Placement.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
You’ll learn from leading experts in Social Sciences and explore subjects including Sociology, Criminology, Social Policy, Politics, International Relations, International Development, Education, and Business Management. This flexible degree helps you develop skills to tackle global and local challenges.
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
Workshop
Projects
Teaching methods includes the following, all designed to support your career and meet course outcomes:
- Lecture: Academics deliver structured talks to large student groups; less interactive, mainly note-taking.
- Tutorial: Small group discussions with a tutor which are informal.
- Seminar: Small, informal sessions to complement lectures; encourage discussion and interaction with peers and tutors.
- Workshop: Hands-on sessions in small groups; learn tools or techniques essential for your course.
Assessment methods and feedback
Each module is assessed independently, and all modules contain some components of continuous assessment (that means assessment taking place during the teaching terms). Some modules are assessed entirely through coursework, without an end-of-year examination. At the beginning of each module, you'll be given information on how and when you'll be assessed for that module. You'll receive feedback on each assessment within 20 working days so that you can learn from and build on what you have done, including written feedback on your assessments, class feedback, and discussions with your tutor.
Support during your studies
You will have access to our comprehensive support system to help you make a smooth transition to university-level study.
- Personal tutors: Offer academics support and advice during your studies.
- Wellbeing Officers: Provide guidance on extensions, adjustments, and access to wider support.
- Academic Skills Centre: Workshops to improve writing, note-taking, and presentation skills.
- Student Experience team: Support your academic, social, and career development.
Contact hours
For all undergraduate modules, you'll attend lectures and seminars regularly throughout the term. Contact hours vary dependent on module choice. As well as time with your lecturers and personal tutor, academic and professional services staff (like our dedicated Careers Network team) will be available to offer individual and group support throughout your time at Birmingham.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year 1
Year 1
In your first year, you will take two compulsory modules:
- Global Challenges: Discovering Social Science Part I
- Global Challenges: Discovering Social Science Part II
During these first-year modules, you'll explore key global issues - like poverty, climate change, crime, and migration - through core modules taught by experts from across the social sciences. These modules will equip you with the tools to understand and respond to today's most pressing challenges.
You must also choose 80 credits of optional modules, with access to modules from across the College of Social Sciences. You will be encouraged to take modules in at least three different disciplines.
All first-year modules are subject to timetabling viability and any prerequisites for specific subject areas.
Year 2
Year 2
In your second year, you will take one compulsory module:
During this second-year compulsory module, you will be introduced to the theory and practice of social research, preparing you to carry out your own independent research project in your final year. Through hands-on activities, real-world case studies, and insights from experienced researchers, you'll learn how social research helps tackle global challenges.
You must also choose 100 credits of optional modules and you will have access to modules from across the College of Social Sciences.
All second-year modules are subject to timetabling viability and any prerequisites for specific subject areas.
Year 3
Year 3
In your third year, you will complete one compulsory module:
In your final year, you will design and carry out your own research projects on a topic of your choice, working one-on-one with an academic supervisor. Drawing on the skills developed throughout your degree, you'll apply social science methods to explore real-world issues from either a single-discipline or interdisciplinary perspective.
You must also take 80 credits of optional modules from across the College of Social Sciences.
All third-year modules are subject to timetabling viability and any prerequisites for specific subject areas.
Placement Year, Year Abroad or Intercalated Year: If you have chosen any of these options, this will happen in your third year of study.
Year 4
Year 4
This is only applicable to those who have chosen to take a Year Abroad, Placement Year, or Intercalated Year.
In your fourth year, you will complete one compulsory module:
In your final year, you will design and carry out your own research projects on a topic of your choice, working one-on-one with an academic supervisor. Drawing on the skills developed throughout your degree, you'll apply social science methods to explore real-world issues from either a single-discipline or interdisciplinary perspective.
You must also take 80 credits of optional modules from across the College of Social Sciences.
All fourth-year modules are subject to timetabling viability and any prerequisites for specific subject areas.
Teaching staff
Dr Evelyn Svingen
Assistant Professor in Criminology
Dr Evelyn Svingen is an Assistant Professor in Criminology with an interest in the biosocial mechanisms of etiology of crime.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
AAB
- IB
6,6,5 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall
- BTEC
BTEC options considered
-
Number of A levels required: 3
General Studies: not accepted
T Levels: all subjects considered. Standard offer: Distinction overall with A in the Core Component.
GCSE Maths Level 5/Grade B and GCSE English at Level 6/Grade B required to undertake Business Management modules.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
- Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
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Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBB
- Contextual Offer
ABB
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Career opportunities
As the most sought-after UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024), our BASc Social Sciences degree prepares you for a wide range of careers across sectors. With its interdisciplinary focus, this degree equips you with the analytical, research, and communication skills that employers in today’s complex world are looking for. Whether you're aiming to shape policy, influence change, or understand the systems that drive society, this degree gives you the tools to make an impact wherever your path takes you.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.