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BA (Hons) in Social Science

A degree exploring contemporary social issues such as poverty, homelessness and crime, for students with a keen interest in people and communities.

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Why choose this course

  1. The causes of social problems, and how they may be tackled
  2. Draws on criminology, politics, social policy and social theory
  3. Study close to home for a University of Lincoln degree
  4. Study in the day or evening, typically two evenings a week
  5. Graduates have gone on to probation, prisons, police and youth justice

Overview

The programme curriculum considers a wide range of contemporary social issues and concerns such as poverty, homelessness, environmental problems and crime, with a good balance between theory and evidence. Using the disciplines of Criminology, Politics, Social Policy, Social Theory/Research and Study Skills the BA (Hons) Social Science offering considers both the causes of such problems and how they may be effectively tackled, drawing from local to global perspectives. Typically, the programme attracts students with a vested interest in people and communities, often those seeking to (or already engaged in) work with vulnerable individuals/populations. Our students frequently share aspirations of becoming “agents for change,” whether that be social, political or economic and, to that end, we expect our students to make active and meaningful contributions to the programme in developing both their academic and personal skill-set. We will provide opportunities to develop your own interests alongside the syllabus and to explore/pose your own questions, all in a relaxed but equally stimulating environment.

Read the full overview

The BA (Hons) Social Science programme offers the chance to study locally for a highly respected degree awarded by the University of Lincoln but, by living and studying close to home. Dedicated Higher Education facilities together with good access to learning resources means that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a high-quality education. We offer a structured approach to study, which provides a rigorous yet enjoyable undergraduate experience.

What you’ll study, level by level

Levels 4 to 6 · 25 modules

Indicative modules include:

  1. Level 4

    120 credits

    • Skills for Social and Political Sciences15 credits
    • Key Social Science Concepts15 credits
    • Introduction to the Criminal Justice System15 credits
    • Crime and the Media15 credits
    • People, Power and Politics15 credits
    • Global Issues, Challenges and Justice15 credits
    • Introduction to Social Policy15 credits
    • Inequality and Society15 credits
  2. Level 5

    120 credits

    • Applying Criminology30 credits
    • Researching in Social and Political Sciences30 credits
    • Youth, Deviance and Society15 credits
    • Thinking International Relations15 credits
    • Work and Society15 credits
    • Debating Welfare States15 credits
  3. Level 6

    90 credits

    • Independent Study30 credits
    • Penology and Penal Policy15 credits
    • Life After Prison: Rehabilitation and Reintegration15 credits
    • International Human Rights15 credits
    • Gender and Violence15 credits
  4. Level 6 Optional Modules

    • Semester A
    • Crimes of the Powerful15 credits
      Or
    • Masculinity, Gender and Power15 credits
    • Semester B
    • Environmental Justice and Change15 credits
      Or
    • Challenges of the Global Public Sphere15 credits

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

How you’ll learn

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and workshops, with independent study in between.

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Group projects
  • Guest speakers
  • Independent study
  • Research project supervision
Read more about how you’ll learn

The primary way of delivering this course is on campus. On campus teaching includes a combination of lectures, group seminars, workshops, guest lectures and one to one discussions with your tutor.

Both full-time and part-time study on the BA (Hons) Social Science programme is offered in an evening as well as during the day; typically requiring on-campus attendance for two evenings per week. Typically, students can expect to receive 8-hours of teaching per week.

Meet us at an open event.

Next: Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book an open event

Where it can take you

This course provides a range of skills relevant across a variety of different professions. People who have completed this course have gone on to work in areas including:

  • Domestic/sexual abuse
  • Social work
  • Mental Health
  • Social policy development
  • Politics
  • Immigration
  • Welfare provision
  • Housing
  • Education
  • Support Work
  • Voluntary sector
Read more about careers and progression

Criminal Justice System, including Probation, Prisons, Police, Youth Justice

If you wish to continue studying beyond this course, it will provide you with a strong academic basis to do so. Course progression routes could include postgraduate Masters study, vocational on-the-job qualification such as the “Step Up to Social Work” graduate scheme or, doctoral research (PhD). Those students seeking to join the education sector tend also to embark upon PGCE programmes in preparation for teaching after receiving their Social Science degree.

Found where you fit?

Entry requirements

32UCAS points

32 UCAS points (All applicants aged 21 and under)

Where the required number of UCAS points may not have been achieved, consideration can be afforded to applicant’s personal and professional experiential learning and its relevance to the programme. Applications are considered on an individual basis and applicants may be required to complete a short piece of writing as part of the application process.

We are committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and situations. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you do not have the qualifications stated, we might still be able to consider your application and offer you a range of support. We are here to help. Please get in touch to find out more.

Fees and funding

£8,190

a year for UK students

Financial support

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Additional costs

Your Tuition fees cover the majority of costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition and assessment).

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make or choose to pay, eg: Books (you will have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library and online, but you may want to buy your own copies).

Printing and photocopying.

This programme does not require you to undertake a work placement. There are however a number of opportunities to travel and experience the world with the Social Science programme as well as the provision of guest lectures, UK-based trips, conferences, etc.

You may be required to pay for a Basic or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Questions about funding?

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Applying to more than one university? Apply through UCAS. Only applying to us? Apply direct.

Want to visit first?

Open Event – 7th January 2027Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

What happens after you apply

1

You apply

UCAS gives you an applicant ID to track your application. Apply direct and we’ll reply by email.

2

You hear back

Responses usually arrive between November and May: an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.

3

You get ready to start

Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.

Read our full guide to applying

Key information

Official course data published by Discover Uni, the government’s higher education information service.

Quick reference for careers advisers

Level

Level 6

Duration

3 years

Study mode

Full-time

Awarding body

University of Lincoln

UCAS code

L310

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