On this programme, you will study society and how this changes through political debate and policy making. Social policy appeals to students who are interested in current political and social issues - such as how to organise and pay for health care, reduce inequalities, or accommodate a more diverse and individualised society. These issues are explored in a Scottish, a UK-wide, a European, and an international context. This programme is genuinely multidisciplinary and draws on a variety of perspectives, e.g. sociological, political, economic, historical and legal perspectives. One quarter of your study time will be devoted to quantitative methods. You will learn how to research social policy issues by using data in a practical setting. You will develop your skills in social policy and statistics. Quantitative skills underpin effective evidence-based planning in government, in the private sector and in international non-governmental organisations, so your combined skills set will be in demand.
This programme offers you the opportunity to take an internship, allowing you gain practical experience and further strengthen your skills. Our placement hosts include prestigious institutions such as the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and private sector employers. This programme receives support and funding from the UK-wide Q-Step initiative, allowing you to benefit from small class sizes and develop your skills in close proximity to experts. There is also plenty of support available to help those less confident with maths. |
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
The typical offer is likely to be:
• SQA Highers: AAAA.
• A Levels: AAB.
• IB: 39 points (grades 766 at HL).
Minimum entry requirements
• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6. Higher Mathematics at Grade B required. National 5: English at Grade C.
• A Levels: ABB including Mathematics, or AS Mathematics at A (if A Level is not taken). GCSEs: English at Grade C.
• IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects including Mathematics. SL: Mathematics at 6 (if not taken at HL) and English at 4. IB applicants should note that Maths Studies is not accepted for any of our Quantitative Methods programmes.
If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme. |
| Additional Admission Requirements: | You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.
If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:
• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
• Cambridge English: Advanced & Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section *Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components
SQA and GCSE
For SQA and GCSE students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:
• SQA National 5 Grade C
• SQA Standard Grade 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
• SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
• GCSE Grade C
• IB Standard Level Grade 4 |
* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.