BA (Hons) Social Sciences Pathway

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Glasgow Caledonian University

Program Overview

This pathway offers a dynamic, multi-disciplinary degree in the social sciences, where you’ll explore subjects like politics, history, sociology, criminology, and economics. It’s perfect if you’re curious about how societies function, want to tackle big issues such as inequality, justice, or globalisation, and value the freedom to shape your studies around your own interests and career goals.

Curriculum Structure

Years 1–2 (Pathway Stage)
In your first two years, you’ll build a strong foundation in social sciences while studying under full university status through the pathway route. You’ll take core modules such as Applied Research in Social Science, along with engaging options like International Politics: Structures, Theories and Issues or Gender and Society. These early studies help you develop essential skills in research, analysis, and academic writing, while exploring real-world social and political topics.

Year 3
As you move into your core degree stage, you’ll begin to specialise in areas that interest you most. Alongside key modules such as Applied Research in Social Science, you could choose from topics like Theories of Crime and Punishment, Policing and Society, or Poverty, Inequality and Policy. These modules allow you to focus on themes such as criminology, social policy, or policing within the broader social sciences framework.

Year 4 (Honours Project Year)
In your final year, you’ll complete a major Dissertation Honours Project—an independent research piece on a topic of your choice. You’ll also select from advanced specialist modules such as Globalisation and Crime, Environmental Economics, Victimology, Trauma and Social Harm, or Making and Managing Public Policy. By the end of this stage, you’ll graduate with deep expertise in your chosen field and strong research experience.

Focus Areas

Sociology
Criminology & Policing
Politics & Public Policy
History & Globalisation
Social Inequality
Research Methods

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this pathway are equipped to:

Apply social science theories to real-world challenges
Conduct and evaluate independent research
Analyse and critique social policies and practices
Communicate effectively in academic and professional contexts
Engage thoughtfully with global and interdisciplinary social issues

Professional Alignment

The programme is delivered by the Department of Social Sciences within the Glasgow School for Business and Society. Teaching is informed by the department’s strong research profile, ensuring that what you learn reflects current developments and debates in the field.

Reputation and Employability

Glasgow Caledonian University reports that 91% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (2023).
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, the department’s research in social work and social policy was rated 75% world-leading or internationally excellent, while 50% of history research achieved an “outstanding” rating — a testament to the academic quality that supports your learning experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re thinking about the BA (Hons) Social Sciences Pathway at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), you’re looking at a programme that’s all about learning through experience — not just listening to lectures, but getting out there and engaging with the real world. From day one, you’ll have full access to GCU’s student community — libraries, support services, online resources — everything you need to feel like part of the university from the very start.

What makes this pathway stand out is its focus on applied, hands-on learning. You’ll begin with an HND foundation at college, building your knowledge and confidence before stepping directly into Year 3 at GCU. That way, you arrive on campus ready to dive straight into higher-level study with a clear sense of direction.

Here are some of the experiential learning highlights you’ll benefit from:

Work Placement – Scottish Poverty & Inequality Research Unit (SPIRU): In Year 3, you can take part in a research-focused placement instead of a traditional classroom module. You’ll contribute to real projects tackling issues like poverty and inequality, gaining insight into how social science research can influence change.
Work Placement (Special Constabulary) Option: For those interested in policing and justice, this unique option lets you gain professional experience through training and volunteering in real policing environments. You’ll also maintain an online reflective journal connecting what you do in the field to what you learn in class — exploring ideas like policing ethics, community engagement, and public trust.
Applied Research in Social Science Module: This module helps you design and present your own research proposal, bringing together theories, data, and methods from across the social sciences — a perfect preparation for independent research or future postgraduate study.
Full University Access from Day One: Even while you’re studying at college, you’re treated as a GCU student. You can use the university’s library, join student association activities, and access all digital tools — so you’re part of the GCU community right from the start.

Altogether, these opportunities mean you won’t just be reading about social issues — you’ll be investigating them, applying theory to practice, and reflecting on what you learn along the way. It’s an approach that builds real-world skills, confidence, and a strong foundation for your future career or further academic study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Here’s a clear and encouraging look at your future with the BA (Hons) Social Sciences Pathways programme at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).

Graduate Outcomes & Opportunities

Graduates from this programme step confidently into meaningful careers across sectors such as teaching, social work, public administration, marketing, and research.

Some of the career paths you could explore include:

Social Policy Analyst
Youth and Community Worker
HR or People Development Officer
Research Assistant in public services

How GCU Supports Your Future

Career Support:
GCU’s dedicated Careers & Employability Service offers everything you need to prepare for your professional journey. Through the CareerHub portal, you can access job and placement listings, book one-to-one career coaching, and get expert help with your CV and interview preparation. The university also maintains strong relationships with employers, giving you valuable opportunities to connect directly with industry professionals.

Graduate Success:
An impressive 92% of GCU graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree — higher than the Scottish average. For this specific course, around 94% of graduates are working or studying further, earning an average salary of £25,000 within the same timeframe.

Industry Connections:
GCU works closely with employers across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. This ensures that the curriculum stays relevant and aligned with real-world needs, helping you develop skills that employers truly value.

Accreditation & Reputation:
GCU is consistently ranked among Scotland’s top modern universities for graduate employability in highly skilled roles. Its research excellence also shines through — with 75% of its social work and social policy research environment rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Graduate Skills:
The Social Sciences Pathways degree is designed to strengthen key skills such as research, critical evaluation, computing, presentation, and academic writing — all highly transferable to a range of professional and postgraduate opportunities.

Further Academic Progression

After completing your BA (Hons) Social Sciences Pathways, you could continue developing your expertise by:

Progressing to a Master’s degree in areas such as social policy, international development, public administration, or human rights.
Pursuing PhD-level research, particularly within GCU’s strong research community in social policy and history.
Gaining professional qualifications or specialist training in fields like social work, HR, or community development, to further enhance your career prospects.