Social Sciences Courses at Salford
Social Sciences subjects include Sociology, Criminology and Social Policy. These subjects provide students with an academic understanding of society, the social world, crime and criminal justice. If you are naturally inquisitive, fascinated by society and have a strong desire to help people, either on a personal or a wider scale, a degree in a social sciences subject could be the perfect choice for you.
These degrees are taught via lectures, tutorials and seminars and are assessed largely by essays, exams, presentations and reports. Social sciences courses tend to be more academic and research-focused rather than practical, however, all our courses do offer the opportunity to undertake a placement, and you will benefit from opportunities to engage with professionals working in the field of your choice, whether that's through your placement or site visits, field trips, guest speaker slots and workshops.
A degree in a social sciences subject can broaden your career opportunities. The beauty of a social sciences degree is it can take you in so many directions and you can use your time on the course to decide which aspect of it you are most passionate about, Example career pathways of Social Sciences graduates include Youth Worker, Charity Officer, HR Professional, Housing Manager, Government Advisor Worker, Social Researcher, Probation Officer, Community Development Worker, Teacher, Pastoral Care Worker, Policy Officer. Many people also use a degree in a Social Sciences subject to start their journey into professions such as Social Work, Teaching, Policing and Counselling.
Sociology
This year, we have already witnessed a number of major global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and social movements such as the Black Lives Matter protests, that will impact on the way our societies work and develop going forward. As a Sociology student, you will explore the impact of such major events and how they can be the catalysts for major societal change. You will also study human connections and relationships, and how these connections, as well as social structures, such as social class, race and gender, impact upon behaviour.
Criminology
Criminology is concerned with what behaviour is defined as crime and who has the power to define what constitutes crime. Criminologists are also interested in the causes and prevention of deviant behaviour and how the criminal justice system can better respond when it occurs. The recent death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer has drawn attention (on a global scale) to the relationship between inequalities and criminal justice – relationships Criminology is ideally placed to answer. You can study single-honours Criminology here with us at Salford or you can study Criminology alongside: Sociology, Counselling or Security.
Social Policy
The COVID-19 pandemic is a unique time of social struggle, meaning that social policy has never been more important. Those working in social policy are at the forefront of supporting those affected, helping to protect their wellbeing and reduce the social impact of coronavirus. As a student, you will explore the causes of social problems and how societies attempt to solve them through the design and implementation of policy and welfare.
Why should you study at the University of Salford?
Optional modules allow you the opportunity to study topics that reflect your interests.
You be able to tailor your learning with a work placement or independent research projects.
Our BSc (Hons) Social Policy course is ranked 15th in the Guardian University Guide 2020 for Social Policy.
Our BSc (Hons) Criminology & Sociology course achieved a 100% overall student satisfaction rate in 2020 (University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2020 data).
Our Criminology and Sociology courses offer the opportunity to study a module based inside a local prison.
Life at Salford
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