Social Sciences Courses at Salford
Social Sciences Degrees
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. You will also 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.
What can I do with a social sciences related degree?
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.
Missed our open days? Don't worry - if you apply to Salford, you'll be invited to an Applicant Visit Day. This may still be virtual, but it will aim to give you a feel of the campus, your chosen course and any facilities linked to it. Apply now via UCAS. You can also find more information about life at Salford at the bottom of this page.
Why a social sciences course at Salford?
You will be taught by research-active staff who ensure course content reflects real world events and issues
You will have opportunities to tailor your learning to your own interests through a work placement, optional modules and 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.
You will benefit from our stong industry links with local government, social care providers, prisons, courts, charities, community development organisations and youth organisations.
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 events, both past and present, 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.
Campus Life. Big City Buzz.
Study at Salford really is the best of both worlds. Our Peel Park campus is set in 46 square kilometres of lush, green space to enjoy. But we're also just over a mile away from the big city buzz of central Manchester - voted the UK's most liveable city two years running.
Famous for music, culture, sport, art and science, the cities of Manchester and Salford offers an unrivalled student experience where you can balance your studies with world-class culture, exciting events and legendary nightlife.
Becoming an undergraduate student
Choosing a university is one of the biggest decisions you'll make - and we want to help you make the right one.
Campus Life
We know university life isn’t all about studying – sometimes you have to have fun, too – and there are plenty of things to do outside of academia across our campuses.
From joining a club or society, to taking part in a gym class, to meeting up with friends for lunch in Atmosphere bar and café: when you're not working on your next assignment or research project, you can be enjoying the perks of being on campus at the University of Salford.
Campus Accommodation
Living in student accommodation is a great way to get settled into university life and meet new people. We've got some great accommodation options to choose from, including Peel Park Quarter - recently voted one of the best halls of residence in the UK.