Human and Social Sciences (BSc)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2022 and this page will be updated by end of October 2022 to reflect the changes.

This is a three-year, full-time course, consisting of 120 credits a year. You’ll study six 20-credit modules in year 2. In year 3 you will complete three 20-credit core modules, a 40-credit dissertation, and select one 20-credit optional module. Years 1 and 2 include a number of optional modules that allow you to tailor your studies to suit your own interests and skills. The final degree classification that you are awarded is based on the grades you achieve in the modules that you take in years two and three.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

Year one
You will take five core 20-credit modules in Year One. These are designed to introduce you to the key ideas and research in Human and Social Sciences and to teach you the skills needed to succeed at university. You will also have the opportunity to take one additional module from within the School to make up the full 120 credits you need to complete Year One.

In the first year, you will meet your personal tutor who will help you to make the transition to higher education and support you throughout your time with us.

Year two
In Year Two you will study three 20-credit core modules in Human and Social Sciences and social research methods. You will also select three 20-credit modules from a selection across the social sciences. A credit-bearing placement module is also available. The core modules will familiarise you with psychology and key ideas in social science. Your personal tutor will be available to help you chose modules that best suit your interests and future career choices.

In this year you will also have the opportunity to consider transferring onto a four year programme, spending your third year on a professional work placement or studying abroad, returning to Cardiff to complete your studies in the fourth year.

Year three
Your final year will consolidate your knowledge and allow you to continue to explore topics that best suit your future career aspirations. You will undertake a 40-credit dissertation project, designing, conducting and writing-up a small-scale research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff. Your remaining credits will be made up of three 20-credit core modules and 20 credits chosen from a range of optional modules across the School.

A level
ABB-BBB. If you have grade B in the relevant language A-level you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. If you have grade 6 in the relevant language at HL you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

Fees for overseas status

• £18,700

We are committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions, encouraging you to think about life beyond university from day one. Our degree programmes offer modules and support to give you a competitive advantage on graduating.

Turning theory into practical application and providing experience of the working world are important aspects of all our degree schemes, which will help to prepare our graduates for life after higher education.

We also offer bespoke career support to our students at every stage of study and after their graduation. Our dedicated careers advisors deliver a tailored range of careers events throughout the year.

Our graduates have gone onto a range of careers in criminal justice, education and curriculum planning, research, policing, legal professions, social work and social care, administration and management.