Social Science (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 2023 and this page will be updated by end of October 2023 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 a year, with the opportunity to take a 40-credit dissertation in year three. Each year includes 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 2023/2024 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2023.

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 Social Science and to teach you the skills needed to succeed at university. You will also have the opportunity to take one additional 20-credit 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.

 Core modules for year one

 Optional modules for year one

Year two

You will take one core 20-credit module in social research methods and choose your five remaining 20-credit modules from a selection spanning the social sciences. A credit-bearing placement module is also available.

You will build upon your understanding of core methods and theories in the social sciences and have the option of using your module choices to create a specialist pathway that will become the focus of your studies. If you prefer, you may choose a more interdisciplinary combination. Your personal tutor will help you to choose 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.

 Core modules for year two

Optional modules for year two

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 80 credits can be taken from a range of optional modules across the School.

When choosing your year three modules, you should consider what would be most appropriate based on your year two choices. Your personal tutor will help you with this.

 Optional modules for year three

A level
BBB-BBC

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
31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

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.

The cost of studying at Cardiff University varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen.

Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. On average, international students can expect to pay £18,700 annually, to study in Cardiff University.

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.