Social Science

If you want to explore what’s happening around you in your home, in your street, in society and in the world, then this is the course for you.

Have you always wanted to find the answers to the bigger, burning issues in society? Do you want to find out what makes people tick and what makes the world go round? Then you’re a natural social scientist! This course will help to you analyse and evaluate not just the answers, but the questions too. Hot topics you’ll look at include why people commit crimes, can we ever be truly equal, does the media indulge or challenge stereotypes, plus loads more. You’ll find it contemporary, fascinating and full of lively debate and discussion.

For entry to this course you’ll need:

A real interest in social sciences
Two National 4s or equivalent OR a pass in a relevant NC course at SCQF Level 4
An interview with us
Continuing students should have successfully completed the introduction to social sciences course (other Level 4 courses will also be considered).

If you don’t have formal qualifications, but have life experience, then we’ll also consider you for a place, so please call us for a chat.

This course gives you a good introduction to the foundation and fascinating world of social sciences and builds on your existing knowledge of contemporary issues.

Here’s just some of what you’ll be doing:

• You’ll explore the crimes that occur within the local community and the perception the public have to types of crimes and those who commit them. You will also look at some of the actions taken to reduce crime.
• You’ll look at social psychology and discover how people’s social environment and interaction with others shapes their thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
  You’ll explore sociology and how it can help in understanding the world we live in. You’ll look at sociological theories and how they interpret the everyday world, as well as the ways we research society.
• You’ll examine current issues around equality and diversity, including different forms of discrimination, and their impact on individuals and society.
• You’ll study the distribution of power in political systems from around the world and the relationship they have with other major political powers.
• You’ll study events in history, examining the importance of social and political movements such as the American Civil Rights Movement which have shaped our modern world.
• You’ll build transferable Essential Skills in meaningful contexts to help you become more effective in life, learning, and work. This could be communication, numeracy, ICT, working with others, and problem solving.

Finally, you’ll have the chance to achieve a Personal Development Award, building your confidence, self-esteem, self-reliance and interpersonal skills by contributing to a social project

When you successfully complete this course, you’ll have the choice of:

• Moving onto a Level 6 course such as NC Higher Social Sciences
• Exploring your future career options in a wide range of disciplines and sectors.
• With additional qualifications in social sciences, possible careers options include (examples eg
• Education, campaigning, research, the media, social work, the Police Service, voluntary sector, health and social care.