BA Social Sciences
About this course
BA (Hons) in Social Sciences. Core topics include Social & Cultural Analysis. The programme spans criminology, history, psychology, politics and sociology, with an extensive range of optional subjects. Students complete a final-year Honours Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Scottish Higher: Standard Entry Requirement: BBBC preferably including English or Literary subject*. If no literary subject has been achieved at Higher, we will consider applications where National 5 English has been achieved at grade B or above. Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBCC preferably including English or Literary subject*. If no literary subject has been achieved at Higher, we will consider applications where National 5 English has been achieved at grade B or above. A level: CCC preferably including English or Literary subject*. If no literary subject has been achieved at A level, we will consider applications where GCSE English has been achieved at grade B/5 or above. Irish Leaving Certificate: Grades H2, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level preferably including English or a Literary subject*. If no literary subject is achieved at Higher Level, English must be achieved at grade O3 or above. BTEC Extended Diploma: Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) preferably in a related subject. If not in a related subject, we will consider applications where GCSE English has been achieved at grade B/5 or above. IB: Award of Diploma with 27 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 preferably including English or a Literary subject* at minimum grade 5. If no literary subject is achieved at HL, English must be achieved at SL grade 5. HNC: Pass in preferably Social Sciences/Social Services with grade B in the graded unit. Other literary based HNCs may be considered If the literary criteria has not been achieved at HNC, we will consider applications where National 5 English has been achieved at grade B or above. T Level: Grade M T Level preferably completed in a Literary subject. If not, GCSE English must be achieved at grade B/5 or above. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements. *Literary subjects accepted: Modern Studies, History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies, Latin, Theology, Classics, Philosophy, A Level Government and Politics, A Level Classical Civilisation.
What students say
Based on about 18 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 78%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started
- Continued on course: 92%
- Left higher education: 2%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 7%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 170 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- London: 2%
- Scotland: 95%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 60%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 30%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Modules
- Understanding Social Science Research
- Contemporary British History
- Introduction to Sociology 1
- Introduction to Sociology 2
- Contemporary Challenges to Psychology
- Introduction to Criminology
- Politics in British Society
- Quantitative Research
- Society, Space & Place
- Sociological Theory
- Capitalism in Crisis
- Interpreting Scottish History
- Volunteering & Employability
- Researching the Social Sciences
- History of Crime, Correction & Reform
- Sexuality & Gender
- Race & Decolonial Social Theory
- Social & Cultural Landscapes
- Preparing for the Honours Project
- The Honours Project
- Sociology of Media & Culture
- Science, Technology & Society
- Social Identities
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Social Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University earn?
The median salary is £23,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,000 and £33,000. The £27,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Social sciences.
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Social Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University?
86% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Social Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University?
The typical offer is CCC at A level, or 27 points in the IB. The average entrant had 149 UCAS points.
Does BA Social Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Social Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University?
92% of students continued into their second year, and 2% left higher education.