The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a modern and vibrant institution located in Scotland. It was formed in 2007 through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, UWS has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world. Today, UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts, and is known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning.

In this course we will help you develop a range of key transferable skills to enhance your employability, including critical research skills, information literacies, data-handling and analysis and communication skills.

Throughout the course, you will be supported and encouraged to become a reflective, self-regulated and independent learner.

Year 1
Term 1:

You will be introduced to social science disciplines by developing your ‘sociology imagination’ and understandings of the key issues in modern society such as social class, gender identity and gender inequality, masculinity, health and race and ethnicity. You will also be introduced to research and academic skills and competences. Your modules will include:

Introduction to Academic and Research Skills
Introducing Sociology
Making the Modern World
Term 2:

You will learn about the world of social sciences research and will be introduced to the study of politics as well as the critical role of policy in supporting employment, health and education.

Your modules will include:

Introduction to Social Research
Democracy in the UK
Development of Social Policy
Year 2
Term 1:

In second year, you will deepen your engagement with the key debates in social sciences. Core modules will equip you with knowledge of comparative politics and the classical works of social and political thought. You will also develop your qualitative research skills and knowledge. Your modules will include:

Foundations to Qualitative Research
Comparative Politics
Foundation of Social and Political Thoughts
Term 2:

The core modules will address questions of global society and will focus on the relationship between social policy and social change. You will further develop your research skills by undertaking foundations to quantitative research. Your modules will include:

Global Society
Social Policy and Social Change
Foundations to Quantitative Research
Year 3
Starting from Year 3, you can choose a specialist pathway in: Sociology (Lanarkshire); Politics and Policy (Paisley); or Sociology and Policy (Paisley). In addition, you will develop your research skills and knowledge to hone your research practice ahead of your final year dissertation.

Term 1:

You will be required to choose three modules from the following:

Data Analysis for Social Science (we strongly advise students to select this module if they are planning to collect empirical data for their dissertation)
Scottish Society (Politic focus)
Contemporary Social Issues & Policy Responses (Policy focus)
Capitalism, Culture and Celebrity (Sociology focus)
American Politics & Policy (Paisley provision only, Politics focus)
Gender in Society (Lanarkshire provision only, Sociology focus)
Term 2:

Designing Your Dissertation Project (core module)
You will be required to choose two modules from the following:

Art, Culture & Society (Sociology focus)
Western Culture in Crisis (Sociology focus)
Regeneration and Development (Policy focus)
Work, Welfare and Society (Policy focus)
Democracy & European Political Parties (Paisley provision only, Politics focus)
*Please note that the selection of modules may occasionally change

Year 4 (Honours)
In your Honours year you will undertake your independent research project (a 40-credit dissertation). You will be supported by staff in using the methods skills that you have developed throughout the course to explore, in depth, the programme theme that has most interested you. In addition, you will increase the range of your specialist knowledge by choosing from a variety of electives.

Term 1:

Social Sciences Dissertation (40 credits; Term 1 and Term 2)
Plus two modules from:

Experiencing City Life (Policy focus)
Migration, State & Society (Sociology focus)
Family, Gender & Social Welfare (Policy focus)
Participation & Democracy (Politics focus)
Term 2:

Social Sciences Dissertation (40 credits; Term 1 and Term 2)
Plus two modules from:

Nationalism (Politics focus)
British and Irish Political History since WW2 (Politics focus)
International Relations (Paisley only provision, Politics focus)
Health Policy (Paisley only provision, Policy focus)
Parliamentary Studies (Paisley only provision, Politics focus)
Embodiment of Social Inequalities (Lanarkshire only provision, Sociology focus)
Teaching and Assessment
The Social Sciences programme offers students a variety of formative and summative assessments, ranging from traditional exams and essays to case studies, group and individual presentations, real life scenarios (e.g. policy briefs, research proposals) or policy analysis and evaluation. These assessments allow you to demonstrate your development of the following: subject knowledge and understanding in politics, policy and sociology; applied knowledge, skills and understanding; generic cognitive skills; communication, ICT and numeracy skills; and autonomy, accountability and skills in working with others.

Course Structure
Find out more about the structure, learning outcomes, compulsory and optional modules in this course.

BA Social Sciences Course Structure

• The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a vibrant and dynamic institution located in Scotland. Founded in 2007, UWS was formed through the merger of the University of Paisley and Bell College. With a history dating back to 1897, the university has a rich heritage of providing education and training to students from across Scotland and around the world.
• UWS is one of Scotland's largest universities, with four main campuses located in Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr, and Dumfries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, health, education, and the arts. UWS is also known for its innovative and student-centered approach to learning, which includes a focus on practical, real-world experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
• UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 150 of universities worldwide under 50 years old (2022 Young University Rankings). In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 90 percent of research at University of the West of Scotland was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally. UWS was also crowned Higher Educational Institution of the Year 2022 (The Herald Higher Education Awards).
• One of the standout features of UWS is its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing job market. The university offers a wide range of programs that are designed to meet the needs of students from all backgrounds, and its experienced faculty is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.
• In addition to its strong academic programs, UWS also offers a wealth of extracurricular activities and student services. The university has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and organizations, as well as sports teams, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events. There is also a well-established student support network that provides guidance and assistance to students on a wide range of topics, from academic support to personal and financial advice.
• Another key aspect of UWS is its strong commitment to research. The university has a growing reputation as a center of research excellence, and its faculty and students are working on a wide range of cutting-edge projects in areas such as engineering, health, education, and the arts. This research is not only helping to advance knowledge in these fields, but it is also helping to create new opportunities for students and improve the lives of people around the world.
• In conclusion, the University of the West of Scotland is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution that is dedicated to providing its students with the education, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. With its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and commitment to research, UWS is the perfect place for students who want to get the most out of their college experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it