USD
Study social science abroad
An in-depth guide to studying social science as an international student.
Social science degrees abroad
Social science is a far-reaching academic field that encompasses several subjects, including sociology, psychology, criminology, law, international relations, and politics. At its core, social science is concerned with the behaviors of individuals and groups, and their interactions with society.
As a social science student, you can either specialize in a particular discipline or maintain a more general course of study throughout your program. Either way, your studies will help you to make sense of today’s world. You’ll use key research and theories to understand and explain a range of real-life scenarios and problems and explore topics such as inequality, social policy, power, and political thought.
Your understanding of social science will be enriched by studying abroad. You’ll see human society through both a narrow cultural lens and a broader global perspective. You’ll observe how people and societies interact differently around the world depending on their historical and cultural contexts. This exposure will help you become a more critical and creative social scientist.
Social science program structure
There are plenty of undergraduate and graduate social science programs for you to choose from. Most undergraduate students opt to study a BA or BSc. These programs share similar course content and expectations, but BSc courses involve more scientific analysis and research.
You’ll probably be encouraged to undertake a placement or sandwich year during your studies so that you can apply your theoretical knowledge to practical situations and gather real-world experience.
Once you’ve finished your bachelor’s, you can go on to earn a postgraduate qualification. You’ll be expected to delve deeper into a more specific area of interest, conduct independent research, and develop original interpretations. A master’s can be studied over one or two years, followed by a PhD which takes between four and seven years to complete.
Teaching and assessment will vary from module to module, but you can expect to attend lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratories, and tutorials. You’ll be graded through a combination of exams, essays, reports, case studies, and presentations.
Social science is a highly flexible program and you’ll have plenty of elective modules to choose from so that you can tailor your degree to your interests and strengths. However, most courses around the world will include some of the following core topics:
- Introduction to studying the social sciences
- Introduction to research methods
- Classic social theory
- Contemporary social theory
- Social policy
- Social inequalities in contemporary society
- Understanding social welfare and the state
How to study social science abroad
-
University & program search
Find the right program for you and your career aspirations -
Application guidance
We'll get you to the right place to start your application -
Visa & travel advice
Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university
Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.
Social science study abroad programs
Social science undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in social science
-
Social Science - BA/BSc Portland State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
23,709 USD
Fee in university's local currency 23,709 USD
- Start date
- January, March, September
-
Social Science - BA Southeast Missouri State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,155 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,155 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Development Studies / Social Science - BDevSt University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,122 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,745 AUD
- Start date
- February, July, September
-
Forensic Psychology: Social Science Library - BA (Hons) Ontario Tech University, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,223 USD
Fee in university's local currency 21,935 CAD
- Start date
- September
-
General Social Science Education/History - BSc Auburn University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
32,220 USD
Fee in university's local currency 32,220 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
Associate in social science
-
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities & Social Science - ASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
6,892 USD
Fee in university's local currency 6,892 USD
- Start date
- January, September
-
Liberal Arts - Humanities and Social Science Specialization - AA Mount Aloysius College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
21,870 USD
Fee in university's local currency 21,870 USD
- Start date
- January, September
Social science graduate programs
Master's in social science
-
Computational Social Science - MSc Linköping University, Sweden
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,000 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,000 USD
- Start date
- September
-
Social Science, Public Administration - MASS Florida A&M University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
25,868 USD
Fee in university's local currency 25,868 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Social Science: Rights and Social Policy - MSocSc (with foundation) Maynooth University, Ireland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,980 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,000 EUR
- Start date
- September, January, June
-
Social Science (Global, Urban & Social Studies) - by research - MSocSc RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
20,686 USD
Fee in university's local currency 26,880 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
-
Social Science Research Methods - MRes Keele University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
20,105 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,750 GBP
- Start date
- September
Doctorate in social science
-
Coastal and Marine System Science - MSc/PhD Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, USA
- Program type
- Master's/Doctorate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,536 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,536 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Future social science careers
Thanks to the far-reaching nature of a social science degree, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue several careers in the public and private sectors. Your skills in critical thinking, research, and analysis will help in any of the following roles:
- Civil servant
- Community development officer
- Human resources manager
- International aid worker
- Police, prison or probation officer
- Social worker
- Youth worker
- Teacher
If you’re unsure of what your dream job is, or how to secure it, arrange an appointment with your university’s career service. They’re there to give you free, professional, and confidential advice and guidance.
