Study Social Science Abroad

Explore social science programs abroad

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

Best countries to study social science

- USA
- Australia
- UK
- Canada
- Sweden

Best universities to study social science

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How to study social science abroad

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Social science study abroad programs

Social science undergraduate programs

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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.

Explore social science programs abroad

Bachelor's programs insocial science

Master's programs insocial science

PhD programs insocial science

Social science degrees abroad

Social science program structure

Best countries to study social science

Best universities to study social science

How to study social science abroad

Social science study abroad programs

Social science undergraduate programs

Social science graduate programs

Other social studies degrees

Future social science careers

Bachelor's programs in
social science

Master's programs in
social science

PhD programs in
social science