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    Study social science abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying social science as an international student.

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    Explore social science programs abroad

    See other programs in social science

    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

    Best universities to study social science

    See all universities offering social science programs

    How to study social science abroad

    1. Universities & programs

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      Maximise your chances of being granted a visa

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    Social science study abroad programs

    Social science undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in social science

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      Integrative Social Science - BSc
      Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Tuition fees per year
      29,834 USD
      Start date
      January, May, August
      Show program overview about Integrative Social Science
    • false

      Secondary Education (Social Science) - BSc
      University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Tuition fees per year
      27,000 USD
      Start date
      January, June, August
      Show program overview about Secondary Education (Social Science)
    • false

      Secondary Education – Social Science Ed – Lifelong Learning Track - BSc
      University of Central Florida, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Tuition fees per year
      22,478 USD
      Start date
      January, May, August
      Show program overview about Secondary Education – Social Science Ed – Lifelong Learning Track
    • false

      Social Science Psychology - BSocSc
      RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Tuition fees per year
      26,880 AUD
      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Social Science Psychology
    • false

      Social Science - BSocSc
      University of Newcastle, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Tuition fees per year
      31,320 AUD
      Start date
      February, July, September
      Show program overview about Social Science
    See all bachelor's degrees in social science

    Associate in social science

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      Liberal Arts - Humanities and Social Science Specialization - AA
      Mount Aloysius College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      21,870 USD
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Liberal Arts - Humanities and Social Science Specialization
    • false

      Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities & Social Science - ASc
      Mohawk Valley Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      6,892 USD
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities & Social Science
    See all associate degrees in social science

    Social science graduate programs

    Master's in social science

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      Integrative Social Science - MSc
      Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      15 months
      Tuition fees per year
      24,318 USD
      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Integrative Social Science
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      Computational Social Science - MSc
      Linköping University, Sweden

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      19,000 USD
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computational Social Science
    • false

      Social Science (Global, Urban & Social Studies) - by research - MSocSc
      RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      26,880 AUD
      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Social Science (Global, Urban & Social Studies) - by research
    • false

      Social Science Research Methods - MRes
      Keele University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      14,750 GBP
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Social Science Research Methods
    • false

      Applied Social Analysis - MSc
      Linnaeus University, Sweden

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      9,400 USD
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Applied Social Analysis
    See all master's degrees in social science

    Doctorate in social science

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      Coastal and Marine System Science - MSc/PhD
      Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, USA

      Program type
      Master's/Doctorate
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      11,536 USD
      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Coastal and Marine System Science
    See all doctorates in social science

    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.