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    Study social science abroad

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

    Find social science programs

    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
    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. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. 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.
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    Social science study abroad programs

    Social science undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in social science

    • false

      Applied Quantitative Science - BSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,834 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Applied Quantitative Science
    • false

      Social Science Education - BSED Black Hills State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,724 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Social Science Education
    • false

      Development Studies / Social Science - BDevSt University of Newcastle, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      28,745 AUD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, July, February
      Show program overview about Development Studies / Social Science
    • false

      Social Science - BA Southeast Missouri State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,155 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Social Science
    • false

      Forensic Psychology: Social Science Library - BA (Hons) Ontario Tech University, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,935 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Forensic Psychology: Social Science Library
    See all bachelor's degrees in social science

    Associate in social science

    • false

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

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      6,892 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities & Social Science
    • false

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

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,870 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Liberal Arts - Humanities and Social Science Specialization
    See all associate degrees in social science

    Social science graduate programs

    Master's in social science

    • false

      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

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Coastal and Marine System Science
    • false

      Computational Social Science - MSc Linköping University, Sweden

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,000 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computational Social Science
    • false

      Integrative Social Science - MSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      15 months
      Annual tuition fee
      24,318 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Integrative Social Science
    • false

      Social Science - MSc (Research) York St John University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      12,750 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Social Science
    • false

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

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      26,880 AUD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Social Science (Global, Urban & Social Studies) - by research
    See all master's degrees in social science

    Doctorate in social science

    • false

      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

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      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.