Your future career

Your social sciences degree will open up a wealth of interesting career paths, many of which will focus on shaping the future of society.

Whatever area you choose to specialise in, our courses will give you the essential skills, experience and knowledge you will need to make a difference. We’ll provide opportunities to prepare you for the world of work and to understand where and how you can apply your academic knowledge, skills and expertise.

For those returning to study to further enhance their professional and personal development, you’ll benefit from accessing the most up to date, cutting-edge research which combines professional relevance and theory, enabling you to apply it directly to your area of work.

Experience a career in social sciences

Social science degrees, including housing, criminology, education, social policy research, community development or social work, often lead to careers which directly impact people’s lives.

However in today’s competitive job market, you need more than just a degree – you’ll also need practical knowledge of your field, access to industry connections and work experience. Studying in the Faculty will open up opportunities to connect with external organisations, to go on placement, to study abroad and to consider your personal and professional development - all will play a part in preparing you for whatever direction you choose after graduation.

Hear what some of our academics, our students and their employers think.

Housing studies

Dementia studies

What our students said

View more student stories

Laura Breeze
Scotland
Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies

Studying part-time meant I could remain in my current role, while also pursuing a qualification which would help me develop my career, and hopefully move in to a management role. With the academic knowledge I’ve gained, I want to make real changes to the housing sector.

Read Laura's story

Lesley Dugan
Northern Ireland
BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy

My degree gave me a broad skill set by combining sociological theory with research skills, which I found particularly useful when drafting cases for support in my fundraising work.

Read Lesley's story

View more student stories

Creating opportunities for you

The University consistently earns five QS Starts for employability with 94.3% of our graduates in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2019/20). Enabling you to fulfil your career aspirations is central to everything we do in the Faculty of Social Science.

95% of our postgraduate leavers

are in employment or further study within fifteen months of graduating

(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA)

Supporting you in your career

We work with the Careers and Employability Service, who offer practical career development advice, guidance and information for undergraduates, postgraduates and graduates. As a graduate you can continue to access all the support you need from our Careers and Employability Service throughout your career. Whether you’re looking for that first step in your chosen career or want to make changes to your current employment situation, they’re here to help.

Find out more about careers

Meet a Careers and Employability Consultant