Social Sciences Route

The modules on this programme have been developed to give you a thorough preparation for a range of related undergraduate degrees.

Academic Research and Communication Skills
This module develops the academic language, literacy, and research skills needed for success in UK higher education. Students will practise reading, writing, listening, and speaking in academic contexts, learning how to structure arguments, present ideas clearly, and communicate effectively in written and spoken formats. The module also introduces critical academic practices such as evaluating sources, engaging in inquiry-based research, and reflecting on learning. Through teamwork and a research-based project, students apply these skills to authentic academic tasks. By the end of the module, students will be able to plan, produce, and present structured academic work, collaborate effectively with others, and demonstrate the independent study skills required for undergraduate success.

Foundations of Social Sciences
This module introduces students to the study of society through key concepts, theories, and contemporary themes. Students will learn to think critically about everyday life and explore issues such as education, health, gender, ethnicity, food, and sport. The module equips students with the “toolkit” of a social scientist as a set of conceptual and analytical skills that enable students to question assumptions, interpret evidence, and critically explain real-world social issues. By the end of the module, students will be able to apply social science perspectives to explain contemporary issues and demonstrate critical thinking skills that prepare them for a wide range of social science degrees.

Politics, International Relations & Law
This module explores the fundamental principles of politics, international relations, and law. Students will engage with key concepts such as power, democracy, justice, human rights, and the relationship between law and morality. They will also examine how politics and law operate at local, national, and global levels, and how these disciplines intersect. The module helps students develop analytical skills to apply political and legal concepts to real-world cases and debates. By the end of the module, students will be able to explain key political and legal ideas, evaluate their application to global issues, and build a foundation for further study in social sciences.

Cultural Studies
This interdisciplinary module explores the ways culture reflects and shapes society. Students will study how cultural representations—such as memory, museums, digital culture, creative industries, and national identity—are linked to power and used to challenge or reinforce dominant ideas. The module draws on theories from across the social sciences and arts to examine cultural phenomena in local and global contexts. By the end of the module, students will be able to apply key concepts to analyse cultural activities and spaces and demonstrate the critical thinking and analytical skills needed for undergraduate study.

Please note that given the interval between the publication of these modules and enrolment, some of the information may change. You can find out more by reading our terms and conditions.