Bachelor of Social Science (B.Soc.Sc)
Your complete guide to the B.Soc.Sc degree — what it covers, where to study, and where it leads.
Your complete guide to the B.Soc.Sc degree — what it covers, where to study, and where it leads.
The Bachelor of Social Science (B.Soc.Sc) is an undergraduate degree that provides a broad, interdisciplinary foundation in the social sciences. Unlike a traditional BA, which tends to focus on humanities, or a BSc, which emphasises natural sciences, the B.Soc.Sc sits at the intersection — combining rigorous research methodology with the study of human behaviour, societies, and institutions.
Typical B.Soc.Sc programmes include core modules in sociology, psychology, political science, and research methods, with the flexibility to specialise in a particular discipline as you progress. The degree is offered by universities worldwide and is especially popular in the UK, Hong Kong, South Africa, Australia, and parts of Europe.
A typical B.Soc.Sc curriculum is structured around three pillars: core social science theory, research methods and statistics, and your chosen specialisation. In your first year, you'll take introductory modules across multiple disciplines — giving you exposure to psychology, sociology, economics, and political science before committing to a major.
By your second and third years, you'll dive deeper into your specialisation while continuing to develop research skills. Most programmes include a capstone project or dissertation in your final year, where you conduct original research on a topic of your choosing.
B.Soc.Sc graduates enter a wide range of careers. The degree's emphasis on critical thinking, data analysis, and understanding human behaviour makes graduates attractive to employers across sectors.
Common career paths include: research analyst, policy advisor, human resources specialist, social worker (with further training), market researcher, NGO programme coordinator, and government administrator. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study — an M.Soc.Sc, MA, or PhD — to specialise further or enter academia.
Entry requirements vary by university, but most B.Soc.Sc programmes require secondary school completion with good grades in subjects like English, mathematics, and a social science or humanities subject. Some competitive programmes may require specific standardised test scores.
Start by researching universities that offer the B.Soc.Sc and comparing their specialisation options, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes. Our admissions guide covers the full application process, from personal statements to scholarship applications.