Social Sciences

Your future starts here.

Courses

Our social sciences courses will help you grow your understanding of human behaviour and society, and develop transferable skills for a range of careers.

Social Sciences is a diverse and interesting area of study, covering a range of disciplines including sociology, psychology, politics and criminology. These fields look at understanding how societies function and humans interact, and the impact of cultural, economic, political and social factors.

By studying social sciences, you will gain analytical, research and critical thinking skills, essential for further study or employment.

View all full-time social sciences courses

 

As well as a host of full-time courses, we also offer part-time courses in social sciences where you can study at a location near you with daytime, evening and weekend options.

View all part-time social sciences courses

60%

of global leaders have an undergraduate degree in a social sciences fields¹

person - Kirsten Koss - wearing graduation robes holding purple tube

graphic of yellow 3D quotation marks

I’m so glad that I came to NESCol because it really has been a life changing experience. I think Social Sciences is a great place to be if you’re curious about the world or if there’s something that really frustrates you about the system and you’d really like to see it change.”

Kirsten Koss

Kirsten worked in hospitality for a number of years before returning to education by studying Highers at NESCol followed by HND Social Sciences. She then progressed into the second year of an  MA in History and Politics at the University of Aberdeen.

Career opportunities

Administration, Archivist, Business Management, Community Development Worker, Human Resources Officer, Journalist, Lecturer, Local Government Officer, Police, Policy Officer, Recruitment Consultant, Social Researcher, Social Worker, Teacher, Youth Worker.

2

universities in Aberdeen offering pathways to degrees in related subjects

Where you can study

Dedicated, enthusiastic and industry experienced teaching staff guide students through their chosen course. Comprehensive online resources, engaging classroom sessions and innovative practical experiences are used to provide a springboard to future careers. Our nurturing learning environment and supportive approach aims to get the best out of every individual and ensure NESCol students fulfil their potential in employment and life.

Study Social Sciences in Aberdeen

  • 4,500+ students
  • Fitness Suite
  • 4 Cafés
  • Quiet & social areas

Our Aberdeen City Campus is situated in the heart of Aberdeen city centre, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.

More on Aberdeen City Campus

Study Social Sciences in Fraserburgh

  • 950+ students
  • Fitness Suite
  • 2 Cafés
  • Quiet & social areas

The bright and modern Fraserburgh Campus provides a fantastic environment for NESCol students, staff and visitors.

More on Fraserburgh Campus

Study part-time

Part-time courses are offered at locations throughout the region.

View all part-time social sciences courses

What our students think

More than 3,000 students responded in our Student Satisfaction and Engagement Survey, covering the 2023-2024 academic year. We are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.

95% of full-time students would recommend NESCol to others
“The quality of education here is very high.”
96% of full-time students feel safe and secure at College
“I am happy to be part of the NESCol community. The staff are of a very supportive nature.”
92% of full-time students feel College has helped them develop knowledge and skills for the workplace
“I've loved learning about how the industry works and getting a better insight into what I can do.”

Student stories

Don’t take our word for it!

Find out what our students think about studying at NESCol

Jackie Thompson

Achieving an HND in Social Sciences is something that Jackie Thompson would not have believed a few years ago. After being away from education since training as a nurse over…

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Charlie Third

Charlie Third enrolled at NESCol in 2020 to study HND Social Sciences as an adult returner. After being apprehensive that he’d left it too late, was out of the way…

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Aiden Barney

After spending three years studying Social Sciences at NESCol, Aiden was presented with the SQA Student Award at graduation. 20-year-old Aiden Barney went to Kincorth and Lochside academies and joined…

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Get in touch

Our student advisers can help with any application enquiries.

Contact the team directly by calling 01224 612330, dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk. Student advisors are also available on LiveChat when the chat icon appears at the bottom of our website.

¹ Source: Academy of Social Sciences