(Full time) 2018 start
Social Science BA
Overview
This course is now full for 2018 entry. You can apply for 2019 entry through UCAS from September 2018.
This foundation year programme is designed for students who don’t have the standard entry requirements. If you feel you missed out on education and want the opportunity to realise your potential, this course will give you a firm grounding in the social sciences and prepare you to progress to one of our social science degree courses.
Your first year acts as a ‘Level 0’ foundation year, equipping you with the skills to study social sciences at undergraduate level and introducing you to key concepts and ideas in sociology, politics, crime, education and law. From there you can progress to some of our most popular degree courses, including BA Childhood Studies, BA Politics, LLB Law, BA Criminal Justice & Criminology, BA Sociology & Social Policy, BA Social Policy & Crime, BA Social Work and many others.
In a supportive and friendly environment, you’ll be able to explore society and social change while learning how to study and developing important skills to prepare for an undergraduate degree.
The BA Social Science is one of a number of courses the University offers for students returning to education without standard entry requirements. Alternative courses are provided by the Lifelong Learning Centre, including the part-time BA Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education, which can lead to a degree in the social sciences.
Course content
The first year of this programme acts as a ‘Level 0’ foundation year. In a friendly and supportive environment, you’ll develop the research and academic skills you need to study the social sciences at university level and apply them to the key areas of law, crime and politics. You’ll look at basic theories and concepts within the criminal justice and political system, both in the UK and worldwide.
Alongside these studies, you’ll be introduced to ideas in sociology, social policy and politics. You’ll explore inequalities associated with gender, class, race, disability and health, using different theories to understand social change and how societies try to address inequalities and discrimination. In addition, you’ll look at key ideas in political and social thought, discussing ideas of citizenship and democracy and learning about the development of public policy.
If you complete this year successfully, you would be expected to progress onto one of our undergraduate degrees. The list of approved degrees you could choose is below:
Sociology and Social Policy
- BA Sociology (requires a pass at 40)
- BA Social Policy (requires a pass at 40)
- BA Social Policy and Sociology (requires a pass at 40)
- BA Sociology and International Relations (requires a pass at 60)
- BA Social Policy and Crime (requires a pass at 40)
- BA Social Policy with Enterprise (requires a pass at 40)
Politics
- BA Politics and Social Policy (requires a pass at 60)
- BA International Development (requires a pass at 60)
- BA International Relations (requires a pass at 60)
- BA Politics (requires a pass at 60)
- BA Politics and Sociology (requires a pass at 60)
Law
- LLB Law (requires a pass at 70)
- BA Criminal Justice and Criminology (requires a pass at 65)
Education
- BA Childhood Studies (requires a pass at 40)
- BA Education (requires a pass at 40)
Geography
- BA Geography and Sociology (requires a pass at 60)
Health Care
- BA Social Work (requires a pass at 65 and successful interview)
- BSc Nursing (Adult) (requires a pass at 65 and successful interview)
- BSc Nursing (Child) (requires a pass at 65 and successful interview)
- BSc Nursing (Mental Health) (rrequires a pass at 65 and successful interview)
Lifelong Learning
- BA Child Welfare and Social Studies (requires a pass at 40)
- BA Integrated Social Studies (requires a pass at 40)
- HE Cert Child Welfare and Social Studies (requires a pass at 40)
- BA Professional Studies (requires a pass at 40 and interview)
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Learning and teaching
We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you gain diverse skills. These will include seminars and workshops where you can discuss in more depth the topics set out in traditional lectures. However, independent study is also a vital element of the course, as it allows you to develop your research and critical skills while preparing for taught sessions.
You’ll also have a personal tutor – one of our academics – who will be on hand to offer you guidance and support on academic issues, such as module choices, as well as career and personal matters.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
Other course specific tests:We usually look for evidence of prior study at GCSE level, such as Mathematics and English at GCSE grade C or equivalent. However, we do consider applications from people who can demonstrate their potential and commitment in other ways.
We particularly welcome applications from mature students who don’t meet the standard entry requirements.
All 'shortlisted' applicants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their potential at an informal interview.
Professional qualifications programmes
If you’re interested in progressing onto one of our professional qualification degree programmes, such as BA Social Work, you will need to have GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C or equivalent. For BA Social Work, we would consider your application if you were studying for these qualifications alongside your Foundation Year programme.
If you’re interested in some of our other professional qualification degrees, such as Adult Nursing, Child Nursing or Mental Health Nursing, you will need to have passed five GCSEs at grade C or above including Mathematics, English and two science subject.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
If you’re currently taking a course at a school or college, your institution should have UCAS forms. These are also available online at the UCAS website.
You can apply for this programme from 1 October - 30 June.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
If you complete this programme successfully, you will be able to progress onto one of our degree programmes in the social sciences, including Law, Sociology, Education, Politics and Social Work. Careers information for each of these degrees can be found on their individual course pages.