What is social science and why study at Bath?

Studying a social science can open up a world of possibilities. Find out what it's like to study at Bath and where your degree could take you.

Study and work in an area you enjoy

Our courses

Our courses cover many of the key areas of social science, including:

Criminology
Economics
Education
International development
Politics
Psychology
Sociology, social policy and social sciences
Sport, exercise and health

Gain experience with a placement

Most of our social science courses give you the chance to gain valuable work experience and enhance your employability with a professional work placement (internship). You’ll benefit from our long-established connections with a wide range of public, private and non-profit, and international organisations, as well as dedicated support from our placements team.

Some degree courses offer study abroad opportunities too.

Explore our courses

A young lady smiling to camera, standing outside a bank in London

Study a highly ranked course at a top UK university

Our courses and research consistently rank highly in independent league tables. We're part of a University that's well placed to help you succeed.

Bath was named University of the Year in The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

Top 10 in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for Sports-Related Subjects

1st for Criminology in The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

2nd for Psychology in The Guardian University Guide 2023

1st for Graduate Prospects in Social Policy in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

Joint 4th for Career after 15 Months in Politics in The Guardian University Guide 2023

Expand your career options and improve your employability

Gaining a degree in a social science can open up many different opportunities. Our courses also regularly rank well in the UK for employability.

Bath is in the top 100 in the world in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, because our graduates gain the academic knowledge and skills employers often value. These range from data analysis and critical thinking, through to team working and confidence.

Social science graduates typically go on to work in sectors such as:

Business and finance
Education
Healthcare
Journalism and media
Law enforcement and criminal justice
Government and politics
Non-profit and NGOs
Social care and support
Sports and exercise science

Experience a safe, student-friendly city

Bath, located among the beautiful rolling green hills of South West England, is known across the world for its iconic buildings and culture. The city is even recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its Roman heritage and Georgian architecture.

But there’s more to Bath than this. A vibrant range of shops, bars and restaurants, music venues, museums, and festivals makes it a great place to live as a student.

Bath is also the 2nd safest university town or city in England and Wales (The Complete University Guide, 2023) .

The University’s campus is located on the edge of the city. You can travel between the city and the campus easily by foot, bike, car, or bus. It's only 80 minutes from London, and you can drive to Bristol Airport from the University in less than an hour or get a direct coach to Heathrow Airport from the city centre.

Find out more about living in Bath as a student

‘Coming here felt like really being at home straight away; you live on campus and so many other students are in the same boat. I’ve had a good time.’

— Anabel Aschke BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations

Find out more

There are lots of ways to learn more about studying a social science at Bath.