Social Sciences Level 6 NC

What is special about this course?

This course will provide students with a deeper understanding of many different social science subjects.   Students will have the opportunity to examine how their society works and to compare this with the realities of other cultures. Students will look at theoretical perspectives as well as applying real world examples to Sociology, Psychology and Criminology.

The course may also be attractive if you are a mature student wishing to change career direction or return to full-time study.  Completion of this course qualifies you for entry to HNC Social Sciences the following year.

The Volunteering Skills Award provides an important insight into the voluntary sector, as well as a short work placement with a voluntary organisation.

There are opportunities to study any of the component units or courses on a part-time basis.

Entry requirements

4 Standard Grades or National 5s - 2 Credit/A-B (one of which must be in a subject related to those listed in the course content) and 2 General/A-D (one of which must be English). 

Alternatively, satisfactory attainment of a related SCQF Level 5 course or equivalent would be acceptable. 

Applications are encouraged from mature students who do not possess formal qualifications but have appropriate understanding and skills to meet the academic demands of the course.

The course will introduce the following areas:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Politics
  • Criminology

You may also study units from the following subjects:

  • History
  • Geography
  • Economics
  • Personal Development

This course is an ideal preparation for HNC Social Sciences. If you don't have time to take the whole NC course you may consider studying a range of the units to complement your existing skills.

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time

The course will be delivered in one of our centres, and there will be extensive use of online resources to enhance delivery of the course.  Most units will be taught using online lectures which you will access at our Lerwick campus.  This allows you to benefit from the experiences and knowledge of specialist lecturers wherever they are located, and creates a larger and more diverse student group for vibrant class discussions. In addition, there will be some class-based in-person teaching.
 

How long will my course last?

1 Year

Full-time (one year)

How will I be assessed?

    You will have continuous assessments throughout the course and final exams in May/June.

Where can I study my course?

    • Lerwick Campus

Start date

August

Fees

For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.

Funding

Most full-time students will have their fees paid.

Students on part-time courses may also be eligible to have their course fees waived.

For more information see the funding page. 

What can I do on completion of my course?

Academic: On successful completion of this course you may choose to apply for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) programme or undergraduate degree course in various subjects. This includes: social sciences, psychology, sociology, teacher training, social policy, or behavioural science.


Employment/Career: Popular career choices from a social science course include: central and local government, the voluntary sector, social welfare, public relations, education, finance, health and social care, all areas of the criminal justice system, the media, public services, campaigning and research.

Is there more information available online?

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“This course is for anyone who is interested in the study of human behaviour and the social sciences. Social Sciences provide a broad range of skills relevant to many occupational sectors, rather than one specific career" - Susan Menary, Programme Leader

Apply for Social Sciences Level 6 NC

I want to start in 2025/26

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Shetland. UHI Shetland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.