Social Sciences

Embark on an exciting journey to critically explore the structures, institutions, and forces shaping contemporary society with a Social Sciences BSc at Keele. Engage with key debates on power, inequality and governance, developing critical skills to navigate complex social, political and ethical challenges. Our programme will equip you to apply social science to real-word issues such as crime, climate justice and political decision making, preparing you for a wide range of careers in education, government and beyond.

Why choose this course?
• Global Top 300 for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2022)



• Benefit from an interdisciplinary degree, bringing together elements of criminology, politics and sociology



• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in UK Parliamentary Studies in Year 3



• A chance to broaden your horizons and study abroad at a partner university



• Option to take a work placement year, preparing you for employment after university



Examine social issues and learn to understand our society better through our interdisciplinary Social Sciences degree, exploring areas of criminology, politics and sociology. Investigate how social change is driven by policy, activism, and global interconnections, and explore how digital transformations and emerging technologies influence justice, democracy, and everyday life. You will gain an understanding of contemporary social issues and build research skills to evaluate theories and concepts.

Our programme introduces you to core theories, case studies, and methodological approaches, equipping you with the foundational knowledge to critically engage with social issues. This is further enhanced by focusing on advanced research methods, including digital data analysis and policy evaluation, while also expanding your understanding of social change in a global context. The final year challenges you to apply your learning to real-world contexts, working on independent and collaborative projects that reflect the applied nature of social science in professional and policy settings.

Throughout the degree, you will have opportunities to connect with practitioners working in social research, policymaking, advocacy, and the public sector, ensuring that your learning is directly relevant to contemporary social issues. You will become equipped with critical thinking, research, and communication skills necessary for careers across policy analysis, social research, public administration, criminal justice, and beyond. Develop as a leader and problem-solver, ready to engage with diverse audiences and drive meaningful social change, enhancing your career prospects.

About Keele
Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.

Career focused courses, a vibrant student community and a beautiful 600-acre campus – this is Keele.

Whether you’re a passionate natural scientist, or eager to explore law, business, humanities or social sciences, our innovative courses are designed with your future in mind. Many of our courses offer a placement opportunity – just one of our initiatives that prepare you for real-world success.

Recognised for outstanding student experience and teaching quality, we were ranked a Top 10 UK university for student satisfaction across 15 subjects (National Student Survey 2025, broad-based English universities) and achieved Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2017 and 2023).

Located in the Staffordshire countryside, but within easy reach of a bustling town, vibrant city and our noisy neighbours of Manchester and Birmingham, Keele truly offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit campus community and an exciting local area to explore.

We’d love to see you on campus soon.