Department of Combined Honours in Social Sciences | BA Combined Honours in Social Sciences (with Placement Year)
48 monthsProgramme duration
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Sociology
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
If you are curious about the big issues that shape our society, this course may be for you. Taking a research-led approach, the Combined Honours in Social Sciences explores systems, institutions, cultures and behaviours that shape the lives of people across the world.
A multidisciplinary qualification that sits outside of traditional boundaries, this bespoke, academically ambitious course offers exceptional flexibility.
You can choose to focus on two subjects or spread your learning across three or four to suit your individual interests, strengths and career plans. You can also apply to add a placement year or year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.
Learning from academics working at the forefront of their specialisms, our students graduate feeling confident, intellectually engaged and well prepared for employment or further study. As a graduate, you will be well placed to take up a career in fields as diverse as teaching, journalism, social work, financial services or the charity sector.
In Social Sciences, you can choose from:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Economics
- Education
- Geography
- Management and Marketing
- Politics and International Relations
- Sociology and Criminology
- Sport and Exercise Sciences
Up to half of your modules can be chosen from subjects in the Arts and Humanities (subject to timetable compatibility and entry requirements):
- Classics and Ancient History
- English Literature
- History
- Music
- Philosophy
- Theology and Religious Studies
- Visual Arts
- Languages, currently Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish
The degree culminates in a dissertation on a relevant topic which draws together the skills developed throughout the course.
You can apply to add a placement year or a study year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three to four years.
Durham Education 2027
The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.
Placement year available
Programme overview
Main Subject
Sociology
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
If you are curious about the big issues that shape our society, this course may be for you. Taking a research-led approach, the Combined Honours in Social Sciences explores systems, institutions, cultures and behaviours that shape the lives of people across the world.
A multidisciplinary qualification that sits outside of traditional boundaries, this bespoke, academically ambitious course offers exceptional flexibility.
You can choose to focus on two subjects or spread your learning across three or four to suit your individual interests, strengths and career plans. You can also apply to add a placement year or year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.
Learning from academics working at the forefront of their specialisms, our students graduate feeling confident, intellectually engaged and well prepared for employment or further study. As a graduate, you will be well placed to take up a career in fields as diverse as teaching, journalism, social work, financial services or the charity sector.
In Social Sciences, you can choose from:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Economics
- Education
- Geography
- Management and Marketing
- Politics and International Relations
- Sociology and Criminology
- Sport and Exercise Sciences
Up to half of your modules can be chosen from subjects in the Arts and Humanities (subject to timetable compatibility and entry requirements):
- Classics and Ancient History
- English Literature
- History
- Music
- Philosophy
- Theology and Religious Studies
- Visual Arts
- Languages, currently Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish
The degree culminates in a dissertation on a relevant topic which draws together the skills developed throughout the course.
You can apply to add a placement year or a study year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three to four years.
Durham Education 2027
The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.
Placement year available
Admission Requirements
Specified subjects according to subject choices:
Economics requires an A in A-level Mathematics.
English Literature, History or Music require a grade A at A level (or equivalent) in the subject.
Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Russian, or Spanish at an advanced level requires a grade A at A level (or equivalent) in the relevant language.
Arabic, French, German, Italian, Russian, or Spanish requires an A at A level (or equivalent) in a modern foreign language.
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
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Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
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