How You Will Benefit from Graduating with a Social Science Degree

Sponsored by SOAS University of London

According to the latest Campaign for Social Science report, almost four out of ten graduates have a social science degree. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering how social sciences play an integral role in today’s globalized world, and despite these high numbers social science graduates remain in demand around the world.

Equipped with a uniquely transferable skillset, holistic mentality and a genuine interest in global issues, social science graduates are innovative thinkers who are well-placed to understand what makes individuals and society ‘tick’.

Read on to find out how you’ll benefit from graduating with a social science degree.

You’ll get to specialize in a subject, or even combine your interests

Social science is an umbrella term for many different subjects. SOAS University of London has an exciting array of social science degrees for both undergraduates and postgraduates, in subjects ranging from social anthropology, to history of art and archaeology and development studies.

Many social sciences share common topics and this overlap means many universities allow you to combine degrees or customize your learning in some way. So, if you have a profound interest in two particular subjects, you’ll be able to study both. Here’s a closer look at just some of the subjects you could end up studying.

Social anthropology

Considered the ‘science of humanity’, social anthropology covers a wide range of topics and discussions, including sociology, philosophy, linguistics, literature and history. At SOAS, their social anthropology undergraduate degree means you’ll gain a deeper understanding into the complexities of the global world and what it means to be a human.

Politics and international relations

Some social sciences are automatically offered as a joint degree, such as the joint politics and international relations undergraduate degree at SOAS. Studying a politics and international relations degree allows you to engage in a deeper understanding of how governments function, how political policies are made, and how countries interact with each other at a political level.

At SOAS, the joint politics and international relations program offers its students the chance to deeply analyze and evaluate politics and political systems around the world, including countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Economics

Economics is considered one of the most popular social sciences, as the skills and knowledge gained from an economics degree can be applied to a range of real-life career opportunities.

Another positive aspect about studying an economics degree is that you can easily combine it with other degree subjects as well. For example, SOAS offers its students the chance to integrate its BA Economics degree with another subject, making it possible for you to study two of your academic interests.

Law

You may choose to study law to kick-start a career in the legal sector. Or, you may just have a genuine interest in studying a degree which offers a unique combination of both human and intellectual elements.

Law degrees vary from university to university. For example, a law degree at SOAS specializes in key areas, such as international law, human rights, environmental law and socio-legal method, meaning you’ll gain a deep comprehension of legal traditions and practices across a range of regions around the world.

You’ll gain a highly valuable and transferable skillset

The set of skills you’ll build and foster by studying a social science degree will help you function and thrive in the modern workplace. Here are some of the skills you can expect to gain, which will make you an attractive hire to global employers: 

• Verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to research, analyze and critically evaluate data
• The ability to formulate, present and argue logical debates effectively
• The ability to understand the processes of change in society
• An awareness and understanding of cross-cultures
• High emotional intelligence

You’ll possess the knowledge required to positively impact the world

Social science degrees offer a fascinating insight into everyday life, while also preparing you for the challenges and opportunities that arise in contemporary society. Given the academic focus on societal issues and the relationships of individuals within society, your degree will be critical to challenging social problems and real-life world issues.

Did you know that business and international studies is a particularly common academic background for politicians? It’s reported that 60 percent of global leaders graduated with a social science degree.

Of course, not everybody wants to rule the world, but the Campaign for Social Sciences report has found that graduates with a social science background end up in a variety of other sectors and occupations. Below are just some careers you could pursue with a social science degree:

• Politics
• Market research
• Public administration and defense
• Accountancy
• Teaching and lecturing
• Linguistic anthropology
• Finance
• Insurance
• Law
• Human resources
• Economics
• History
• Archaeology
• Human health and social work

Start your social science journey at SOAS

Ranked fourth for development studies, 16^th for anthropology, 23^rd for politics and within the top 100 in the world for sociology in the QS World Subject University Rankings by Subject 2018, SOAS is clearly one of the top universities to consider for studying a social science degree.

SOAS provides you with more than just a world-class education though. Because of their non-Eurocentric approach, graduating with a social science degree from the SOAS will also provide you with the critical fundamentals for worldwide opportunities. Find out more about the degree options available at the university by clicking here.