Social sciences look at human society and at individual and group relationships within it. A degree in this subject area could be for you if you have an interest in people and how they act individually and collectively, and are continually asking questions about the world around you.

Studying Anthropology
Anthropology is a social science that has recently seen a surge in undergraduate applications. Anthropologists study the culture and social organisations that humans have built up across the globe, and analyse how different societies develop and function. Students of the subject may combine insights of animal behaviour, archaeology, palaeontology, social anthropology and folklore studies. They can focus on biological anthropology, social anthropology, or a combination of the two.

Studying Economics
Economics is a popular social science, which provides students with the background and analytical skills necessary to understand concepts such as taxes and the stock market. The subject can cover the general economic environment, governmental economic policy and the efficient allocation of scarce resources, helping students understand factors like supply and demand and unemployment. A degree in economics provides you with the ability to apply economic principles and theories to a wide range of issues thereby helping students to understand the wider driving forces shaping social policy. Economics will also give you the mental tools and skills that will be helpful in other aspects of life and in a range of careers. Some of these skills encompass many areas, such as the development of logical thought processes, while others are more specific to economics and include the ability to interpret economic arguments.

Studying economics helps students detect the difference between statements of fact and expressions of opinion. Economic knowledge also helps develop a logical way of thinking, and the ability to present arguments in a reasoned and relevant way. Economists should be skilled at presenting and discussing ideas, concepts and arguments in a clear and accurate manner.

Studying Sociology and Social Policy
Sociology is the ‘science of society’. Courses may concentrate on specific subject areas such as race and ethnicity, crime and deviance, the media or globalisation and social change. One of the most attractive elements of sociology is its combination of rigorous scientific research and interpretative lateral thinking.

An increasingly popular offshoot from sociology is social policy – the study of contemporary social needs and problems and society’s response to them. Social policy is very much an applied subject, examining a range of social issues from a variety of perspectives including economics and sociology. Areas covered include criminology, health and community care policies, race relations, social work and gender relations.

Career Paths
Common career areas for social science graduates include business and commerce, marketing, media, public relations, publishing, social care and teaching.

Economist
Economists use knowledge of economic theory to advise government departments, businesses, banks and other organisations. Their role is to conduct research that helps governments develop economic policies and businesses plan financial strategies.
Salary guide
Starting salaries are around £25,000 a year, but government economic advisers with three years’ experience earn between £35,000 and £45,000. Salaries for senior economists can rise to £60,000-£80,000 a year. See Government Economics Service, www.ges.gov.uk

Social Worker
Social workers help disadvantaged and vulnerable people to integrate and function within their community and homes. They often specialise in work with young people and their families, elderly people, alcohol and drug abusers, or those with mental health problems or physical disabilities.
Salary guide
Salaries for a social worker start at around £20,000 to £28,000, rising to £50,000 for senior posts. Job prospects are good, although the work can be very stressful and involve unsocial hours. See British Association of  Social Workers www.basw.co.uk