BA Hons History & Social Policy at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• we're ranked 3rd in the UK for Social Policy (Complete University Guide League Tables 2020)
• learn about the context in which we live today through some of the most important and interesting periods in UK and world history
• benefit from excellent teaching in a range of professionally relevant areas, such as problem-solving, communication, research methods and interpretation that enhance your employability
• access to internships and placements

Why this course?

Studying history – the story of humanity through the ages – develops your knowledge of the past and gives you a better understanding of the present.

Throughout your studies, you'll receive excellent training in areas such as problem-solving, communication, research methods and interpretation.

Our classes cover some of the most important and interesting historical periods at home and abroad, including Scotland’s ‘Highland Problem’ in the 16th century, Slavery in World History and Cold War Europe, 1945-1991.

Social Policy examines the ways in which societies distribute resources and develop services to meet individual and social needs. Key social policy issues examined include poverty; economic, race, age and gender inequality; social justice health; education; criminal justice and housing.

It utilises a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to improve our understanding of how societies organise their resources to meet individual and social needs and how they measure progress in these areas. 

This programme gives you the opportunity to learn more about the social and economic challenges facing Scottish society and place these in a broader international perspective. It draws on disciplines such as history, sociology, anthropology, economics, law, psychology, social anthropology and politics.

Learning & teaching

As a history student, you'll be expected to attend lectures and seminars and take part in group projects. Bibliographic search sessions in the University Library will also be provided. We encourage close, critical reading of texts and the evaluation of historical controversies to help self-directed learning and improve your analytical skills.

Careers

Many History graduates progress to careers in education, social welfare, the Civil Service and the Scottish Government or areas such as finance. Some graduates work in teaching, museums or heritage, while others find satisfying careers in library and information science, arts management and administration or journalism.

Many students expand their knowledge of history by taking further postgraduate study.

The most common employment destinations for social policy graduates include:

• local & national government policy development and research
• regional & urban development
• business administration & management
• third sector/charity research & policy development
• children’s services
• education
• health & social welfare
• protective services