Social Science Foundation Year
Northumbria University
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.4) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Newcastle City Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

1 Year

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Newcastle City Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 Year

SELECTED

Subjects

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Sociology
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Exam type

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UCAS Tariff
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Location

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Domestic
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EU
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Rest of World
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Course info

Social sciences help us to identify trends, explore relationships, challenge prejudices and gain a deeper understanding of the societies in which we live and work. This understanding equips us with the tools to question current thinking and inform future social policy.This foundation year, which covers the areas of sociology, politics, and criminology, prepares you for degree level study in a range of social science subjects. Through engaging with real world issues, youll begin to develop the ...Read more

Social sciences help us to identify trends, explore relationships, challenge prejudices and gain a deeper understanding of the societies in which we live and work. This understanding equips us with the tools to question current thinking and inform future social policy.

This foundation year, which covers the areas of sociology, politics, and criminology, prepares you for degree level study in a range of social science subjects. Through engaging with real world issues, youll begin to develop the critical thinking, communication and problem solving skills that are essential for both further study and employment.

Following successful completion of the foundation year you will qualify to join any of the following degrees:

BSc (Hons) Criminology

BSc (Hons) Sociology

BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology

BSc (Hons) Professional Policing

BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics

BA (Hons) History and Politics

How does this course set me up for my future career?

The foundation year offers an insight into all of the essential disciplines within the area of Social Sciences. On successful completion you will be in the best position to choose the right undergraduate degree for you, whether your interests lie in Criminology, Sociology, Politics or Media.

Whatever route you decide to follow, you will move on with the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include strong employability skills such as independent learning, critical reflection, collaboration, curiosity and problem solving.

Mode of Study

1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
8/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
50th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
34th
Media Studies
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 77 = 23% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
23%
Politics
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 77 = 23% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
23%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
90%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Politics graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Politics graduate salary
£18,000
Sociology
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 77 = 23% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
23%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
91%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Sociology graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Sociology graduate salary
£18,000
What students say
J
Joshua
17 Dec 24

It's easy to get around especially once you get to know the place and get to classes or other..Read more

J
Jenny
17 Dec 24

Best night life and..Read more

Modules

Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

UCAS Tariff

UCAS Tariff:

80 Grades / Points required

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculatorNorthumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfoSubject Requirements:There are no specific subject requirements for this course.GCSE Requirements:Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.Additional Requirements:There are no additional requirements for this course.International Qualifications:We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountryEnglish Language Requirements:International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Popular A-level subjects

Sociology

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Sociology
43%
Psychology
38%
English Language
25%
English Literature
15%
History
14%
HESA
Politics

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

History
52%
Government & Politics
31%
English Language
25%
Psychology
19%
English Literature
19%
HESA
Media Studies

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

English Language
32%
Psychology
32%
Sociology
29%
Religious Studies & Theology
23%
History
20%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£5,760 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if you live within Domestic. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Domestic. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£19,350 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£19,350 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Social Sciences reviews

Social Sciences
Social Sciences
J
Joshua
17 Dec 24
Social Science Foundation Year
It's easy to get around especially once you get to know the place and get to classes or other...
Read more
J
Jenny
17 Dec 24
Social Science Foundation Year
Best night life and...
Read more
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How Social Sciences students rated:

Student rating
( 4.5) 4 reviews
5 star
50%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 1,697 reviews
5 star
49%
4 stars
44%
3 stars
7%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
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Uni info

Northumbria University
Northumbria University , Newcastle upon Tyne

Northumbria University offers students the opportunity to develop skills in a wide range of courses, creating a graduate community that...

Student rating
( 4.4) View reviews
CUG ranking
34th
Northumbria University
Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road Newcastle-upon-Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Newcastle Central  0.4 miles away
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