Introduction to Social Sciences (Level 4)
- Location
- Langside Campus
- SCQF Level
- 4
- Start Date
- 24 Aug 2026
- Qualification Type
- NQ
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 year (August to June)
If you've ever wondered why people think and behave the way they do, or how the world around us shapes us, this course is a great place to start.
Introduction to Social Sciences is a full-time course that explores some of life's biggest questions. You'll look at where personality comes from, how family, education and the media influence the way we see the world, and even how professionals piece together what happened at a crime scene. It's the kind of learning that makes you look at everyday life differently.
And you don't need to have studied social sciences before.
Once you have completed this course you'll have a real understanding of how social scientists make sense of the world around us.
What will I learn?
During Introduction to Social Sciences you'll:
- Study a range of subjects including psychology, criminology, sociology, history and modern studies.
- Learn several explanations of where our personality comes from and also consider whether it is influenced by genes and/or the environment.
- Analyse how the media, family and education influence people. This will help you understand the inequalities that exist in society, and enable you to become a more compassionate individual.
- Learn about the steps and processes undertaken at a crime scene from various professionals which will be part of class demonstrations.
The course covers current issues that attect the everyday life of every one in society - no matter your age, gender, religion or ethnic background, you'll be able to offer an opinion and contribute to classroom discussions.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- There are no formal entry requirements
- You should ensure that your application form is fully completed and detailed, providing information about your qualifications, interests and personal attributes, and explaining why you are interested in studying the social sciences.
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications (SCQF) Framework can help you to check if you're choosing the right level of study. Take a look at the SCQF Interactive Framework here.
If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Employer and industry links
Class visits may take place, for example to a Scottish Court to see the workings of a criminal trial first-hand.
Jobs and further study
If you successfully complete this course you'll be guaranteed an interview for NC Social Sciences (Level 5) at Glasgow Clyde College starting in August. Excellent attendance and achievement of all units on the Introduction to Social Sciences course will be required.
Many students who began their studies on this course have progressed through the different levels to HND Social Sciences Year 2 and finally to university.
You may also be able to apply to a range of SCQF Level 5 courses in areas such as social care, early education and childcare or to the National 5 General Programme at Glasgow Clyde College.
Take a look at the course progression map for social science courses.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you will either be:
- Made a direct offer (unconditional or conditional)
- Invited to book an interview session
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
- We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited to interview, you will be informed of the outcome of your interview by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you will not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date. This will normally be sent out in July / August.