Introduction to Social Science (Level 5) (January)
- Location
- Langside Campus
- SCQF Level
- 5
- Start Date
- 25 Jan 2027
- Qualification Type
- NQ
- Course Type
- Short Full-Time
- Duration
- 18 weeks (January to June)
Applications open Monday 19 October 2026
This course provides an introduction to studying social sciences and is a short 18-week course. It covers several social subjects and considers how society, past and present, impacts the individual, and how people can impact their surroundings.
This course will help you to develop an understanding of how different social scientists attempt to explain the world that surrounds us.
If you are open minded and interested in finding out about what influences behaviour and want to understand how to make positive contributions to society then this course might be for you.
What will I learn?
Introduction to Social Science includes National 5 units in a selection of social science subjects. During the course you will:
- 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. This will allow you to be a more compassionate individual.
- Learn abou the steps and processes undertaken at a crime scene from various professionals which will be part of class demonstrations.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- A minimum of four National 4 level qualifications, or equivalent, which should include English and three social subjects. These courses must include the ‘added value’ units. Examples of social subjects include: modern studies, geography, history, RMPS, media, people and society.
- If English is not your first language, you must have an ESOL qualification at National 5, or equivalent.
- You must be at least 16 years of age prior to the start date.
- You should ensure that your application form is fully completed and detailed. The form should give information about your qualifications, interests and personal attributes, and explain 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
This course develops a range of skills that will enhance employment prospects e.g. communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
All students who successfully complete this course will be guaranteed an interview for NC Social Sciences with Criminology (Level 6) at Glasgow Clyde College starting in August. Excellent attendance and achievement of all units on the Introduction to Social Sciences Level 5 course will be required.
Many students who began their studies on this January 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 6 courses in areas such as social care, early education and childcare or to the General Education (Highers) 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 December / January.