How to Apply
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who demonstrate a commitment to their chosen subject(s) of study. In particular we are keen to encourage applicants who have undertaken some form of education in subjects allied to the social sciences. Largely for the purposes of transparency in selecting candidates we normally require applicants to have undertaken some educational qualification (see below) within the last two years. With an international reputation for cutting-edge ideas and a strong commitment to theoretically-informed research with a clear policy focus the School of Social Sciences encourages applicants who share our appetite for advancing our understanding of a diverse and fast-changing social world.
To be considered for entry onto any of the undergraduate courses offered in the School of Social Sciences you should apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) www.ucas.com
What are the basic entry requirements?
A-Levels: The School usually requires 3 subjects studied to A2 level (excluding General Studies, Key Skills and AS Levels).
Access to HE Diploma: The school welcomes applications from students studying relevant subjects or units.
Other: The school also considers applicants studying for a range of other qualifications. These include the International, European and Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish and Irish Highers, BTEC/HND, Applied A-levels, and Advanced Diploma.
What can I study?
Single Honours Degree Schemes
L370 BSc Criminology
X300 BA Education
L300 BScEcon Sociology
L301 BSc Social Science
L402 BScEcon Social Policy (entry to this degree scheme has been suspended for 2011-12)
Joint Honours Degree Schemes
LM39 BscEcon Sociology and Criminology
LL34 BscEcon Sociology and Social Policy
ML94 BscEcon Criminology and Social Policy
LX33 BscEcon Sociology and Education
XM39 BscEcon Education and Criminology
XL34 BscEcon Education and Social Policy
The School of Social Sciences also offers a number of joint honours degree schemes with other Cardiff University Schools.
What’s a typical offer for the degree I am interested in?
All students studying three A-level subjects (excluding General Studies) who apply to the School will be automatically made a ‘standard offer’, irrespective of predicted grades.
Standard A-level applicants
AAB@A2 for L370 BSc Criminology
ABB@A2 for L300 BScEcon Sociology, X300 BA Education, LM39 BscEcon Sociology and Criminology, L301 BSc Social Science
BBB@A2 for all other degree schemes listed above.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
A pass in the Welsh Baccalaureate is normally accepted in lieu of one A-level (grade B).
Scottish Advanced Higher
AAB-BBB
Irish Leaving Certificate
A1, A1, B1, B1, B2, B2 to A2, B1, B2, B2, B3, B3.
European Baccalaureate
75-80%, depending on degree scheme.
International Baccalaureate
32-34, depending on degree scheme.
BTEC National Diploma
DDD-DDM depending on degree scheme. Applicants must demonstrate the relevance of the diploma to the degree subject they want to study.
CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education
Applicants studying for this qualification who indicate strong academic potential will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants must demonstrate the relevance of the diploma to the degree subject they want to study.
What happens after I apply?
After we have received your application, we will invite you to visit the School for our departmental Open Day sometime during the period January to early April. There will not normally be a formal interview, but there will be a guided tour of the School and wider University Campus. You will also meet students and staff, providing us with the opportunity of getting to know more about you and enabling you to find out what life is like as Social Sciences student at Cardiff.
A University-wide open day is also held in April each year, allowing potential applicants to visit all Schools in addition to university’s residences, Students' Union and sports facilities.
How do I find out more?
Find out other information about the Module Catalogues, Timetables, Degree Programmes, Open Days and what our Current Students are doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please go to our FAQs page if you have any further questions about admission to the School that have not been answered throughout these pages.