Social sciences

Employable graduates

97% of graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course (Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22).

World-leading research

Our degrees are taught by researchers at the forefront of their subjects, whose expertise and insight inform governments and policy-makers regionally, nationally and globally.

Interdisciplinary study

We are an interdisciplinary School, with a strong belief in the benefits of studying alongside, and collaborating with, complementary areas of expertise.

Education (MSc)

Full time

Our Education (MSc) programme enables you to explore key challenges in education and gain insights into educational practices, policies, and organisations from across the world.

International Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSc)

Full time

Develop your understanding of crime and criminal practice in an international context and consider how digital technologies are creating ‘new crimes’.

Social and Public Policy (MSc)

Full time

Study how policy is designed around the world to meet human needs and increase wellbeing.

Social Science Research Methods (MSc)

Full time, Part time

Advanced training in research methods preparing you for employment or PhD study.

Social Work (MA)

Full time

Study the theory and practical skills of social work, and gain the training required to qualify and register as a social worker in Wales and the wider UK.

Sociology (MSc)

Full time

How can sociology help you make sense of a world defined by change and disruption yet, at the same time, shaped by enduring and pervasive inequalities?

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Part-time

The professional doctorate is a doctoral qualification that is fully equivalent to the PhD, but substantially different from it in that it is strongly professionally oriented focussing on ‘applied’ rather than ‘pure’ research.

Doctor of Health Studies (DHS)

Part-time

Doctor of Social and Public Policy (SPPD)

Part-time

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Part-time

Social Sciences (PhD)

Full-time, part-time

The School of Social Sciences has an exceptionally strong and interdisciplinary research culture, and offers expert supervision across a wide range of research topics.

Welcome to the School of Social Sciences

The School of Social Sciences

Dr Tom Hall, our Head of School, discusses what makes our school such a great place to study.

Education (MSc)

Professor Manuel Souto-Otero introduces the Education (MSc) at Cardiff University.

International Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSc)

Dr Luca Giommoni introduces the International and Criminal Justice (MSc).

Social and Public Policy (MSc)

Dr Shailen Nandy explains Social and Public Policy (MSc) at Cardiff University.

Social Work (MA)

Programme director Dr David Wilkins talks us through our two-year Social Work (MA) course that will see you graduate as a registered social worker.

Sociology (MSc)

Professor William Housely introduces our brand-new Sociology (MSc) course.

I enjoyed learning and understanding how different countries with different ideologies address similar issues, such as pension, economic depression, democracy and citizenship.

Agnes Mwangoka Social and Public Policy (MSc)

Our alumni

A person standing outside their place of work on a cloudy day

“I had the privilege of being part of an excellent department in the School of Social Sciences.”

Social and Public Policy (MSc) graduate Sally Bardayán Rivera chatted with us about her time at Cardiff University.

The front of Cardiff University's Glamorgan building

“The support that I had from the university has been immense and monumental.”

Social and Public Policy (MSc) graduate Deeksha Sharma chatted with us about her time at Cardiff University.

Research-led learning

Our teaching is informed and underpinned by the most recent academic research and scholarship and is recognised as internationally excellent, having a direct impact on policy and practice around the world.

Many of our staff act as advisors to international public and private sector organisations, Westminster and European parliaments, and the Welsh Government.

Transforming relationships and sex education in Wales, England, and internationally

Professor EJ Renold’s work has made sure the views of young people are central to new legislation and policies.

Listening to survivors of child sexual exploitation

Dr Sophie Hallett’s pioneering research has made young people’s views integral to decisions on their care.

Learn more about us

Participate in current research

Postgraduate students are encouraged to fully participate in our academic and research environment. This includes a wide range of active research groups, seminar series and informal study groups.

Making a difference

We are proud of our record of impacting upon public debate, policy development and practice based innovations.

Our master’s degrees

Our flexible master’s degrees provide the intellectual tools with which to engage with current social and public debate. You’ll be taught by leading scholars who are recognised for their theoretical and methodological expertise both nationally and internationally.

Postgraduate research opportunities

We offer opportunities for postgraduate research study designed to provide you with the skills and experience you need for your career. Our PhD programme prepares candidates for a research-based career, while the Professional Doctorate looks to address the career needs of practising professionals.

Centrally located in the historic Glamorgan Building

Based in the Grade 1 listed Glamorgan Building, we are at the heart of Cardiff’s Civic Centre, moments from Cardiff’s Crown Court, City Hall, Welsh Government administrative headquarters and Cardiff’s Central Police Station. Our building has lecture theatres with lecture-capture technology, seminar rooms, and a friendly, informal café for socialising and group study.