Midas Gordon-Farleigh

Geography with English

"I was lucky enough to be given a bursary to make a documentary as part of my independent study module. I went to Exmoor with a handheld camera and researched human interaction with the landscape. It's led to an academic paper which is going to be published, and my whole world has opened up."

"There’s a focus on team work because that’s something employers value."

"The geography staff at Brookes are fantastic, and so interesting. The course is designed in consultation with employers, so there’s a focus on team work because that’s something employers value."

Social Sciences

Are you interested in why people behave as they do, and what constitutes 'normal' behaviour? Have you wondered why societies in different parts of the world have developed diverse attitudes to gender? How is society influenced by its environment, and the environment by society?

These questions go to the heart of social sciences – taking a scientific approach to the study of the human race in all its contexts from the evolution of our species to the way in which we manage shrinking natural resources, and from how we organise political representation to the ways in which we interact with governments, as individuals and as societies.

Studying social sciences will give you fascinating insights and equip you with important transferable skills for a wide range of careers.

Why choose Oxford Brookes?

Brookes offers a very wide range of social sciences including Anthropology, Geography, Politics, International Relations, Psychology and Sociology. Read more…

In addition to the single honours in Anthropology and Psychology our modular degree approach means that there are opportunities to combine subjects to create your perfect degree and you'll be taught by academics who work across the boundaries between disciplines – anthropology can provide new insights for the international relations student, or psychologists can work with sociologists on new approaches to their field.

Brookes prides itself on the quality of its teaching and we are always looking for innovative ways to improve our teaching and your learning. All social science departments have been rated 'excellent' for teaching by the government's Quality Assurance Agency and this high quality brings students from around the world to study at Brookes – our diverse and vibrant student body includes people from more than 40 different countries.

We have excellent facilities, whatever your discipline. For example, if you study Psychology you'll use laboratory facilities which include a video-recording studio and observation room. All of our social science departments have a stimulating and friendly atmosphere, and you will be taught by staff who are actively engaged in research projects spanning the spectrum of social sciences.

There are lively student Psychology, Sociology and Politics and International Affairs Societies that organise regular events including speakers, films and social events (and there are 70 more student societies for you to explore once you arrive at Brookes).

Oxford is one of the world's great university cities, and Brookes social science students can take advantage of facilities ranging from the Pitt Rivers Museum, one of the most important anthropology resources in Europe, to the Bodleian Library, available for students writing undergraduate dissertations.

How we teach and how you'll learn

Social Sciences at Brookes uses the latest teaching methods. Read more…

These include podcasts and blogs alongside group work, individual tutorials, lectures and seminars. Some subjects and modules also include practical classes, excursions and longer field trips and there are opportunities to study abroad. You'll be learning in a stimulating, active and friendly atmosphere and whatever methods we use, we will help you to develop a range of skills, including written and verbal communication, problem solving and information management, as well as subject specific skills such as specialist IT skills. Students studying International Relations, Politics or Sociology have the opportunity to undertake work placements with individuals such as politicians and with organisations, both statutory and voluntary.

All our degrees use coursework as an important means of assessment, and other methods include examinations, essays, projects, seminar presentations and in-class tests.

Your career prospects

As well as a degree from a well-respected university, studying social sciences at Brookes equips you with a broad intellectual foundation for careers that involve numeracy, literacy, communication and problem solving. Read more…

You'll develop the transferable skills that employers demand and you'll leave Brookes with the ability to present reasoned arguments and to think independently.

Employment prospects for our social sciences graduates are excellent and recent graduates have gone into careers in psychology, management and media, local and central government – including an MP as well as political researchers – human resources, the police force, the voluntary sector and education. Many of our graduates go on to study for a master's degree or a doctorate.

Which courses can I study to start in 2012?

Learn more about the courses you can study to start in September 2012. Read more…

Which courses can I study to start in 2013?

Learn more about the courses you can study to start in September 2013. Read more…