Career opportunities Social Sciences
In the UK many graduates enter employment where a degree in any subject would be acceptable. In this instance what they offer the employer is evidence of the range of competencies which have been developed through their academic study, rather than the specific subject content of their degree.
Given the current economic climate and the increased competition for graduate positions, it is important to consider a varied range of occupational areas. Bear in mind that many careers require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your first degree.
Social sciences qualifications provide an excellent background for a wide range of careers. Opportunities can be found across all sectors and in a number of occupations. Education, central and local government, finance, health and social care, law, the media, public services, campaigning and research are frequent career choices.
Within the public sector, openings can be found in all areas of the criminal justice system, such as the police, prison and probation* services (*social work in Scotland), also administration and management of social services. Positions within civil and diplomatic services and local government are also popular choices.
Other careers include:
- banking and finance
- politics
- journalism and broadcasting
- law
- teaching
- social work
- accountancy
- business management
- advertising and marketing.
We advise you to thoroughly research your career choices as early as possible, particularly in relation to experience required, differences relating to where you live, or where the study choices you make may affect future opportunities.
Useful links
These resources will help you explore careers in further detail.
You will also find information about general job vacancy sites, work experience and volunteering at:
Postgraduate Study
Many social sciences graduates go on to further study after completing their first degree and/or after gaining some relevant work experience.
Some reasons for doing so include:
- wanting to explore an aspect of their studies in more depth
- to further or change their career
- a specific postgraduate qualification is either an entry requirement for their chosen career or would be an advantage if entry is competitive.
Completing postgraduate study can open up jobs in higher education and teaching. It can also be useful for professions such as social work, social research, health care, counselling, journalism and other media related roles.
Though not offered at The Open University, you can continue your studies with courses like:
- Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) for teaching
- Masters Degree in Research Methods for a career in social research
- Social work and health care qualifications.
You may be able to get an accelerated qualification route if you already have a relevant degree.
It is important to thoroughly research further study options as this will help you make the correct choice for the right reasons. This would include checking you can afford it as the way you pay for postgraduate study is different to how undergraduate study is funded. On the Prospects website you can search postgraduate courses and find information on funding postgraduate study.
