Entry requirements
- Three National 5 passes
Or
- Completion of SCQF Level 5 Social Sciences course – Social Sciences: Understanding Human Behaviour & Society
- Relevant qualifications and experience may be considered for entry.
Why take this course?
There has never been a better time to study the social sciences. Whether it’s gaining an understanding of the impact of technological change on society, new social movements, crime, climate change and the environment, awareness of mental health & wellbeing, or social problems such as discrimination, inequality and poverty – the social sciences are there to investigate and provide informed explanations.
Through studying perspectives on 21st Century society and culture, you will aim to advance essential skills such as communication, self-awareness, confidence, digital skills, self-management, social intelligence and innovation.
What you will experience
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Perspectives on 21st Century Society & Culture
- Social Anthropology (Aberdeen Campus only)
- Philosophy
- Criminology
- Social science research & data
- Communication & digital investigation skills
- Counselling
- Political History
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will need
All applicants will be invited to an information session to learn more about the requirements of the course.
What you will get
SQA qualifications
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place towards the end of 2025.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
This may be funded or part-funded by a bursary, if you are eligible to receive one.
College transport to Fraserburgh
You may be eligible for College transport to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you may apply to progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:
University
You would need to undertake further study at HNC/D level to progress to a range of university degrees.
Student Stories
Jackie Thompson
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I met a lot of lovely people on the course, some were adult returners like me, but I also got on well with a lot of the younger students and we had some excellent discussions and debates. “
Read more about Jackie's story
Aiden Barney
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I really came out of my shell throughout my years of studying and have made many memories!”
Read more about Aiden's story
Charlie Third
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I’d advocate the brilliant experience that is North East Scotland College to anyone thinking about returning to learning. “
Read more about Charlie's story
Zoe Frieslick
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“NESCol gave me the knowledge, skills, and most importantly, the self-belief to continue my studies at university.”
Read more about Zoe's story
Robyn Blacklaw
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I absolutely loved my time at NESCol. It was a much better fit for me than school and a great environment to learn in.
Read more about Robyn's story
Kirsten Koss
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I’m so glad that I came to NESCol because it really has been a life changing experience. I think Social Sciences is a great place to be if you’re curious about the world or if there’s something that really frustrates you about the system and you’d really like to see it change. Studying an HND in Social Sciences really helped me to see the world in a better light. The department has such down to earth, friendly, normal staff and I would jump at the chance to finish my studies at the college if I could. Choose College – it really is a wonderful place!”
Read more about Kirsten's story
Hollie Dunn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“My time at college helped me see that I actually wanted to study psychology at university rather than a more broad-based social sciences course. If I hadn’t gone to college first, I wouldn’t have had the chance to discover that so I’m really glad I had the opportunity to properly explore the subject area before making a final decision.”
Read more about Hollie's story
Dean McGlynn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I found my time at college to be the perfect link between leaving school and starting university. The course was interesting, the assessments were rigorous and gave me the skills to work alone, as well as part of a group, which served me well at university. The lecturers were engaging and treated students as adults which created a good atmosphere for learning.”
Read more about Dean's story
Edward Flinn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“NESCol really prepared me for the step up to university. I would definitely recommend college if you don’t feel ready to go straight to university when you leave school.”
Read more about Edward's story
Shaun Hale
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I achieved things at NESCol both academically and personally that I didn’t think possible but with the help of lecturers and friends I made on the course, I feel I have grown as a person.”
Read more about Shaun's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Fraserburgh Campus
-
Starts Aug 2025
-
Day 1 year
-
Course Code C00165
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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