Pre-university Course: Social Sciences

Are you thinking of studying the Social Sciences at university?

This unique pre-university course is specially designed for high school students who are planning to pursue an undergraduate degree. By covering subjects including Economics, Politics and Sociology, this course will use the theme of Equality to explore how this topic appears in different disciplines across the Social Sciences. Students will have the chance to explore and stimulate their own interests in a range of topics, and to deepen their understanding of contemporary social issues. Throughout the course, students will also take part in skills sessions which will help improve their approach to academic writing, research and discussion – all key skills for undergraduate study.

Key information

• Subject: Social, Political and Legal Studies
• Teaching fellow: Dr Vangelis Chiotis
• Credit bearing: No
• Credits: 20 SCQF/10 ECTS/4 US
• Eligibility: Students must be in the penultimate year of high school and aged 16-18. Students must submit a signed Parental Consent Form.
• Language requirements: Evidence of English language ability equivalent of IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
• Dates: 11 July-22 July 2022
• Length: 2 weeks
• Contact hours: 36
• Course fee: £3,995
• Application deadline: 30 May 2022 (17:00 - BST)

Looking after you during your stay

We want all Pre-University students to have a safe and enjoyable experience in Edinburgh. As such, we will arrange airport transfers for any Pre-University student who is travelling solo and not being accompanied by a parent or guardian. Airport transfers will only be available on Saturday 9th July (arrival) and Saturday 23rd July (departure).

Catered accommodation at Grant House, Pollock Halls of Residence, is provided as standard for all Pre-University students. This is included in the course fee. Offering easy access to the city it is overlooked by Arthur's Seat, one of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks! Check-in date is Saturday 9th July and check-out date is Saturday 23rd July.

In addition, two Resident Assistants will be staying at Grant House for the entirety of the course. They will make sure students arrive and depart safely, help them settle in, check on everyone's well-being, and act as a first point of contact for any queries or concerns. They may also accompany students on some planned social activities.​​​​​

Intended to supplement the academic content of the course, social activities and educational visits will be offered as part of the course fee. This may include:

• Edinburgh city tour
• Traditional Scottish celilidh
• Fudge making class
• Edinburgh ghost tour
• Afternoon tea
• Trip out of Edinburgh

Please note that social activities and educational visits are subject to change and their occurrence will depend on availability and Government guidance at the time. A schedule of activities will be confirmed nearer the time.

Course description

The course aims to introduce pre-university students to the social sciences, encouraging their interest in the academic discipline and deepening their understanding of contemporary social issues. Students will be encouraged to read across different subjects such as Politics, Economics and Sociology, so as to develop skills in interdisciplinary reading and thinking. The course will cover a wide range of topics, the understanding of which will be explored through discussion of Equality. Questions to be covered include the role of the government and re-distribution of wealth, and how social scientists investigate and answer questions about the future of our society.

Politics: This section will cover how individuals take decisions which affect the entire society. This will entail the role of the government, the parliament, international organisations and focus on the practices of the British political system and the European Union as well as the relationship between the UK and the EU.

Economics: This section will cover the study of how individuals and societies produce the goods and services that satisfy their needs and sustain their livelihoods. This will include the study of rationality and economic interactions; it will look at practical subjects including international markets and trade.

Sociology: The section will be devoted to the study of human relations and social organisations and will study group behaviour and social norms while focusing on the history and evolution of work and the fourth Industrial Revolution.

The structure of this course is designed to provide students with a similar experience to that which they might encounter during undergraduate study, as well as providing a unique Edinburgh-based summer school opportunity. Using a blend of text, audio, video and other material, the course is designed to equip students with a range of skills to enhance independent study for their route into the Social Sciences. Each class will combine a mini-lecture, tutorial discussion and a classroom activity or an academic skills session.

The course also includes a visit to the Scottish Parliament, which is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Timetable

Week 1 (11 July)

• Mon - Fri (10:00-13:30)

Week 2 (18 July)

• Mon - Thurs (10:00-13:30)
• Fri (10:00-14.30)

Teaching method

All classes will be delivered in person at the University of Edinburgh’s Holyrood Campus.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Display a keen interest in the Social Sciences.
2. Display an ability to think in an interdisciplinary way using a common theme.
3. Demonstrate skills that are integral to studying the Social Sciences including research skills and critical analysis.
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the role and importance of social sciences in contemporary societies.
5. Show an awareness of the social values and institutions that shape our world, with a focus on equality.