Student Info & Guide

What can I do with a Social Science Degree?

by StudyMalaysia.com on September 8, 2015 | Career Guide

Graduates of social science can use their knowledge and skills in a wide variety of occupations that include recreation, law enforcement, and human services. Some may also pursue a profession in areas such as law, public policy, business, social work or psychology.

What can I do with a Social Science Degree?

Social sciences is about human society and their social relationships. It is the study of changes in behaviour as a result of individual differences, experience and environment. The field is multidisciplinary and covers the understanding of human development, behaviour and interaction. Knowledge in this field help in solving and understanding many of the world's most pressing social problems and human conditions that can be examined politically, economically, culturally, historically, socially and psychologically.

Here's an overview of three of the many sub-fields:

Economics

The study of economics will provide you with an understanding of the production, consumption and transfer of wealth. You will learn about subjects like microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, mathematical economics, environment and resource economics, finance, health economics, industry economics and industrial organisation, international economics and international finance, labour economics, public sector economics, welfare economics, economic geography, economic development and growth, urban and regional economics, comparative economic systems and more.

International relations

International relations will give you an understanding of the interactions of states in the global interstate system. You will explore how global, regional, and domestic factors influence relations between actors on the world stage. These actors include governments, non-governmental institutions, multinational companies and other players. You will study subjects like political science, economics, history, and languages; and focus on issues such as international security, political and economic development, democracy, international diplomacy, foreign policy, war and society, and political relations.

Psychology

Psychology is the study theories and principles relevant to the nature, functions and phenomena of the human mind and their relationship to the behaviour and experiences of people, individually or in social contexts. Some of the topics you will learn about include sensory processes, neurocognitive patterns, perception and performance, learning, memory and attention, cognition and language, planning and problem solving, biological psychology, personality, abilities and assessment, social psychology and developmental psychology.

Courses offered in this field

Courses offered in this field include diploma and bachelor degree programmes. Get course listings at Fields of Study section under Social sciences or click here.

Some Examples

Bachelor Degree Programmes
Private University/College
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons)
By: Asia Metropolitan University (AMU)
Bachelor of Business Psychology (Hons)
By: HELP University
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
By: HELP University
BA (Hons) Psychology with Communication
By: LIMKOKWING University of Creative Technology
Bachelor in Psychology with Marketing (Hons)
By: Management & Science University (MSU)
BSc in Psychology & Finance
By: SEGi University
BSc in Psychology
By: SEGi University
BSc in Psychology & Marketing
By: SEGi University
BSc (Hons) Psychology
By: Sunway University
BA (Hons) Psychology
By: UCSI University
Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) Psychology
By: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Chinese Studies
By: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
BSc Psychology (3+0 programme)
By: SEGi Colleges
BSc in Psychology & Management (3+0 programme)
By: SEGi Colleges
BA (Global)
By: Monash University Malaysia (MUSM)
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Business
By: Monash University Malaysia (MUSM)
BA (major in Psychology)
By: Monash University Malaysia (MUSM)
BA (major in International Studies)
By: Monash University Malaysia (MUSM)
BA (major in Gender Studies-Minor)
By: Monash University Malaysia (MUSM)
BSc (Hons) Psychology
By: The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC)
Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Psychology
By: Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARUC)
BA (Hons) International Relations
By: The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC)
BA (Hons) International Relations (with French/Spanish/Japanese/Mandarin/German/Korean)
By: The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC)
Bachelor of Economics (Hons)
By: HELP University
BSc (Hons) Economics
By: The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC)
Bachelor of Economics (Hons) Financial Economics
By: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
Bachelor of Economics (Honours)
By: Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARUC)
Public University
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons)
By: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Bachelor of Economics (Hons)
By: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Bachelor of Psychology (Industrial and Organizational Psychology)
By: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Bachelor of Human Sciences (Sociology & Anthropology)
By: International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Bachelor of Social Science in Development Science (Hons)
By: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Bachelor of Social Science in Political Science (Hons)
By: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Bachelor of Social Science (Geography) (Hons)
By: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Bachelor of Psychology (Child & Family Studies) (Hons)
By: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Development Planning & Management) (Hons)
By: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Politics & Government Studies) (Hons)
By: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Bachelor of Psychology
By: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
Bachelor of Malay Studies (specialising in Malay Language/Malay Arts/Malay Literature/Malay Linguistic/Malay Socio-culture)
By: University of Malaya (UM)
Bachelor of Arts (specialising in Tionghoa Studies)
By: University of Malaya (UM)
Bachelor of Arts (specialising in South East Asia Studies)
By: University of Malaya (UM)
Bachelor of Economics
By: International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Bachelor of Economics (Hons)
By: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Bachelor of Economics (Planning & Development Economics) (Hons)
By: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
Bachelor of Economics (Services Economics) (Hons)
By: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Bachelor of Economics
By: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Bachelor of Science Economics (Hons)
By: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
Bachelor of Economics
By: University of Malaya (UM)

 

Possible Occupations

  • Business Analysts
  • Cartographers
  • Consumer Research Analysts
  • Counsellors
  • Community Service
  • Cultural Artefact Specialists
  • Managers
  • Diplomats
  • Economists
  • Financial Analysts
  • Foreign Service Agents
  • Financial Consultants
  • Field Archaeologists
  • Government Advisors
  • GIS Manager
  • International Business Analysts
  • Investment Bankers
  • Journalists
  • Lecturers
  • Lobbyists
  • Management Consultants
  • Market Researchers
  • Marketing Managers
  • Insurance Agents
  • Policy Advisors
  • Political Advisors
  • Political Scientists
  • Public Administrators
  • Psychologists
  • Researchers
  • Social Workers
  • Travel Guides
  • Teachers
  • Urban Planners
  • Writers

Featured Courses

1. BA International Relations (Hons) at The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC)The first year of this programme will introduce you to the key analytical approaches used in the study of global politics, and how these are applied to international political events in historical and contemporary settings. Your second year modules will focus on security, political economy, global society and contemporary history and prepare you for your final year dissertation by providing training in research techniques. You will pursue your own independent research project during your third year while taking elective modules based on the research-expertise of the school staff.

Typical subjects in this course include:

  • Approaches to Global Politics
  • International Law and Organisations
  • Introduction to European Union Politics
  • Power and Contest: Living in a Political World
  • The Contemporary World Since 1945
  • Global Political Economy and International Development
  • International Relations of the Asia Pacific
  • International Security

Optional modules in this course include:

  • Cultures of Everyday Life
  • Contemporary Economic Policy
  • Entrepreneurship and Business
  • The Individual 2: Individual Differences
  • The Making of Modern Asia
  • Mass Media
  • People, Work and Organisations
  • Cultural Politics
  • Global Media and Communication
  • Introduction to Citizenship
  • People, Groups and Society
  • Political Communication, Public Relations and Propaganda
  • Understanding the Malay World

What are some examples of career prospects?

This degree will equip you for a career in a wide variety of fields including foreign ministries, international organisations, international businesses and finance, non-governmental and aid sectors, international media and journalism, local and national government, think-tanks, policy advice and lobbying.

Entry requirements

Foundation Successful completion of the Foundation in Arts or the Foundation in Business and Management programmes
A level BBB excluding general studies
IB Diploma 30 points with 5,5,5, at Higher Level and 5 points in mathematics at Standard or Higher Level
STPM B+B+B+ excluding Pengajian Am, with a grade C in SPM mathematics
UEC 5 As, excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese language
SAM/AUSMAT/HSC Applicants with these backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply and are welcome to contact the school beforehand if they wish to discuss eligibility
Canadian Pre-U Applicants with these backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply and are welcome to contact the school beforehand if they wish to discuss eligibility
SPM/GCSE/IGCSE In addition to the entry requirements listed above, those who have taken SPM/GCSE/IGCSE must have grade C in mathematics
2. Bachelor of Science (Hons) Psychology at International Medical University Malaysia

International Medical University (IMU)Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It has become one of the most important and widely applicable disciplines with its popularity being largely due to the discipline's authority in unravelling one of the most frequently asked questions in our society, i.e., why do people do the things they do?

The psychology programme at IMU provides the important intellectual and applied tools for those considering careers in management, law, education, social work, public relations, and other health-related professions. Regardless of the context in which psychologists work, all psychologists are trained to use principles of psychology to observe, assess, analyse and provide appropriate evidence-based interventions for the needs of our society.

Typical subjects in this course include:

  • Introductory Psychology
  • Communication
  • Social Psychology
  • Research Methods
  • Infancy and Childhood
  • Biopsychology
  • Motivation and Emotion
  • Intelligence
  • Memory
  • Adolescence
  • Personality
  • Adulthood
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Sensation and Perception
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Introduction to Psychological Testing
  • Health Psychology
  • Drugs and Behaviour
  • Introduction to Clinical Psychology
  • Learning
  • Behaviour Modification
  • Cross Cultural Psychology
  • Assessment and Treatment of Psychological Disorder
  • History and Trends in Psychology
  • Professional and Ethical Issues in Psychology

What can students who enrol in this course look forward to?

The small group teaching in IMU along with the individualised attention positively enhances students' learning. Undergraduate study in psychology at IMU also provides a sound basis for further professional training and research at the MSc or PhD level in psychology. Our graduates have successfully transferred to both local and international universities to further their education in their specialised fields.

What are some examples of career prospects?

Persons trained in psychology can contribute significantly in a variety of settings. For example, in a clinical environment, psychologists work with other medical personnel to study, manage, treat and prevent physical and psychological disorders. In corporate organisations, psychologists are involved with the recruitment, counselling or training of employees. In the area of education, psychologists identify and assist people who need help with learning issues and support teachers in the implementation of learning strategies. A sport psychologist works with athletes to maximise their physical and mental abilities.

Entry requirements

A-Levels EE
STPM CC
Australian Matriculation 60% aggregate or TER / UAI / ENTER / ATAR 70
NCEA Level 3 50%
Canadian Grade 12/13 50% aggregate in 6 subjects
Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) B in 5 subjects
Australian University Foundation Programmes 50% aggregate in 4 best subjects or TER / UAI / ENTER / ATAR 70 or GPA 2.00
Indian Pre-University 60%
Ministry of Education Matriculation # CGPA 2.00
International Baccalaureate (IB) 24 points
American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP) CGPA 2.70 (2 science subjects must be AP courses)
Foundation * # CGPA 2.00 or 50% (Foundation in Arts, Foundation In Biosciences, Foundation in Engineering, Foundation in Sciences)
Degree CGPA 2.00
Diploma CGPA 2.00

Minimum credit in Mathematics and Science and a pass in English at SPM or equivalent level (applicable to MOE Matriculation, Foundation, STPM and Diploma)

^ Students from both Arts and Science streams can apply.
# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution
* IMU does not accept any foundation in science courses from other colleges/universities for its dentistry programme except for foundation in science by IMU.

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