Edinburgh College Banner

Social Sciences incorporating ICS

Social Science SCQF Level 5

Campus Milton Road Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 5

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2025

Course enquiry form

Note your interest for this course.
Enter your full name
Enter your email address
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with pre-application information on future courses including application deadlines, campus open days and course information. Read our privacy notice to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).

Course overview

This course is now full. Applicants are being interviewed for a place on the waiting list.

This course offers you the opportunity to study society and human interactions systematically.  You will learn about the world beyond your immediate experiences and gain insight into how individuals, groups and institutions make decisions.  You will also develop excellent skills for your future studies.

You will gain transferable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and presentations, all essential to progress in education and employment. This Level 5 course will allow you to progress to Level 6 Social Sciences and the chance to gain entry to university. 

This is an academic course: you must enjoy reading, writing and researching to succeed. You will also be expected to have excellent organisational skills to manage the demands of the course.

What you will learn

The course includes:

  • NPA Psychology level 5
  • National 5 Sociology (SQA exam)

as well as units in:

  • Social anthropology
  • Politics
  • Criminology: Crime Scenes
  • History
  • Modern Studies
  • Relevance of Social Sciences in the 21st century
  • Communication
  • ICT
  • Data Digital Skills

How the course is assessed

  • You will be continually assessed through examinations, essays, reports and presentations. 

Number of days per week

  • 3 full days a week

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

  • National 4 English
  • Three additional National 4s in relevant subjects (History, Modern Studies, Geography, RMPS, Health Studies, Business Studies, Maths)
  • A strong personal statement in support of your application
  • A successful interview which will include a written task

Preference will be given to applicants who already have a relevant National 5 qualification.

or (for progressing students)

  • A pass in the Social Science Level 4/5 course with NPA Criminology
  • A strong personal statement in support of your application
  • Recommendation from the academic team

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • You will be given a conditional or unconditional offer based on your application 
  • An emphasis is placed on your interview

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • Social Science SCQF level 6
  • Highers

Career options

  • Local government
  • Social Services
  • Police
  • Criminal justice service
  • Politics
  • Social work
  • Teaching

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Milton Road Campus Full time 25/08/25
Sighthill Campus Full time 25/08/25

You may also be interested in these courses

Social Sciences incorporating ICS

Social Sciences (Level 4) with NPA Criminology (Level 5)

This course will appeal to a range of learners who are interested in finding out more about the topic of crime and devia...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Social Sciences incorporating ICS

Introduction to Social Sciences and Self

This social science course takes you on a thought-provoking journey of discovery. It will help you to understand yoursel...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Social Sciences incorporating ICS

Social Science HNC

Social Science HNC is an innovative course designed to teach you a range of disciplines from the social science field. D...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Social Sciences incorporating ICS

Social Science SCQF level 6

This course will allow you to explore how societies and humans function objectively.  Throughout the course, you will ga...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Social Sciences incorporating ICS

SWAP Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Primary Teaching

This course is designed for you to progress to either university or HNC programmes. You will be taught by highly qualifi...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Social Sciences incorporating ICS

Criminology NPA (Social Sciences) SCP Level 5

The National Progression Award (NPA) will introduce you to the field of criminology, including its history and the role ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Part time

Social Sciences incorporating ICS

Psychology Higher (SCP)

This course is for S6 pupils who are still at school.Higher Psychology will teach you to explore the human mind and beha...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Part time