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Advanced Certificate: Pathway to Social Sciences

Explore Society. Understand People. Shape Your Future. This is a one-year, full-time course (SCQF Level 6) designed to help you develop a deep understanding of human behaviour, society, and culture. You’ll explore subjects including Sociology, Psychology, History, Criminology, Philosophy, and Personal Development, preparing you for further study or a wide range of career opportunities.

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Level:

SCQF Level 6

Study Mode:

  • Full time

Location:

  • Dunfermline
  • Kirkcaldy

Start Date:

Aug 2026

Duration:

  • One year full-time

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for learners who want to deepen their understanding of society, culture, and human behaviour through an academic lens. Ideal for those aiming to progress to higher education or careers in social sciences, it combines critical thinking, research skills, and theoretical knowledge to prepare you for advanced study.Due to the content of the course, students should be over the age of 16 at application stage.

What skills will I learn?

  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Research skills communication
  • Problem solving
  • Collaboration and team work
  • Cultural and societal awareness

What will I study?

  • You’ll cover key areas of Social Science, learning how different disciplines connect and influence one another:
    • Sociology – understanding society, communities, and social structures
    • Psychology – exploring human thought, emotion, and behaviour
    • History – examining past events to understand the present
    • Criminology – investigating crime, justice, and social responses
    • Philosophy – exploring ethics, morality, and critical thinking
    • Personal Development – building communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-awareness skills
    • Communication - developing strong reading, writing, and verbal skills to express ideas clearly, analyse information, and engage in discussions effectively

Application Information

What further study options are available?

  • Progression to HNC Social Sciences
  • Possible progression to other HNC level courses across the college

What career opportunities are there?

  • Social Worker
  • Community Development Officer
  • Charity/Non-Profit Worker
  • Teacher
  • Market Research
  • Human Resources
  • Public Relations
  • Journalist
  • Criminologist
  • Psychologist

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