The BA Global Social Challenges is unique not just at The University of Manchester but across the UK.

This new, one-of-a-kind degree combines the exploration of the most pressing social issues with input and perspectives from across multiple social sciences departments. Discover the top nine reasons why we think that students are going to love studying BA Global Social Challenges!

1. Explore critical contemporary issues

What is a ‘Global Social Challenge’? In short, it’s a critical issue that people face across the world. If you keep an eye on the news, you’ll know that there is no shortage of these – discrimination, representation, invasion, inflation, migration; the list goes on, take your pick (literally, see point 3). These are challenges that shape the world we live in and knowing about them, and how to face them, is vitally important.

2. Uniquely transdisciplinary

What is particularly special about this degree is the involvement of top departments from across the School of Social Sciences. Issues will be explored with academics from Criminology, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, Social Anthropology and Social Statistics, building in multiple perspectives in an approach that dissects multiple disciplines and gives students a much more holistic overview of the topics they cover.

3. Shape your degree

“Discussions will largely be led by the students themselves”, says Dr Jon Davies, Programme Director for the BA Global Social Challenges, “we don’t want to just dictate what global social challenges are, we want to encourage our students to lead the way”. Students will have plenty of choice in what issues they explore through deep dives and case studies throughout all three years of their degree.

Aside from the core units they study, students will also have their choice of optional modules from across the social sciences and the wider university.

4. Collaborate with peers

“If I were studying this degree, I think that I would be most excited about having dynamic discussions with people from different backgrounds who may have different opinions, and how these discussions will lead to new understandings”, says Dr Davies.

The degree is designed around discussion and collaboration. Students will have opportunities to debate, take on leadership roles, deliver presentations and – most important of all – make lifelong connections with people with similar interests from around the world.

Students study together at Chetham’s Library at The University of Manchester

5. Unique teaching & learning methods

The focus on discussion and collaboration is not limited to students. Due to its transdisciplinary nature, the degree will feature interactive workshops, round-table discussions with academics from different departments and ‘team teaching’ with two or more academics delivering sessions in order to bounce ideas off each other and off the students.

6. Opportunities abroad and at home

For those interested in extending their degrees to four years, there are opportunities to study abroad for a year at one of Manchester’s partner institutions or to take on a paid Professional Experience Year. Both of these options will broaden your horizons and boost your employability, giving you an edge when it comes to entering the job market.

7. Gain vital research & data skills

Unlike many Humanities degrees, this course puts emphasis on important research and analytical skills that are hugely important not just in academia but also in the world of work. Our first-year students will study a unit called Research and Academic Skills, which will include quantitative work and analytical skills. Then, in the second year, students will study a unit on Understanding Data to gain further insight into quantitative and qualitative data approaches.

These units can be backed up by optional units from departments across the School of Social Sciences, such as Economics and Social Statistics.

8. Develop key employability skills

Our Careers Service is an award-winning resource available to all students

Employability skills are embedded in the degree from day one. These include many of the skills and experiences mentioned above: teamwork, leadership, communication, presentation and digital and data skills, among many others.

The University also has an award-winning Careers Service which helps students consolidate skills, practice interviews and find work – both during their time at Manchester and for two years after their course ends.

9. Launch towards a fascinating career

The skills that will be developed during the degree mean that students will be able to pursue a wide range of careers. Some of the expected trajectories include working for national or international organisations, be they government or civil service departments, in the third sector, in charities and in interest groups. The private sector will also be open to our graduates: businesses increasingly need to be aware of, and address, global challenges in some way, be they at a local, national or international level.

What are you waiting for? Discover more about the BA Global Social Challenges here and apply through UCAS!

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