Sociology, Criminology, International Relations and Political Science Courses
Last updated: November 2026 · Written by the StudyWay Editorial Team
Quick answer
Social sciences study how people, societies and governments work.
- Sociology looks at society and social issues.
- Criminology studies crime and justice.
- International relations covers how countries interact.
- Political science studies governments, policy and power.
They build strong research, writing and analysis skills for careers in public service, development, research, media and law. On StudyWay, these subjects have over 80,000 searches combined, and criminology has a strong inquiry rate.
How do they compare?
| Subject | What you study | Typical careers |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology | Society, communities, inequality, social change | NGOs and development, research, social programmes, HR |
| Criminology | Crime, justice systems, policing, rehabilitation | Justice and security sectors, research, community safety, law-related roles |
| International relations | Diplomacy, global politics, international organisations | International organisations, NGOs, policy research, foreign affairs-related roles |
| Political science | Governments, political systems, public policy | Public service, policy analysis, research, media |
What course levels are available?
- Certificate and diploma: introductions to a subject, often studied alongside work.
- Degree: the main route for social science careers.
- Masters: to specialise in areas like international relations, development or criminology.
Tell us what you want to study, and institutes will contact you with options
What skills will I build?
- research and analysis,
- clear writing and presentation,
- understanding of people, cultures and institutions,
- and critical thinking.
These skills are valued in many jobs, not only in the subject itself.
How do these subjects connect to other careers?
- Law: criminology and political science connect closely with law. See routes to becoming a lawyer.
- Psychology and counselling: sociology connects with psychology. See our psychology and counselling guide.
- Media: see our media and journalism guide.
- Languages: international relations benefits from strong English and other languages. See our English and foreign language guides.
Frequently asked questions
Which A/L stream suits social sciences?
Arts stream students often choose these subjects, but students from other streams can too. Check each course's requirements.
What jobs can I get with sociology?
Sociology graduates work in development, NGOs, research, HR, social programmes and public service.
Is criminology the same as law?
No. Criminology studies crime and justice systems. Law studies legal rules and practice. They connect well.
Can international relations lead to a diplomatic career?
It's a useful background. Recruitment for official diplomatic roles follows each government's own processes.
Can I study these subjects while working?
Some diplomas and postgraduate courses offer weekend, evening or online study.