Pre-university: Social Sciences

Dr Brian McGrail is a Lecturer at the Centre for Open Learning and an Associate Lecturer for the Open University. He has taught in UK higher education since 1992 and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Brian has mainly taught in the area of interdisciplinary social sciences (at foundation level), but also sociology, political economy and urban studies (at Honours level), and post-graduate students in the philosophy of science. Dr McGrail has undertaken post-doctoral research into UK financial landownership and the introduction of electronic surveillance into residential housing estates. He currently teaches on the Centre for Open Learning’s Access and International Foundation, and Short Course Programmes, and is an external examiner at the University of Glasgow.

Dr Morna Finnegan is a Teaching Fellow at the Centre for Open Learning. She is a social anthropologist who received her PhD from the University of Edinburgh in 2010. Her research interests include gender, child development and attachment, political egalitarianism and the anthropology of power more broadly. Morna has worked as an independent researcher and writer and has published several articles and a co-edited book on human origins from a social anthropological perspective. She has been teaching social anthropology at the Centre for Open Learning since 2018, and has worked both on short courses and on the International Foundation Programme. She has also taught Access Social Sciences.

Are you thinking of studying the Social Sciences at university?  

This unique pre-university course is specially designed for high school students who are planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in the social sciences (Business, Psychology, Economics, Law, Social Policy, Politics…) and will be taught by course teachers experienced in helping students transition to undergraduate degrees. We will focus on three representative subjects, Economics, Politics and Sociology/Social Anthropology, but will teach you skills relevant for studying any social science subject. Throughout the course, students will take part in skills sessions which will help improve their approach to academic writing, research, and group discussion – all key skills for undergraduate study. 

The course aims to introduce pre-university students to the study of social sciences at the University of Edinburgh, encouraging their interest in the academic discipline and deepening their understanding of contemporary social issues. Students will be encouraged to read across different subjects such as Politics, Economics and Sociology, so as to develop skills in academic reading and thinking. The course will cover a wide range of topics, the understanding of which will be explored through discussion of Equality – what does it mean to be equal or unequal? Questions to be considered include the role of the government and re-distribution of wealth, and how social scientists investigate the nature and future of our society. 

Politics: This section will cover how individuals take decisions which affect the entire society. The focus will be on the role of the government, the parliament, and international organisations, including the practices of the British political system and the European Union.  

Economics: This section will cover the study of how individuals and societies produce the goods and services that satisfy their needs and sustain their livelihoods. This will include the study of rationality and economic interactions and practical subjects such as international markets and trade.  

Sociology/Social Anthropology: The section will be devoted to the study of human relations and social organisations and will focus on group behaviour and social norms. Different case studies from around the world will be considered, for example the history and evolution of work and the fourth Industrial Revolution. 

The structure of this course is designed to provide students with a similar experience to that which they might encounter during undergraduate study, as well as providing a unique Edinburgh-based summer school opportunity. Using a blend of text, audio, video and other material, the course is designed to equip students with a range of skills to enhance independent study for their route into the Social Sciences. Each class will combine a mini-lecture, tutorial discussion and a classroom activity or an academic skills session. 

The course also includes a visit to the Scottish Parliament, which is fully accessible to wheelchair users. 

Further information on the accessibility of the parliament building is available here > 

Week 1 and 2

Mon - Fri (10:00-13:00) 

Sample timetable for information - please note that we will share a final timetable with students prior to arrival.  

View sample timetable

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Display a keen interest in the Social Sciences. 
2. Display an ability to think in an interdisciplinary way using a common theme. 
3. Demonstrate skills that are integral to studying the Social Sciences including research skills and critical analysis. 
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the role and importance of social sciences in contemporary societies. 
5. Show an awareness of the social values and institutions that shape our world, with a focus on equality. 

We want all Pre-university students to have an enjoyable experience in Edinburgh. We have robust safeguarding measures in place to support students, and look after their safety and welfare during their stay.  

Please visit our safeguarding page for full details

The course fee  includes accommodation during your study. Please see our Accommodation section for more information. 

To ensure your experience at the University of Edinburgh's Summer School is memorable, we encourage all students to embrace the city and its culture and take part in the variety of social activities available.

More about our social programme activities >

Please note, this course is now fully booked.