Are you a Nigerian student planning to study abroad? You are not making a mistake. It is one of the best decisions you can make as a student. Studying abroad will offer you the opportunity to come in contact with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. It is an opportunity for you to learn a new language.
A highly and supportive academic environment is very immense to a student’s academic journey. There is a plethora of English taught programmes abroad, even in Spanish, French, German or other multi-language countries.
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But which countries are the top for studying social science courses?
Course Outlook
Social sciences are concerned with the behaviours of people and groups and their social interactions with one another. It encompasses a range of courses like sociology, psychology, law, international relations, political science, criminology, and so on.
As one who plans to study social science, you can either specialise in one discipline or study a more general course in the field. In whatever decision you make, what matters finally is how satisfied you are with the outcome and how much impact you would make in today’s world.
You will acquire knowledge of and be able to explain a whole range of real-life issues and scenarios using research and theories. Topics like inequality, social policy, power and political thought will be unravelled by you as you go deeper into the programme.
By studying abroad, you will have more opportunities to enhance your knowledge and scope of the subject. You will view society through both narrow and wider lens while having a global view about almost everything. This will also help you to become a more critical and creative social scientist.
What is Included in Social Science
There are numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for people who wish to study social sciences, of which you can make your selection from. You can also opt to study a BA or BSc course, depending on whether you would prefer more scientific and research-based programmes or just theories.
During your programme, you can go for placement or sandwich where you would have the opportunity to put into practice, all that you’ve learned and also gather convincing experiences for your CV.
After your undergraduate programme, you can go ahead to look for an entry-level job or you can push forward in your academic endeavour to acquire a master’s degree. The latter is much more advisable as you would be more educationally grounded to tackle more specific issues in your field. It could take you one or two years to acquire a master’s degree certificate. Afterwards, you can pursue your doctorate degree in the field which could take between four to seven years to complete.
The career opportunities available for you if you study social sciences cuts across all fields and they include business analyst, consultant, news producer, copywriter, research scientist, human resource executive, market researcher, journalist and a lot more. All you might need to do is to get a certification or diploma in relevant fields to be fully grounded in your career choice.
Top Destinations to Study Social Sciences
- Germany
Germany is considered one of the top destinations where social sciences can be studied. Almost everything in today’s business world is globalised. In order to have a competitive advantage over your contemporaries, studying abroad in Germany will avail you of that opportunity. The country does not joke with its educational sector and jobs.
You can also find Germany interesting in other areas such as food. Between the food, wine, history and architecture, people have a special preference for living in this country. As a Nigerian student, you will also find other Nigerians living and studying in this country. So, you are not alone.
If Germany is your preferred destination, you are sure to land exciting opportunities after your studies.
Although proficiency in the German language will give you an unmerited advantage over your mates, it is not a compulsory requirement to study in Germany. Your major requirements include a valid visa, residence permit and proof of financial stability on entering Germany. You will also be required to take the entrance exam to qualify you for any social science course in Germany.
Tuition costs for social science in Germany varies depending on the university and the degree level. For undergraduates, tuition ranges from 12 000 to 20 000 EUR per academic year in private schools because public schools in Germany are free. You could also be fortunate to be awarded so scholarships to enable you sort out some financial challenges as a student.
Some universities for Nigerian students who plan to study in Germany include the Heinrich Heine University of Dusseldorf. Ruhr University Bochum, University of Gottingen, Humboldt University of Berlin and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
- Singapore
A study of social science in Singapore provides you with a wide understanding of the world and how people can actively participate and become informed citizens. You are imparted with high-level skills needed to tackle real life issues of the 21st century and battle the competitive marketplace.
As a graduate of a Singaporean university, you will be faced with multiple options for job placement. The career opportunities available for you cut across all fields. Your salary as an employee in Singapore is comparatively high if you put more effort into your study.
Universities in Singapore for Nigerian students who plan to study social science include Singapore Management University, American Centre for Education, James Cook University, Kaplan Higher Education Academy and Coleman College.
To study social science in Singapore, you are required to produce:
- a pass in SPM or O’Level or their equivalent with five credits including English and Mathematics.
- For English language proficiency, you can submit an IELTS with a minimum of 7.0 overall or TOEFL with a score between 100 and 600.
- A good score for SAT critical reading / evidence-based reading and writing.
The estimated cost of studies in Singapore per year for bachelor’s degree is SDG 20 000 – 27 000. It covers only tuition and not additional fees
The cost of living in Singapore including rent and other expenses is around $4000 per year.
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- Australia
Australia is one of the top English speaking countries for international students to study abroad. The country is a place of cultural diversity with a friendly atmosphere and highly qualitative education. If you do not enjoy mathematics with its plethora or formulas and codes, social science could be the best option. It helps you to push beyond the limits. You are faced with several career opportunities within and beyond your scope and Australia gives you so much opportunity to shine.
The Australian government invests about 200 million dollars every year for scholarships to be offered to international students, including Nigerians. with the high cost of living experience in the country, you can apply for some scholarships to enable you fund some of the expenses.
Additionally, you are granted an opportunity to apply for permanent residency after graduation. It is exceptionally great for Nigerian students who would like to further their education and work in Australia. You can also work for up to 20 hours per week with your student visa and this could have a positive effect on both your finances and CV.
The average tuition fee for studying social sciences at the undergraduate level is between RM 67 102 and RM 105 030.
Social science is a very trendy course to study in many Australian universities and colleges. Some of the top universities include the Australian National University, University of Melbourne, Monash University, Macquarie University and Australian Catholic University.
- Sweden
Sweden has a great reputation in social sciences. Since there are various courses offered in the country, it is advisable for you to choose one that perfectly fits your interests and experiences. Sweden supports human rights, gender equality, democracy and sustainability.
You cannot just be in Sweden and find yourself in boring moments. The people there understand the meaning of relaxation after a day’s hard task. To this effect, there are small coffee shops and fancy restaurants where you can meet friends and have some chitchats.
Basically, as a social science student from Nigeria, you will be taught how to integrate humanities to social science and have a critical and innovative approach to all subjects. The country is also blessed with highly skilled and classy professors who are deeply passionate about their subjects. Student participation is extremely encouraged, making both the professors and students explore the subject beyond the surface value.
As a Nigerian student, do not be overwhelmed with course work because reading, writing, assignment and group discussions are integrated into the activities to give you the best for your money. Your education in Sweden could be challenging, but it provides you with excellent opportunities to develop your academic skills and soar beyond recognition.
Almost all Sweden universities have diverse kinds of scholarships available for international students. some of the universities include Uppsala University, Stockholm University, Lund University, Gothenburg University and Umea University.
Average tuition for Non-EU/EEA nationals per year is between the range of 7500 and 25 500, depending on the study programme and location.
The average cost of living in Sweden is between 700 and 1200 EUR per month.
Average accommodation ranges between 240 and 620 EUR per month.
- United Kingdom
As a result of its quality educational programmes and universities, the United Kingdom is a preferred destination for Nigerian students. you will be living in the midst of thinkers and researchers which enhances your chances of becoming highly educated in social science. With a degree from the UK, you stand on a better platform to land attractive employment opportunities due to the high value accorded to the UK universities. Choosing to settle in the country after your education is a choice you would not regret making.
However, the cost of acquiring this qualitative education in the UK does not come cheap. While studying in other European countries is beneficial to students on budgets, the UK may not offer such a luxury, except you are studying on a scholarship, which is very commendable.
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Tuition fee for international students in the UK ranges between 5000 and 20 000 pounds per academic year.
The basic living costs per month in the UK is around $800.
Some of the top universities in the UK include the University of Oxford, University of London, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester and University of Bradford.
What do you think about studying abroad? Which country is more fascinating for you and what are you waiting for to jump into the boat?
