What do social sciences graduates do?

Jo Hadler, careers manager at BIMM University, reviews the latest destinations, salary, and further study data for graduates of the social sciences

Social sciences make up one of the largest graduate groups, with 29,775 respondents in this edition of the Graduate Outcomes survey. This cohort includes geography, law, psychology, sociology, politics and education. Women formed the majority (21,770 compared with 8,005 men), reflecting wider higher education patterns where psychology and education attract more female students.1

Graduate destinations

Fifteen months after graduation, just over half of social science graduates (51.3%) were in full-time work. A further 13% combined work and study, 10.8% worked part time, and 8.8% continued study full time. Unemployment stood at 6.9%, slightly above the all-subjects average, reflecting competitive early career markets, particularly for those entering law, education and psychology.

Further study

Progression into postgraduate study was common. Over half of those continuing (56.7%) enrolled on a Masters, well above the all-graduate figure of 44.9%. Disciplines such as law and psychology often require postgraduate training before graduates can access regulated professions.2

Education graduates had the highest uptake of postgraduate diplomas (52.9%), largely through PGCE routes. Fewer progressed to Doctorates (3.5%) compared with 9.3% overall, suggesting research careers are less common, while vocational and professional qualifications are more valued.

Graduate salaries

Average salaries for social science graduates were slightly below the all-graduate average. Among graduates who entered employment directly, average salaries varied by subject, ranging from £25,577 to £29,744 for women and £25,856 to £30,587 for men. This compares to an overall average salary of £30,031 across all subjects. For those who pursued further study, the highest earnings were recorded by geography graduates - £30,677 for women and £32,086 for men.

A gender pay gap was visible across every subject, with men earning more. This reflects wider UK labour market inequalities, including access to senior roles, career breaks and occupational segregation.3 Employers and professional bodies have acknowledged these challenges, with initiatives in law, psychology and education aiming to improve diversity and career progression for underrepresented groups.4,5,6

Employment outcomes varied by discipline. Geography graduates reported the highest share of professional-level work (71.3%), with many entering business, HR and finance, or technical sectors such as construction and R&D. Law graduates most often moved into legal, social and welfare roles, reflecting strong professional pipelines. Education graduates were concentrated in teaching (64%), with unemployment low at 5%, supported by demand for teachers.

Sociology and politics graduates were more likely to enter public service, with around a quarter working in local or central government. Psychology graduates were distinctive for high rates of further study, often pursuing doctorates or postgraduate training required for clinical and professional roles. However, psychology also recorded the lowest average salaries and the highest proportion of part-time work, highlighting the lengthy and competitive journey into professional practice.

Overall, social science graduates enter a wide variety of professions, from public policy to teaching, finance and legal services. Their high uptake of postgraduate qualifications underlines the importance of advanced training for career progression. While average salaries sit below the all-graduate benchmark, these fields continue to prepare graduates for careers that directly impact society.

Notes

1. WISE campaign.
2. What can I do with my degree?, Prospects
3. Gender pay gap in the UK: 2024, Office for National Statistics, 2024.
4. Diversity and Inclusion, British Psychological Society.
5. Diversity and inclusion, The Law Society.
6. Equality and diversity, Department for Education.

Written by

Jo Hadler

Careers manager

BIMM University