Online Humanities And Social Sciences Courses & Certifications

Humanities and Social Sciences encompass a diverse range of academic disciplines that explore the complexities of human society, culture, history, and behaviour. These courses offer insights into various aspects of human life, fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and social analysis. Whether you are passionate about literature, history, sociology, psychology, or any other field, humanities and social sciences courses can enrich your understanding of the world and its diverse communities. In this article, we will explore the significance of general as well as free humanities and social sciences courses, their eligibility criteria, required skills, popular specialisations, and the top providers offering online training.

What are Humanities and Social Sciences?

Humanities and Social Sciences are academic disciplines that study human societies, cultures, and individual behaviour. While humanities focus on understanding human culture, literature, philosophy, and art, social sciences delve into the study of human behaviour, society, and institutions. Together, these fields provide a comprehensive understanding of the human experience throughout history and in contemporary contexts.

Who can Pursue Humanities and Social Sciences Courses?

Humanities and Social Sciences courses are open to individuals from diverse academic backgrounds who are interested in understanding human behaviour, culture, and society. The following individuals can benefit from these courses:

• Students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in humanities and social sciences.
• Professionals seeking to broaden their knowledge in specific areas of human society.
• Individuals interested in exploring different cultural and historical perspectives.
• Aspiring educators or researchers in the fields of humanities and social sciences.

Eligibility Criteria for Humanities and Social Sciences Courses:

The eligibility criteria for humanities and social sciences courses may vary depending on the course level and provider. Typically, certification courses have minimal prerequisites and are accessible to students from various disciplines. Advanced courses or postgraduate programmes may require a relevant undergraduate degree or prior coursework in related subjects.

Eligibility Criteria for BA in Humanities and Social Sciences Courses:

General category candidates must obtain a minimum of 60% marks in their 10+2 examination from a recognized board, such as ISC, CBSE, or any State board.

• Candidates belonging to Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribe/Other backward categories or individuals with disabilities should score at least 55% marks in their 10+2 examination.
• Both candidates who have passed their 12th standard examination and those awaiting results are eligible to apply for the entrance test.
• The candidate must be at least 17 years old at the time of applying for the entrance test for a graduation degree.

Eligibility Criteria for Graduates:

• Students applying for the Master’s programme must hold a graduation degree in the relevant field.
• The candidate must be at least 19 years old when applying for the entrance test for the Master’s programme.
• Applicants must also have secured a minimum of 60% marks in their Bachelor's programme.

Humanities And Social Sciences Courses Entrance Exams

The admission procedures for BA Hons humanities and social sciences degrees in various colleges across India can vary significantly. While some universities determine the cut-off list based solely on a student's 10+2 board exam percentage, others opt for national-level entrance exams to evaluate candidates. Below are a few prominent entrance exams for students aspiring to pursue humanities and social sciences courses in India:

Humanities & Social Sciences Entrance Examination (HSEE):

HSEE is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIT Madras, designed for admission to Integrated M.A. programmes in Development Studies and English Studies. The examination is held annually in April, offering a gateway to esteemed courses in these disciplines.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences Bachelors Admission Test (TISS-BAT):

TISS-BAT is an online entrance exam held in August every year. The test assesses candidates on English language proficiency, quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and general awareness. Successful performance in TISS-BAT opens doors to programmes such as B.A. (Hons) in Social Work and B.A. in Social Sciences at Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Common University Entrance Test (CUET):

CUET is another essential national-level exam for humanities and social sciences courses in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET serves as a gateway to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes in various participating institutions. It is a computer-based test (CBT) available in multiple languages, featuring sections on Language Proficiency Tests, Elective Language Tests, and General Tests. CUET scores are valid for three years, providing candidates with flexible admission options.

Aligarh Muslim University Social Sciences Entrance Exam:

Aligarh Muslim University conducts this entrance exam yearly for students aspiring to pursue a degree in BA Hons or BA LLB (Hons) or M.A. (Mass Communication). Successful candidates gain admission to their desired courses at the university.

Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination (JNUEE):

JNUEE, organised by Jawaharlal Nehru University, is specifically for students seeking admission to B.A. (Hons) and M.A. programmes in disciplines such as Economics, History, Political Science, Geography, and Sociology at the School of Social Sciences. This three-hour online test is a crucial step for securing admission to these esteemed courses.

Skills Required for Humanities and Social Sciences Courses:

While specific prerequisites may not be mandatory, certain skills can enhance the learning experience in humanities and social sciences courses. These skills include

• Strong communication and critical thinking abilities.
• Analytical and research skills for studying social phenomena.
• Cultural sensitivity and an open-minded approach to diverse perspectives.
• A passion for exploring historical contexts and human behaviour.
• Written expression and ability to articulate complex ideas.

What You Will Learn in Humanities and Social Sciences Courses:

The content covered in humanities and social sciences courses may vary depending on the specific discipline and level of study. However, common topics include

• Literary analysis and interpretation of texts.
• Historical events, periods, and cultural movements.
• Sociological theories and research methodologies.
• Psychological principles and human behaviour studies.
• Political ideologies and systems.
• Cross-cultural perspectives and cultural identity.

Popular Humanities and Social Sciences Certification Courses by Top Providers

Foundation Courses in Humanities and social sciences encompass a vast array of captivating subjects, exploring the depth of human thought, history, and societal dynamics. Thanks to the accessibility of online platforms and educational institutions, learners worldwide can now delve into these enriching fields through various certification courses.

Career Opportunities After Humanities and Social Sciences Courses:

Humanities and Social Sciences graduates have diverse career opportunities across various industries. Upon completing a diploma in humanities and social sciences courses, individuals can pursue the following roles:

• Research Analyst or Researcher
• Cultural programme Coordinator
• Policy Analyst or Political Consultant
• Social Services Manager
• Museum Curator or Archivist

Salary Trends in Humanities and Social Sciences Courses:

Salaries in humanities and social sciences fields vary based on job roles, experience, and location. Below are approximate salary figures for some professions in this domain:

Source: Payscale

Scope of Humanities and Social Sciences Courses:

As society evolves into an interconnected and diverse global community, the significance of humanities and social sciences becomes more pronounced. These fields offer a rich tapestry of knowledge that extends far beyond academia, reaching various sectors of society. Graduates equipped with a strong foundation in humanities and social sciences hold the potential to make invaluable contributions to numerous areas, including education, research, policymaking, and social impact initiatives.

Top Recruiters in Humanities and Social Sciences:

The application of knowledge from humanities and social sciences extends across a wide spectrum, creating diverse and rewarding opportunities in various sectors. Individuals with expertise in these fields find themselves in demand by several top recruiters who value their unique skill sets and analytical abilities. Some of the leading recruiters in humanities and social sciences include:

• Educational Institutions and Universities
• Government Agencies and Think Tanks
• Nonprofit Organizations and NGOs
• Market Research Firms
• Cultural Organizations and Museums

FAQ's:

Q) Can individuals from different academic backgrounds pursue humanities and social sciences courses?

Ans) Yes, humanities and social sciences courses are open to individuals from diverse academic backgrounds interested in understanding human society and culture.

Q) Are there any prerequisites for undergraduate humanities and social sciences courses?

Ans) Generally, undergraduate courses have minimal prerequisites and are accessible to students from various disciplines.

Q) Which specialisations are available in humanities and social sciences?

Ans) Popular specialisations include literature, history, sociology, psychology, political science, and cultural studies, among others.

Q) Where can I find certification courses in humanities and social sciences?

Ans) Certification courses in humanities and social sciences are available on platforms such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, FutureLearn, and LinkedIn Learning.

Q) What are the career opportunities after completing humanities and social sciences courses?

Ans) Graduates can pursue careers as Research Analysts, Policy Analysts, Social Services Managers, and Museum Curators, among others.