Two students sit at a classroom table and are chatting. They have pencil cases, notebooks and water bottles in front of them.

FACULTY OF Humanities & Social Sciences

Hone a critical and questioning intellect through the debate, research and study of human history and behaviour with Truro and Penwith College’s Humanities & Social Sciences courses. Our expert tutors will guide you through these fascinating subject areas.

Theory, practice and your potential

You will examine the complex ways in which human beings form relationships, societies and civilisations through your study of geography, sociology, history or the human mind. Theoretical learning will be enriched with practical applications, such as geographical fieldwork and archaeological excavations in Cornwall and around the UK. 

Across the Humanities & Social Sciences courses, you’ll learn a vast selection of transferable techniques and abilities that will be valuable in Higher Education and employment alike. Critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, observation and interpretation are just some of the talents that you will develop through your studies. 

A video thumbnail for Humanities and Social Sciences. The subject area name is in the middle and the background image is two students working at a desk together.
A group photo of the classical civilisation students at Rome. There are ruins behind them and a large blue sky.

A future in global affairs

You will explore compelling questions that have an impact on societies past, present and future, and through debate, research and study you will develop a mature, questioning intellect. Studying Humanities and Social Sciences develops critical thinking and written communication to the benefit of your other subjects. These skills are essential for university and future careers.

98% A Level pass rate with nearly 500 learners.

Travel

Humanities and Social Science students have many opportunities to experience trips abroad. International trips include visits to Rome, Athens, Toronto, Iceland and Eswatini.

Excel

We have academic and oxbridge support academies to stretch and challenge ambitious and talented students.

100%

The quality of provision within the Humanities and Social Sciences department is recognised by learners with 100% of students stating they are satisfied with the quality of the teaching.

Expert

Knowledgeable and passionate staff will support your progression and help you gain excellent outcomes. More than half of all students received A*-B grades and many courses were significantly above the national average.

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

Some of our courses offer exciting opportunities to travel to destinations such as Iceland, Canada, Greece and Rome. Take your learning to the global stage and explore other cultures and countries in relation to your chosen subject. Truro and Penwith College’s Geography department and the IB Diploma have been supporting the children and community of Shewula in Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) since 2001 through The Shewula Orphans charity, with the main aim being the enablement of AIDs orphans and other vulnerable children in Shewula to access education. You can find out more about our charitable work in Eswatini here.

EMPLOYABILITY

To prepare you for employment, we’ll also work on your broader employability skills such as communication, organisation and teamwork, including an optional Functional Skills course. 

Flora Thomas-Kamali, the Head of Faculty for Humanities and Social Sciences at Truro and Penwith College.
In an increasingly complicated and interconnected world, it is essential that we encourage students to engage, collaborate and be critical of the information they consume.
Flora Thomas-Kamali
Head of Faculty
A photo of Mimi, she is wearing a red top and red cardigan and is standing in front of a Truro and Penwith College backdrop.

The Geography department is amazing, I was blown away by it, and I’m so happy with my grade. Stay on top of things from day one—keep up with flashcards, keep up with your notes, make sure you’re caught up with every lesson.

Mimi
A Level Geography, History, Psychology and Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for a Humanities and Social Science course at Truro and Penwith College, visit the course page on our official college website and complete your application online.

We strongly recommend making an application for your chosen course as soon as you can when you are in your final year of school. After you have submitted your application, you will be invited to attend an interview where you can make amendments to your application if need be.