This brand new programme offered at RTC provides a comprehensive grounding in the social sciences and equips students to critically apply theories and understandings to the fundamental issues and problems that confront human societies today. In its approach the programme is both Bhutan-specific, focusing on its history, politics, policies, and culture, and regional and global in its outlook with modules on internal relations, diplomacy of South Asia, world history, and the planetary Anthropocene. In addition to familiarizing students with classical and contemporary thinkers and texts, the programme strongly focuses on the applied nature of the social sciences by providing students with practical research skills, community-engagement, and internship opportunities.

Programme Handbook - see complete programme details here

Curriculum Map 

Graduates of this programme are expected to acquire not only a grounding within the field of social sciences knowledge (subject-specific skills) but will also gain competency in the following skill areas: critical thinking skills, application skills and transferable skills. Specific learning outcomes based on these four different skill sets are the foundation of this programme, along with appropriately aligned teaching, learning and assessment tools.

Subject Specific Skills (Knowledge & Understanding, KU):
KU1  Synthesise foundational philosophies, concepts, and debates in the social sciences.
KU2  Annotate various schools of thought in contemplating interests and power balances in international and national politics.
KU3  Discuss the social processes of society, social institutions, and social behaviour in both local and international communities. 
KU4  Apply interdisciplinary perspectives to holistically and innovatively address local and global issues.
KU5  Investigate the various impacts of climate change and other environmental crises through social science methods and approaches.
KU6  Evaluate the relationship between science, technology, and social change in Bhutan and beyond.

Critical Thinking Skills (CS):
CS1  Communicate social science knowledge and practice in a clear and professional style in written and oral formats.
CS2  Critically analyse complex social science issues and trends.
CS2  Demonstrate proficiency in analysing and applying theories and methodologies to complex social science issues and trends.
CS3  Evaluate critically a wide range of concepts and philosophies, particularly those encompassing morals and ethics.
CS4  Analyse Bhutan's position in the region and the world to understand global events in a regional and local context. 
CS5  Critically evaluate scholarly writing in the field of social science in Bhutan and elsewhere.

CS5  Enhance analytical skills in critically evaluating scholarly writing in the field of social science in Bhutan and elsewhere.
CS6  Critically interpret both qualitative and quantitative literature in Social Science. 
CS6  Critically interpret both qualitative and quantitative literature in Social Science contributing to effective decision-making and problem-solving in different areas.
CS7  Address complex real-world challenges with a holistic and adaptable mindset.
CS8  Adopt interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to critically evaluate contemporary issues in Bhutan and beyond.

Application skills (AS):
AS1  Apply problem-solving skills related to social issues and cultivate ethical reasoning.
AS2  Apply social science knowledge for diplomacy, negotiation, policy, and planning.
AS3  Empathise with diverse perspectives through effective social engagement and team working skills.
AS4  Apply key theories and concepts in the social sciences to contemporary issues in Bhutan.
AS5  Contextualise global events in the Bhutan and regional context.
AS6  Implement a variety of social science methods for both quantitative and qualitative study.
AS7  Construct and employ evidence-based and logical arguments in real-world settings.
AS8  Apply theories and methods of social work to community settings in Bhutan.

Transferable Skills (TS):
TS1  Become reflective, independent, critical evaluators, and life-long learners.
TS2  Present sensitivity and empathy in cross-cultural communications.
TS3  Demonstrate networking abilities through effective communication, active listening, and negotiation.
TS4  Execute time management and personal goal-setting skills.
TS5  Display presentation, public speaking, and debating abilities.
TS6  Articulate critical and effective reading skills for academic and scholarly literature. 
TS7  Interpret various quantitative data using technical and statistical skills inclusive of relevant software and programming applications/languages. 
TS8  Implement relevant methodologies for data collection and analysis for qualitative research skills.

The programme’s interdisciplinary concentration is arranged through four subject clusters, namely: politics & governance, sociology and social work, society and environment, and science and technology in society. The cluster sociology and social work offers high-quality research training in sociology, which includes knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches, an understanding of their application to substantive social issues and challenges, and skills in the use of major research techniques. Next, the cluster politics and governance familiarizes students with political thought traditions and explores the role of government in society and how it relates to democracy, social justice, and administration, including questions about who decides local, national and international policy, and how decisions are reached and conflicts are resolved. The cluster society and environment introduces students to the main approaches and theories for environment social sciences including how social science methods can be applied to understanding climate change and other environmental problems and how social science theories and research contribute to addressing contemporary environmental crises. The fourth cluster applies interdisciplinary approaches to explore and understand the many ways that modern technology and science shape societies, cultures, values, and institutions, and how societies and values also shape science and technology, both in Bhutan and across the globe.

Students will acquire a solid background in theoretical, analytical, and methodological approaches and tools as they apply to the four clusters, and learn to critically apply relevant knowledge and skills to the context of Bhutan, the region, and the world beyond. In addition to above broad clusters that form the social science, several skill based modules and general education modules are included that help to gain competency in the skill areas such as language and communication, analytical skills, contemporary global issues, basic science and technology and financial literacy. Because of its broad and interdisciplinary approach, the graduates in BA Social Science will have robust career opportunities with organisations that look for a wide set of skills and knowledge, including soft skills such as analytical skills, creativity, adaptability, communication, policy formulation, planning, ethical reasoning, and the attitude and openness to learn. The subject-specific content taught in four years, complimented by the transferable soft skills will help prepare students in both academic pursuits as well as the market needs. Research skills and teamwork are among the top skills that students will learn from their courses which can be directly applied to their jobs. Public and private sector opportunities include positions with government agencies, CSOs, international organisations, consultancies, social work/advocacy, and the tourism sector.