Sociology (including foundation year)

Why study this course?

Our Sociology (including foundation year) BSc is a four-year degree designed to lead to an undergraduate qualification in sociology if you don’t hold the necessary requirements or qualifications to enter the undergraduate degree. On graduation, you’ll receive the same title and award as students who started via the three-year route.

During your foundation year you will explore a broad range of current themes and social issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. You’ll develop academic study and professional skills for your future career and boost your confidence, especially if you have been out of education for some time. You will also take one module that is more closely related to sociology, so you’ll be able to prepare for in-depth undergraduate study of the subject in the following years.

More about this course

In your foundation year, you’ll gain skills that are necessary for academic study by exploring themes in social sciences. This year will cover a broad range of contemporary themes and social issues by examining issues from a range of disciplines in social sciences.

During the foundation year you will develop your academic skills. You will also reflect on a range of themes, such as self and society, as well as sociological theories, exploring how they relate to contemporary society. You’ll develop critical analysis skills that will help you construct well-reasoned arguments, both orally and in writing. Teaching you the principles of research will also play an important part of this foundation year. You’ll also learn how to plan, draft and improve on essay writing skills.

Throughout the duration of your degree you’ll be supported by your academic mentor and tutor, who’ll help you settle into university life and ensure you progress academically. There will also be opportunities to attend workshops to help you improve skills such as interview, essay writing and research.

The following three years will focus on more in-depth study of sociology. Learn more about the undergraduate degree programme on our Sociology BSc course page on UCAS.

Course Modules

Example Year 0 modules include:

Critical Thinking
Interventions for Change
Media, Crime and 'Race'
Reflecting on Self and Society
Researching Discrimination
Researching Inequality
Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay

Example Year 1 modules include:

Introduction to Social Policy
Researching Social Life
Social Problems and Social Issues
Sociological Imagination

Example Year 2 modules include:

Global Inequalities in the 21st Century
Interactive Research Methods
Self and Society
Sociology of Everyday Life
Crime, Media and Technology
Racism and Ethnicity
Youth, Crime and Violence
Youth, Resistance and Social Control

Example Year 3 modules include:

Living Theory
Sociology Dissertation
Gender and Sexuality
Homelessness and Housing Policy
Human Rights and Conflict
Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
Religion and the State
Sociology and Social Policy Work Placement

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods including portfolios, presentations, research reports, essays and written tests work placement portfolios and an explorative project. Assessments and feedback will be structured to improve your confidence and prepare you for academic study at undergraduate level and beyond.