Sociology

What is BA Sociology?
BA Sociology is a three-year degree, or four years with an optional placement or study abroad year.

You’ll explore what holds societies together, what drives social change, and why individuals, groups, and cultures behave differently. Through sociological theory, research, and contemporary case studies, you’ll develop the knowledge and analytical skills to understand the forces shaping societies around the world.

Why this course
What holds societies together? Do people cooperate because they have to, or because they want to? What motivates people to leave one society and build a life in another? Sociology explores these questions and many more, helping you understand how societies function and change.

At Essex, we investigate both the connections that bring people together and the divisions that shape social life. You’ll explore a wide range of contemporary issues, including digital media and society, psychiatry and mental illness, sexualities, crime, childhood, and representations of war through art, film, and personal testimony.

You’ll join a large and friendly department with expertise across diverse areas of sociological research. Our academics investigate social divisions and inequality, culture and identity, public policy, citizenship, multiculturalism, and human rights, bringing cutting-edge research directly into the classroom.

Who should apply
Students interested in understanding how societies, cultures, and communities are shaped and transformed
Those curious about social issues such as inequality, identity, migration, crime, health, and human rights
Learners who enjoy questioning assumptions and exploring different perspectives on contemporary society
Future researchers, policymakers, public sector professionals, or social analysts seeking a broad understanding of social change

What you’ll learn
Social divisions and inequality: Examine class, work, commercial culture, and the structures that shape opportunity and disadvantage
Culture, identity, and subjectivity: Explore how individuals and groups understand themselves and their place in society
Public policy and social issues: Investigate policy responses to health, the environment, crime, ageing, and other contemporary challenges
Citizenship and human rights: Study multiculturalism, social justice, citizenship, and global social change
Research methods: Learn how to design surveys, conduct interviews, and analyse quantitative data ranging from basic statistics to big data

Your learning experience
Research-led teaching: Learn from academics conducting internationally recognised sociological research
Diverse specialist topics: Explore issues ranging from digital media and mental health to migration, childhood, and social identities
Practical research training: Develop qualitative and quantitative research skills used across professional and academic settings
Independent dissertation: Complete a supervised research project on a topic that inspires you and connects with contemporary debates
Supportive academic community: Study within a large, welcoming department with a strong commitment to teaching and research excellence

Careers and outcomes
A BA Sociology degree can prepare you for careers in:

Public policy and government: Supporting policy development, social research, and public service delivery
Research and social analysis: Roles in research organisations, think tanks, charities, and consultancy
Community and third-sector organisations: Working in social justice, human rights, health, and community development
Media and communications: Applying social insight to journalism, public affairs, and communications roles
Further study and professional training: Progressing into postgraduate study, teaching, social work, public policy, and related fields

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.