Sociology

This sociology degree is about the story and the science of society: its successes and its failures, its potential to both unite and divide us, and its tendency to empower some citizens while restricting others. The world’s a complex, fast-changing place, and it’s a sociologist’s job to make sense of those changes — to think critically about difference, understand lived experiences, challenge inequality and injustice, and turn new ideas into action.

On this BA Sociology course, you’ll explore how we interact with one another, and how we’re shaped from birth by institutions like education, religion, politics, big business, and the media. You’ll take on society’s most troublesome questions, from the age-old issues of poverty and prejudice to the modern challenges of climate change, sustainability, and the digital takeover of everyday life. You’ll even put your own values and beliefs under the microscope, gaining a better sense of who you are, where you’ve come from, and how this shapes your opportunities.

Why study Sociology at NTU?

• Sociology’s for everyone – You don’t have to have studied the subject at A-Level to join this exciting sociology degree.

• Get priceless hands-on experience – Start changing lives by helping real organisations tackle real issues.

• Enjoy outstanding support – 96% of students were happy with the academic support they received on our BA Sociology degree (NSS 2025)

• We’re Top 5 in the UK for number of accepts to Sociology courses (UCAS End of Cycle Report 2025).

Through the lens of sociology, we see all of life. As you examine how cultures form and societies function, you’ll come to see your world differently — understanding the ‘why?’ behind the ‘what?’ of human behaviour, and exploring new solutions to our biggest problems.

Course Modules

Built around TEF ‘Gold’-rated teaching and lots of hands-on professional experience, this is applied, real-world sociology. It’s your chance to develop as an expert sociologist, to work directly with grass-roots organisations on social justice projects, and to make a huge difference in people’s lives — all whilst building up a portfolio of transferable skills that’ll be respected across the wider job market.

In Year One you'll study:

• Foundations of Social Theory

• Privilege and Power: Understanding Social Inequalities

• Identity, Culture and Student Life

• Sociology at Work

• Study and Research Skills

• Introduction to Sustainability.

In Year Two you'll study:

• Constructing Modern Societies

• Service Learning Placement

• Applied Social Research

• Sustainable Futures.

• You also have a choice of optional modules including: Religion, Nonreligion and Everyday Belief; Sociology of Education; Politics and Social Justice; Gender, Sex and Sexuality; The Body in Society.

In your Final Year you'll study:

• Theorising Contemporary Society

• Sociology of Work and Career

• Research Project

• Optional modules include: Race, Culture and Society; Identities and Intimacies; Popular Culture; Sociology of Harm; and Digital Culture and Society.

The majority of your work will be assessed through coursework-based essays, reports and a final year research-based dissertation. You'll also be assessed through a combination of formal examinations and practical assessments such as group and individual presentations and portfolios.