History and Sociology

If you really want to understand the modern world, it’s essential to unlock the patterns of the past. History courses can help you do exactly that – and here at the University of Stirling, we take an innovative approach to guiding you through the major events and periods that have shaped us all.

Our History degree will equip you with a wide range of intellectual and personal skills. You’ll gain an awareness of how different societies across the world have changed over time, by exploring areas such as Scottish, British, European, American and African history. You’ll also engage with different types of history, including political, social, cultural, gender, race, computer and environmental.

History lecturers and staff at Stirling are leaders in their field. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment, we are ranked in the top 15 universities in the UK for research impact in History and 3rd in Scotland for outputs and impact (Research Excellence Framework 2021). That expertise and passion feeds into every aspect of your course to ensure you reach your final year of study functioning as a fully-fledged historian in your own right. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the freedom to not only focus in on specialty areas of history that interest you most, but also to combine your studies with a range of other subjects that broaden your professional possibilities – from journalism to teaching, politics and sociology.

For more of a flavour of what we teach, our approach, and why we’re so passionate about History, check out our History Research at Stirling pages.

Our degree in Sociology and Social Policy brings together two complementary subjects that focus on some of the most import issues of our day.

From diversity and inequality to education and health, you’ll explore a vast range of topics foundational to every society. Not only will you gain an in-depth knowledge of how societies work, you’ll also learn how major social issues can be addressed through effective policies. 
 
The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) expects employment in social and welfare roles in the UK to grow by 11% between 2024 and 2030, creating around 149,000 additional jobs. With a BA (Hons) in Sociology and Social Policy from Stirling, you’ll be well prepared to step into this growing sector and make a difference where it matters most.

Your course will cover:

• crucial questions about diversity, discrimination and inequality in the 21st century;

• how societies around the world try to address social challenges;

• how policies can be used to bring change to vital areas like health and education;

• how to collect and analyse data – and how your research can lead to change;

• a wide range of optional topics – including disability and society, housing, or crime and justice.

You’ll build strong social research skills through training in qualitative and quantitative methods. Throughout your degree, you’ll have opportunities to apply your learning to real social issues through research projects, engagement with practitioners, and exploring case studies of policy and practice. You’ll learn how to handle data, evaluate evidence and use research tools valued across the public, voluntary and government sectors.

In your final year, you’ll complete in an-depth report on a topic that interests you most. This will give you a chance to show future employers that you have the skills to carry out high quality research and develop independent ideas.