Sociology (Study Abroad)

Studying Sociology helps you make sense of how society works - and why it doesn’t work in the same way for everyone. On this course, you will explore different ways of understanding some of the most pressing global issues of our time. How does migration and racism shape the lives of individuals, communities, and countries? How does poverty and inequality affect global trends in health and wellbeing? How are societies unevenly affected by the climate crisis and respond to environmental challenges?

You’ll learn how sociologists work with theories to interpret contemporary social issues, how data can be mobilised critically to reveal social problems in new ways, and how sociological insights can be communicated to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

Why Lancaster?

• Study a course committed to understanding and addressing social inequalities, grounded in critical sociological research and engagement with real-world social issues at local, national, and international levels

• Learn from leading sociologists whose research informs public debate, policy discussion, and contemporary sociological scholarship, including through advisory work, public engagement, and media appearances

• Develop advanced skills in analysis, communication, teamwork, and research design, supported by expert teaching and a strong emphasis on research-led learning

• Engage in lively debates and undertake your own sociological research on topics that matter to you - building towards an independent final-year dissertation on your topic of choice

A world-leading centre for Sociology at Lancaster

Lancaster University is home to a vibrant and research-active Sociology community. Our teaching is shaped by sociological research that examines how social inequalities are produced, experienced, and challenged in everyday life and across different social contexts. We bring our ongoing research directly into the classroom engaging you with contemporary debates, methods, and findings as they are being developed.

You will explore these big ideas, not as abstract issues, but as lived experiences that are governed, contested, and researched in specific social contexts. You’ll learn how sociologists frame questions, work with theories to interpret evidence, and draw on data to reveal patterns, inequalities, and social consequences that are not always immediately visible.

Tailor your studies to your own interests

You will build your critical thinking by working with issues that matter to you, drawing on your own interests and experiences while developing a rigorous sociological approach that develops your theoretical, methodological, and analytical skills.

You’ll gain confidence in reading and evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, and communicating sociological ideas clearly and persuasively.

You will be supported throughout this process by an academic supervisor with relevant expertise, who will guide you in refining your research questions, methods, and analysis. You’ll then have developed the research skills to design and carry out your own sociological investigation culminating in an independent research project where you explore a topic that genuinely matters to you.

By the end of the course, you will be equipped to think ethically, critically, and sociologically about social problems, and to apply this way of thinking in a wide range of careers across public, private, and third-sector organisations - as well as in further academic study.

Study abroad

The study abroad option is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree. You will study in your third year at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to develop your global outlook, expand your professional network, increase your cultural awareness and develop your personal skills.