Sociology with Politics and International Studies

Sociology is concerned with developing theories and concepts to explain the origins and nature of the contemporary social world and seeks to justify such theories through systematically collected evidence. A central aim is to provide students with explanatory frameworks relevant to both the wider society in which they will live and the employment settings in which they will work.

Through the Sociology curriculum, you can explore in depth a range of social issues in contemporary Ireland and the world, and understandings of advanced industrial societies, digital society, global development, education, work, conflict, and diversity.

Our curriculum draws on the research strengths of our staff, ensuring you learn cutting-edge sociological theory with the opportunity to explore real case studies. The Ulster University Sociology degrees provide a strong element of research training, giving our graduates access to the best research skills available, and access to a wide range of careers.

The Politics and International Studies minor degree provides a detailed knowledge and understanding of contemporary political analysis, an excellent training in social research methods, the ability to apply theoretical perspectives and concepts to real-life problems, and an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of political problems in society. The degree equips graduates for employment in a range of careers in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors. We give our students the opportunity to gain the skills and ability to carry out independent research, to assess the merits of competing theories and explanations, to work as part of a team, and to effectively engage in policy debate with sensitivity to the views of others – all skills that are highly attractive to employers.

There are three major emphases in the Sociology major: an emphasis on the theories and explanatory frameworks found in Sociology, an emphasis on examing the social features of contemporary society within a global context and an emphasis on developing student skills in the collection and assessment of evidence and the development of arguments. The modules offered to students who take Politics as a minor subject in conjunction with a major subject include a range of options focusing on theories and ideologies and the study of the politics of individual nation states and international politics, as well as the study of themes such as identities, human rights and terrorism. In addition, we provide policy-related modules, including family policy and development issues. Sociology at Ulster has a history of receiving very high approval ratings in the national student survey (which is completed by final year students). In the last four years it has scored approval ratings of 96%, 94% and 100%