Sociology

Sociology at University of Plymouth ranks among the UK's best, with a hands-on, real-world approach to learning. Our passionate lecturers are dedicated to student success, making the course both innovative and deeply supportive.

Immersive real-world experience
Apply sociological theory to pressing contemporary issues through interactive teaching, national and international field trips and global exchange opportunities.

Career-boosting work experience
Benefit from a pioneering work-based learning programme and voluntary placements designed to enhance employability and build practical, transferable skills.

Innovative teaching
Learn from research-active academics with cutting-edge expertise in health, well-being, social policy, politics and identity – supported by personal tutoring and innovative assessments.

This course is for you if...

• you are eager to explore how inequality, gender, ethnicity and power shape everyday life

• you like to learn through insightful, hands-on experiences

• you are driven to make a difference and want to develop the skills employers value

• you are looking to pursue a meaningful and impactful career.

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll start investigating how and why societies change, looking into how individuals and society connect. Working in small tutorial groups, you’ll explore real-world research through topics such as health, poverty, housing, gender, race, family, education, religion, employment, global development and environmental sustainability. Throughout the year, you’ll learn what it is to be a sociologist and how to use evidence to better understand the social world.

Year 2
In the second year, you’ll put into practice what you’ve been learning in the classroom and see sociology in action while gaining work experience relevant to your future career. In tutorials, you’ll explore the impact of global change and international social justice, and discover how these affect socio-cultural identity. You’ll also gain confidence in discussing contested social ideas and how they are applied in today’s global world, industry and employment.

Optional placement year
Gain valuable on-the-job experience through our optional placement year. We will support you in your second year in deciding whether to take this opportunity, and assist you in finding a placement and in being prepared for it. The placement could be in any appropriate external setting. Alternatively, you can gain this experience by selecting our Work-Based Learning module in your final year.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll examine in more depth the sociological issues that particularly interest you and complete a dissertation on your chosen topic. With teaching focusing on the links between theory, policy and professional debates, you choose from a selection of modules including: food and foodways; philosophy of social science; work-based learning in sociology; anthropology of humour and laughter; green criminology; and media, state and society.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.