You are viewing our beta course page.
Course summary
Understand and investigate society and social structures. Using social theory and research methods, you’ll study the processes that shape people’s lives.
This course will give you an in-depth understanding of the structure of society. You will investigate the roles of its dominant institutions, social structures, and cultural practices, as well as sources of inequalities and conflict.
By applying social theories, you’ll learn about the foundations of modern society and how we can positively change it. This will be learnt in the context of British society and other societies around the world.
In Year 1, you’ll be introduced to social theory, ideas about the state and social change, and the central traditions of social research. You’ll have the chance to take optional units in criminology and international development to broaden your learning.
In Year 2, you’ll study units that deepen your understanding of contemporary social theory and techniques of data analysis. You’ll choose from a range of options in sociology, social policy, criminology and international development.
In your final year, you'll do your dissertation. This will demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ll develop. You'll also choose from a range of optional units from across the social sciences. These will allow you to build upon the theoretical understanding you’ll gain during Years 1 and 2 and apply it to contemporary sociological issues.
The flexibility of this course will allow you to create a degree that’s tailored to your interests and potential future career.
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- U110
- Institution code:
- B16
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Typical offer: AAB in three A levels.
Contextual offer: BBB or ABC in three A levels.
Alternative offer: ABB in three A levels plus additional study - please see the course pages on our website.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
DDD in a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF)
We prefer the above qualifications to be in a relevant subject area and are unable to consider qualifications in Public Services, Uniformed Protective Services, Travel and Tourism and other less relevant disciplines.
Access to HE Diploma - D: 33 credits
M: 6 credits
Typical offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma, with at least 33 credits achieved at Distinction and 6 credits achieved at Merit or above. This must include at least 9 credits achieved at Distinction in an essay-based subject.
Scottish Advanced Higher - AB
AB in two Advanced Highers.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAABB in their Highers.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 35 points
Typical offer: 35 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects.
Contextual offer: 35 points overall and 5, 5, 5 or 6, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - D*DD
D*DD in the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma.
We prefer the above qualifications to be in a relevant subject area and we prefer you to have taken optional units in Sociology and Public Health.
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (1080 glh) - Not accepted
T Level - D
D overall with grade A in the core component in the Legal Services T Level.
We are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Legal Services and prefer applicants to be studying the Legal Services Assistant: Crime, Criminal Justice and Social Welfare specialism.
GCSE requirements
GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or C
GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C.
English language requirements
English language requirements
Category B
You will normally need one of the following:
IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components
IELTS Indicator: 7.0 with 6.5 in each component
TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components
TOEFL iBT and iBT Special Home Edition: 100 overall with 24 in each component
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element
The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): 69 with no less than 62 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
Duolingo: 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100.
LanguageCert SELT: C1 Expert Pass
See the full list of accepted English qualifications.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Home (UK) fees for 2026/27 have not yet been confirmed and are subject to parliamentary approval.
For information on tuition fees visit our web pages: https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/tuition-fees/
For information about our scholarships and bursaries visit: https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/undergraduate-scholarships-bursaries-and-other-funding/