Sociology

Understand the world around you and how it will shape the future
Are you interested in how the world works? Does your future career involve making a difference to people and the world around you? Our BA (Hons) Sociology course provides you an in-depth understanding of how the world works and how it will evolve in the coming years and decades.

Explore the complex nature of human society
This course helps you make sense of what is happening in this period of incredible, fast-moving change, as you consider what aspects have been positive and exciting and what areas have created conflict, confusion, and challenge.

Study a variety of thought-provoking topics such as:

• How people are given social status.

• How gender, class, and ethnicity impact the opportunities given to us.

• How culture shapes our personalities, values, and outlooks.

• The role of the media in promoting ideologies.

• How social change can come about through collective action and activism.

Focus on contemporary issues through a global lens
Throughout the course, you will develop skills in cultural competence, research, critical and analytical thinking as you gain a deeper understanding of a range of social issues within both British and international contexts.

Consider a wide variety of domestic and international issues including:

• Social justice

• Poverty

• Discrimination

• Migration

• Developmental psychology

• Celebrity culture

• Consequences of the climate crisis

Develop your own critical thinking skills
This course will not tell you what to think, but rather provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need critically consider the world around you, as you follow your own passion within the subject and undertake your own independent research.

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference
You will develop key skills in research techniques, critical thinking, and analysis that you could use in a wide range of potential future careers, especially in fields that make a difference to communities.

Learn from expert staff who really get to know you
Our small, interactive seminars mean you are seen as an individual and not just another face in the crowd, as our team of experienced experts get to know you and how best to support your academic and personal development.

On this course you will:

• Explore how the world works, why it works, and how it could change.

• Consider a wide range of thought-provoking topics in both national and international contexts.

• Develop your own critical thinking, research, and analysis skills that you can apply to a range of future careers.

• Learn in smaller classes that allow our expert teaching staff to really get to know you and your needs.

Explore the working of society and human behaviour

Year One
In your first year, you will discover why sociology provides fascinating insights into so many aspects of our social world, as you gain a strong foundation on which you will continue to build throughout your degree.

Year Two
Your second year provides you with the opportunity to begin to specialise in topics that interest you, as you explore contemporary views on topics such as sexuality, health and wellbeing, crime, and the media.

Year Three
In your third year, you will work towards a final dissertation project that acts as the culmination of your learning throughout your degree.

Alongside this, you will examine the role of the media in the rise in anxiety in younger generations, how media reflects the world around us, and the sociological principles behind aggression and violence.

Making a Difference modules
In both your second and third years, you will have the opportunity to make a difference within your community, as undertake a critical examination of sociological ideas including community, neighbourhood, ‘belonging’, agency, and self-determination.

Expand your horizons with modules from other departments
As well as the modules below, you will have the opportunity to choose two of a range of modules taught across the Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

Indicative modules
You will study a selection of core and optional modules in each year. Each module is worth a number of credits and is delivered differently depending on its content and focus of study.

You will be assessed through a range of assignments including:

Essays
Group and individual presentations
Academic posters
Vlogs
Book reviews