Sociology (W88)

As the world changes around us, this diploma offers you the chance to explore some of the major forces reshaping social life. You’ll have the opportunity to study a range of stimulating topics. Some of these will be part of the mainstream of sociological debate, including class, gender, race, and sexuality. You’ll be introduced to sociological ways of understanding the world and challenged to think more deeply about contemporary social problems. On completion, you’ll have a well-developed understanding of the nature of society and be able to make a positive difference to it.

Key features of the course

• Explore lively, topical and sometimes controversial issues affecting society today

• Get to grips with key sociological questions, including those to do with class, gender, race and sexuality.

• Learn to evaluate evidence critically and understand sociological problems better and think like a sociologist.

Course Modules

This sociology diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

At Stage 1, you’ll begin with an introduction to the social sciences, giving you a strong grounding in broad sociological ideas and approaches. You'll progress to explore some of the big changes happening in the world and be introduced to the key concepts in sociology. You’ll learn how sociology addresses such things as social divisions and social change, power and inequality, and how identities are shaped by social forces.

You’ll begin Stage 2 with an innovative module exploring the impact of digital technologies – the internet, social media and ‘smart’ devices – on social life. Are they fundamentally changing the world and who we are; how are they creating new inequalities and reproducing old ones? You’ll also learn how social research is conducted. In the process, you’ll focus on themes of class, race and gender.