Sociology and Social Policy BSc (Hons)

Explore new and creative ways to tackle key social challenges. Learn theory and methods to understand, critically examine, and influence organisations.

This course will appeal if you want to combine an understanding of the social world from different perspectives with a rigorous analysis of policy responses to social problems. You will examine theory and techniques from sociology alongside the analytical focus of social policy.

You’ll explore areas such as health, welfare and poverty, race and discrimination, inequality and exclusion. You’ll be able to take a range of optional units on topics such as the sociology of death, lobbying, justice and conflict. By the end of the degree you’ll have an understanding of how social institutions develop, operate and how they might be improved.

In your first year you'll combine a study of classical sociological theory with key issues in modern social policy. You’ll also learn about a range of social research methods including qualitative and quantitative research methods.

In your second year you'll expand and deepen your knowledge of research methods. You will also choose from a range of optional units looking at key sociological issues and policy areas.

In your final year you'll carry out a year-long dissertation and choose from a range of social science optional units.

Study in an enriched learning environment

You’ll learn from committed academics with expertise across the social sciences. Their international collaborations and research activities inform teaching and contribute to your learning experience.

Our researchers have specialisms in:

• children and families
• health
• international development
• justice and rights
• migration
• policy design and analysis
• poverty
• violence and crime

Assessment

• Coursework
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Oral assessment
• Practical work
• Written examination
• Other

Prepare for your future

Those who study our social sciences degrees have excellent graduate prospects with diverse options. Our graduates have worked as social and policy researchers, civil servants, international consultants, journalists, and in multiple government, charity sector and business-related roles.

Our recent graduates have gone on to work for:

• Amazon
• BBC Worldwide
• Goldman Sachs
• Guide Dogs
• Parliamentary Research Service