Sociology - BA (Hons)

Aberystwyth University

The BA Sociology degree at Aberystwyth University will train you to develop a critical awareness of and engagement with the social world. By studying this course, you will develop a thorough grounding in the conceptual and theoretical approaches that have been employed by sociologists to study the world around us. You will also develop your ability to analyse social phenomena through training in the collection, analysis and presentation of sociological data.

Some of the distinctive aspects of Aberystwyth’s approach to Sociology include:
- Emphasising the value and significance of a field-based approach to Sociology, with field exercises being integrated into lecture modules, and a dedicated Field-Based Sociology module in year 2


- Integrating more applied perspectives into the teaching that we undertake on key themes and concepts in Sociology to demonstrate its real-world significance (and, in doing so, help with the employability of our Sociology graduates)


- Drawing on our research strengths and to ensure that students are exposed to cutting-edge theoretical and empirical understandings of the social world.


During your first year of your course, you will be introduced to the main concepts, themes and perspectives of Sociology which include:
- Key concepts and theoretical approaches that have been and are developing within Sociology


- The relationships between individuals, groups and social structures


- Social Diversity and inequalities


- The role of culturally organised processes in life


- Processes underpinning social change


- The distinctive character of Sociology in relation to other forms of understanding, such as its relation to other disciplines and to everyday explanations


- The relationship between analysis of evidence and sociological arguments.


During your second and third year, the teaching will consider:
- Core knowledge and understanding modules to develop your capacities relating to your first year modules


- A range of qualitative, quantitative and digital data sources, research strategies and methods of data collection and analysis


- The importance of ethical issues in all forms of sociological data collection, analysis and argumentation


- Practical classes and fieldwork exercises.


During the duration of this course you will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical classes and fieldwork. Your assessments will depend on the modules that you select, however you may be assessed through the following:
- Examinations


- Practical classes


- Fieldwork


- Coursework


- Dissertation.


The study of Sociology provides a solid foundation for you to consider a wide range of careers including the media, social work, international development, community engagement, and the civil service to name a few. Nowadays, employers are seeking graduates who possess various skills which include the ability to think analytically and laterally. The BA in Sociology degree provides you with a breadth and flexibility of skills which is why Sociology graduates nationally are attractive to employers.
Sociology graduates have progressed on to:
- Criminology, the Police Force


- Health and Social Care


- Social Work


- Social Policy (including public housing, social work, local government administration and the voluntary sector)


- Management


- Journalism


- Public Relations


- Teaching


- Research.