Sociology BSc (Hons)

Make invisible social structures visible. Use social theory and research methods to identify and explore the processes and forces that shape our lives.

Through this degree, you'll study and learn to apply core social theory in practice. You’ll learn to understand the structure of today’s society, how it came about, and whether we could live differently.

This course will appeal if you want to gain an analytical and methodological foundation for the study of collective and individual behaviour.

You will not only expand your knowledge of British society but also compare it with other societies around the globe. You’ll gain practical research skills so you can investigate society in practice, in original ways, and in a variety of settings.

In your first year you'll learn how sociology can be used to think in new ways about our everyday life. You'll study classical social theory and qualitative and quantitative research skills. You'll also learn how to evaluate data and information and use it to develop your own arguments tailored for different audiences.

In your second year you'll study contemporary social theory and further expand your skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods. You will also choose from a range of optional units from various areas of sociology, social policy and social science more broadly.

In your final year you’ll carry out a year-long dissertation and choose from optional units focusing on specialist areas in sociology.

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

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