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This course will provide students with a critical understanding of the fundamentals of sociology and a give them a broad introduction to the main areas of research and contemporary debate in this field. You will learn about the way humans interact with each other and with society as a whole, and study the construction of social identities based on sexuality, race, gender, religion, and class.

As well as providing you with information on the origins and developments of sociology, the subject also looks at the way social life is organised in community settings and the rapid contemporary changes that are re-shaping societies. It will address specific social, cultural and political issues, and give you knowledge and understanding of historical developments, social change, and modern social institutions.

On top of basic academic studies the programme will help you to develop independent judgement and the ability to think constructively about challenging issues. You will learn a broad range of transferable skills, including being able to work to deadlines, make reasoned arguments and think creatively. Graduates will leave with a wide range of transferable skills and intellectual abilities that are much valued by employers, all of whom want to take on people who can analyse, think, and respond appropriately to problems. There are a wide range of careers open to sociology graduates in areas such as teaching, social work, youth work, probation, counselling, the voluntary sector and social research.

Sociology degree course overview

These are stimulating, well-structured courses that cover the whole of contemporary sociology, and are aimed at broadening and deepening a student’s knowledge of the subject. The modules themselves offer a high level of choice and flexibility, meaning that students will be able to focus on those subjects that interest them the most, this in turn allows for courses to be tailored to an individuals specific requirements.

Students will benefit greatly from being taught by tutors who can themselves be leading experts in their respective fields. Subject material will be taught through lectures, tutorials, class discussions, group activities and field courses. On many programmes real life practical experience of the workplace can be gained through volunteering projects and work-based modules.

Sociology is typically taught through lectures, interactive sessions, practical workshops and small group seminars. All of these methods are supported by a personal tutorial system, where lecturers will give detailed commentary and explanation of key content areas. Students are encouraged to raise questions, participate in debates and to undertake extensive reading and independent study in order to understand the topics comprehensively.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a Sociology Degree

Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Criminology
Sociological Research Methods
Sociological Theory and Analysis
Gender, Crime and Justice
Political Sociology
Race and Ethnicity in Britain
Sociology of Punishment
Globalisation and Human Rights
Welfare and Society
Youth, Crime and Society
Crime and Popular Culture
Understanding Social Change
Criminal Behaviour
Policing and Crime Control
Making identities
Women, power, politics
Health and Welfare Issues
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Contemporary Social Debates
Mental Illness
Regulating Society

Students will learn about

Human societies from a historical, comparative and theoretical perspective.
The processes of social change and development.
The cultural diversity of contemporary society.
Power, culture and society at a global level.
Power inequalities.
Sociological thought.
The various aspects of human behaviour.
Groups and social institutions.
The influence of group activities on individuals.

Students will learn how to

Present your conclusions and ideas clearly, both orally and in written form.
Apply theoretical sociological perspectives to everyday life.
Conduct studies.
Observe group interactions.
Research previously published work.
Apply logical thinking to highly complex areas.
Prepare reports containing research findings.
Analyze and interpret data in order to increase the understanding of human social behaviour.
Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviours of people.
Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.

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