The next intake for this course is in September 2023.

This degree offers you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.

“I loved the idea that I could get a degree that covers many areas of interest and not restrict me to one subject. It has opened up so many opportunities for me; I have been to Berlin and Geneva as well as having chances to work with valuable companies and organisations which have cemented my future career decisions”. Chloe Bradbury, BA (Hons) Sociology.

Would you like to explore how the modern world has developed, where it’s going, and ways to bring about change for the better?  While we all have our own ideas about society, our BA (Hons) Sociology helps you build a more accurate picture of the dramatic and diverse changes influencing our lives today.

With flexibility and choice at its core, this degree is structured around the key avenues of crime and justice, youth cultures, politics and social justice, and security and terrorism. It means you can choose to focus on the combination of topics which match your personal interests and career aspirations.

We encourage you to think critically and ethically about social trends, developments and controversies. You will find yourself discussing highly topical issues such as social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, globalisation, the impact of the digital era, the sociology of childhood and youth, the cult of celebrity, social movements and political engagement, marginal beliefs and the influence of conspiracy theories.

The degree is designed to deliver an engaging and enjoyable learning experience for all students from the outset – for those progressing directly from A-level Sociology and for those who bring other skills, knowledge and experiences to their studies.

Hands-on learning

In your second and third year, our Sociology in the World modules enable you to put your growing knowledge into practice through a work placement – the ideal opportunity to build your employability skills and a network of contacts to help your future career.

Fieldtrips also feature in a number of modules so that you can see how institutions and organisations work ‘on the ground’, developing observational research skills to use in your own projects.

Extra qualifications

If you have a particular interest in youth justice, this course gives you the chance to achieve an additional professional qualification – the Youth Justice in Effective Practice Certificate (YJEPC) – alongside your degree studies.

The YJEPC is the most widely held qualification in youth justice and brings together current theory, practice and evidence. It will not only boost your employability in the eyes of potential employers but also help you to make more effective judgements in your future career.

The opportunity to gain the YJEPC is available if you take two specific modules – Working with Young Offenders and Youth Justice.  

Expert teaching

The BA (Hons) Sociology is taught by a team which includes experienced researchers whose work is shedding new light on some of the most pressing issues facing our society.

They are recognised for their expertise in research areas such as social policy, childhood and war, extremism and counter terrorism, conspiracy theory, humour and society, politics and social movements, Marxism and social theory. They regularly publish their research findings, and deliver conference papers internationally.

As a Sociology student, you can take part in regular guest lectures and departmental research seminars delivered by leading professionals and eminent academics from other institutions.

Real-world research

We give you a thorough grounding in research methods, fieldwork, data collection and the analysis of statistics. Through your independent study module, you will have the chance to conduct in-depth research into the sociological themes that have most captured your interest.

By the end of your degree, you will have developed skills in applying research findings to practical uses, together with the ability to analyse arguments and the confidence to justify your opinions.

Study overseas

The focus of the BA (Hons) Sociology is international in scope and you will have every opportunity to look at the key sociological questions facing communities worldwide. This includes the chance to challenge your perspectives by studying overseas.

We offer you the opportunity to spend a semester in the lively Czech capital of Prague as part of our Erasmus partnership with Charles University. In your final year, you will also be eligible to go on a study trip to Berlin which is included in your course fees. Such experiences make an impressive addition to your CV, showcasing your resourcefulness, confidence and willingness to embrace global outlooks.