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CONTENTS

1. What’s Sociology?

2. What Sociology degrees can you study?

3. What do you need to get onto a Sociology degree?

4. What topics does a Sociology degree cover?

5. How will you be assessed?

6. Why study Sociology?

7. What do Sociology graduates earn?

8. What jobs can you get as a Sociology graduate?

9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

10. Similar subjects to Sociology

11. Have any questions?

What’s Sociology?

Sociology is the scientific study of people and the societies in which they live. It investigates how societies form, how they are organised, and what they may become in the future.

It's a social science. Studying Sociology uses methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis. These techniques help you understand people as they adapt to order and disorder.

You’ll learn theories and research methods in areas like culture, gender, health, environment and technology. Courses often have you learning through practical fieldwork and community-based experiences.

Take a look at the university league table for Sociology.

What Sociology degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees are either BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science). BA courses tend to look more to the social sciences and humanities. Whereas a BSc may be more scientific and quantitative in focus.

Sociology is an interdisciplinary field. As well as a straight degree in Sociology, examples of related degrees include:

Human Sciences

This course incorporates the humanities and natural sciences along with various social sciences. You’ll explore human behaviour and development, and the influencing cultural factors.

Search for Human Sciences courses.

Community Studies

Are you keen to understand communities in depth? This course shows you how to understand and address issues within community structures. Areas you’ll cover include community organisation, social change and grassroots activism.

Find Community Studies courses.

Criminology

When taking a criminology focus, you’ll look at areas like psychiatry, social anthropology and criminal law. You’ll investigate things like the criminal justice system and rehabilitation programmes.

Search for Criminology courses.

Dual options

Sociology is commonly offered as a joint-honours degree with many other subjects. Combinations include with Anthropology, Law, History or modern languages.

Find Sociology courses.

Other options

Universities sometimes offer courses with:

• Integrated foundation year
• Professional placements
• Study abroad opportunities

What do you need to get onto a Sociology degree?

Most undergraduate Sociology courses ask for 96–160 UCAS points. Some courses have higher or lower requirements. Qualifications required can range from:

• A Levels: AAA–CCC
• BTECs: D*D*D*–MMM
• Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BCCDD (Advanced Highers: AAB)
• International Baccalaureate: 38–27
• If your course is in Human Sciences, universities may ask that you’ve studied a science subject, preferably biology

Other good subjects to have studied include:

• An essay-based A Level subject (or equivalent)
• General studies may be excluded from offers

Experience that would look good on your application:

• Any work experience or volunteering that helps you understand issues faced by different groups. E.g. youth work, work in health or social care, or with a charity
• Independent reading into the subject, or areas of research at your chosen uni
• Summer schools, if available – for example with the Sutton Trust

Other requirements for this subject include:

• If your qualifications include A Level science, a pass will be required in the practical element

What topics does a Sociology degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

• Social research methods
• People and cultures
• Anthropological field course
• Behaviour and its evolution
• Power, inequality, and difference: contemporary themes in sociology
• Crime news and criminology
• Media, society and crime
• Making a difference
• Concepts of good and evil
• Youth and community models of practice
• Social policy and social inequality
• Understanding organisations

How will you be assessed?

Traditional courses may favour written work and exams. Others could offer a variety of assessments to build your skills in different types of presentations. Examples include:

• Blogs or podcasts
• Policy briefs or poster presentations
• Debates
• Dissertation
• Essays or written reports
• Exams (open and closed book)
• Literature review
• Portfolios
• Project proposals and evaluations
• Reflective learning journals
• Research projects

Why study Sociology?

Sociology teaches you to analyse the causes of behaviour and its consequences, and to consider why we accept these norms. You’ll learn to make comparisons, solve issues and gain a rational understanding of society's functioning.

Career-specific skills:

• A broad understanding of societal and cultural issues that affect organisations
• Producing written reports on complex topics with speed and accuracy

Transferable skills:

• Analysing data and statistics
• Ability to assimilate and evaluate a wide range of materials
• Critical and independent thinking
• Understanding and conducting research
• Delivering well-considered arguments
• Reflective and critical evaluation skills
• Problem-solving
• Collaborative working
• Communication and presentation skills
• Organisational skills

Professional accreditation:

Degrees combined with other subjects may hold accreditation. For example, joint degrees including Psychology may be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

I’m over the moon with my course. University is where real debates happen. You get to see different opinions and dive deeper into topics that you never thought would come under a Sociology course.

Grace, University of Huddersfield

What do Sociology graduates earn?

Sociology graduates can expect an entry-level salary of between £17,500–£23,000.

Mid-career, earnings will vary depending on the career you enter. Those joining the Civil Service Fast Stream as a social researcher will earn from £27,000 rising to £55,000 or more after promotion. Many community development workers are employed within the voluntary sector where salaries range from £23,500–£36,000.

What jobs can you get as a Sociology graduate?

Sociology graduates are well-equipped to work with people in a variety of roles. These could include:

• Community development worker
• Family support officer
• Government social researcher
• Housing officer
• HR manager
• International development aid worker
• Journalist
• Policy analyst
• Probation officer
• Public affairs manager
• Social worker
• Teacher

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Numerous postgraduate courses are available at both master’s and doctoral level. Examples include:

• Criminology DPhil
• Gender Studies MLitt/MPhil/PhD
• Social Science Research (Social Policy) MSc
• Global Migration MSc
• Social & Cultural Anthropology MSc

Similar subjects to Sociology

If you’re interested in the structure and functioning of societies, you could also consider these subjects:

• Anthropology
• Criminology
• Economics
• Politics
• Psychology
• Social Policy

Search undergraduate Sociology courses now!

Have any questions?

Get in touch with your questions about studying Sociology. Emailask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We're here to help!