Sociology teaches you to hold those in power to account. Why do governments do as they do? Why should we accept these norms? By studying societal behaviour, we can make comparisons, attempt to solve issues and gain a rational understanding of some of society's more frustrating habits.

What qualifications do you need?

Grade requirements depend on the university and course, but an essay-based A Level subject (or equivalent) is helpful to have on your application. Always confirm the entry requirements for the particular institution you're interested in.

What degrees can you study?

BA Social Anthropology BA Social Policy and Sociology BA Sociology and South Asian Studies BA Communications, Media and Sociology

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Study Sociology, why & how to study

Q: What jobs can you get as a Sociology graduate?

Particular job areas, as well as sociologist, include community worker, teacher and lecturer, aid worker, social worker, youth worker, charity fundraiser, HR manager and PR.

Q: How will you be assessed?

Courses are assessed via a variety of ways. These include exams (both open and closed book), presentations, reviews, posters, policy briefs and essays. A dissertation in the final year is standard, and some courses offer work placements as part of your studies.

Q: What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include straight MAs in Sociology, as well as master's courses in Ancient Visual and Material Culture, Anthropological Research, Civil Society, Conflict and Social Development, and Contemporary Identity.

Sociology is an increasingly popular course in the UK. It's the perfect subject for those keen to further understand how societies work.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Cicely Oliver 06 Oct 2023

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What’s Sociology?
What Sociology degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Sociology degree?
What topics does a Sociology degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Sociology?
What do Sociology graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Sociology graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Sociology
Have any questions?

What’s Sociology?

Sociology is the scientific study of behaviour by people in the society in which they live, how it came about, how it's organised and what it may become in the future.

It's a social science. Studying Sociology uses methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis, which allows you to understand people as they adapt and change to order and disorder.

What Sociology degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Sociology include:

Anthropology & Sociology BA
Criminology BA
Economic & Social History/Sociology (SocSci) MA
Human Sciences BA/BSc
Sociology BA/BSc
Youth & Community Studies BA

Course options may include an integrated foundation year, professional placement, or a year studying abroad.

What do you need to get onto a Sociology degree?

Most undergraduate Sociology courses ask for 96–160 UCAS points, although 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
Universities will usually ask that you’ve studied: a science subject at a higher level if studying Human Sciences, 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 posters 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, attempt to solve issues and gain a rational understanding of some of society's more frustrating habits.

Career-specific skills:

A broad understanding of societal and cultural issues that affect business and public sector 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)

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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. On the other hand, many community development workers are employed within the voluntary sector where salaries are lower, ranging from £23,500–£36,000.