Sociology BSc(Hons)

Why choose this course?

Sociology examines the way in which individuals, groups and organisations relate to each other in a complex social world. From the micro level of families, to global mass media, sociology analyses the ways in which people have developed systems for communication, work, living, faith, culture and leisure.

You can also choose to study this course as a joint honours degree alongside another subject. See the course combinations section for more information.

What will you study?

In the first year you will gain a thorough grounding in the conceptual and practical foundations of sociology. You will adopt a variety of perspectives to interpret society and the lives of individuals. You will use different research techniques, such as surveys, interviews, media content analysis and statistics, to back up your arguments with evidence. Learning takes place inside and outside of the University, with fieldwork exercises providing opportunities for you to develop project management and teamworking skills. By the end of the first year you will have acquired a 'sociological imagination'.

In the second year you will take on more independent academic work and develop your own research interests. You will conduct a research project, develop your understanding of social theory and consider societies from a global perspective. In addition, you will choose an option from a selection of specialist topics, such as 'Youth, Subcultures and Style', 'Crime, Media and Policy', 'Race and Ethnicity', and 'Gender and Society'.

In the third year you will explore the different ways in which sociology is applied in realworld settings. You will have an opportunity for community or work-based learning while studying the sociology of organisations and occupations. You will consider the role of public sociology and will conduct an extended piece of research in an area of departmental expertise (such as gender, religion, sexuality, youth culture, intimate citizenship, urban and suburban living, health and illness, education and social inequality). You will also choose an option from a selection of specialist taught modules.

You will have the opportunity to study a foreign language for free during your time at the University as part of the Kingston Language Scheme. Options currently include: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Social Inequality and Public Policy
• Social Research Methods
• Social Selves
• Thinking Sociologically

Year 2 (Level 5)

• International Perspectives on Social Change and Development
• Research Methods Project
• Sociological Approaches: Issues and Debates
• Crime, Media and Policy
• Identity and Difference
• Youth, Subcultures and Style

Year 3 (Level 6)

• Sociology Dissertation
• Sociology Innovation and Critique: Capstone
• Consumption and Lifestyle
• Organisations and Occupations
• Starry Eyed & Laughing : Music, Film and Politics
• Special Study: Suburban Society