ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

Sociology

BA Hons UCAS Code

Course overview

Understand the world we live in, how we manage change, and the different ways of looking at every aspect of our social world, with our BA Sociology degree. Sociology is a multidisciplinary subject, looking at politics, history, psychology, media studies and criminology. It helps us explore interaction with science and technology, and each other in everyday life.

A benefit of our course is the large number of optional modules you can choose from in years two and three. You could look at identity, social inequalities, gender or cults. Through these topics you’ll learn transferable skills such as research, critical thinking and leadership. Criminology modules are also available to you, allowing you to investigate issues like youth crime or drugs and rehabilitation.  

Placements and studying abroad are other options you can take advantage of to grow professionally and personally. It’s this holistic approach to preparing you for the workplace that has put us 2nd in the Russell Group for the number of graduates in sustained employment or further study five years after graduation (LEO data for the tax year 2021/33, published in 2024). 

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

6 modules

Identity in Popular Culture

Discover how popular culture influences our identities and social relations. From Hollywood films to reality TV, this module examines how class, gender and race are represented in everyday culture. You'll gain insights into the role of culture in shaping our understanding of the world.


Investigating Social Worlds

Learn the basics of social science research and how to conduct your own studies. This module covers key knowledge production, methodology and ethical debates in social science research. You'll explore various data collection methods, writing research questions, planning valid research, and you’ll understand the importance of ethics, power and standpoints in research.


Social Science Uncovered 1

Discover what it means to study social science and how it differs from natural sciences. This module introduces you to criminology, sociology, social work and social and public policy, helping you develop the skills needed for university-level social science studies.


Social Science Uncovered 2

Build on your knowledge from Social Science Uncovered 1 by exploring various social issues through criminology, sociology, social work and public policy lenses. This module uses case studies to help you understand and address contemporary social problems.


A Sociology of the Future: Technology, Climate Change and Non-Humans

This module introduces you to the sociological analysis of some exciting and controversial issues of our time which pertain to our health, technology and the natural environment. It considers the role of governments, business corporations, the media, and activist groups. It also considers theories about the cultural perception of these issues and how the media reports on them.

The module combines theoretical work with empirical case studies, thus providing you with a sound understanding of how sociology can help us make sense of some of the most complex and pressing issues of our time.


Living Together: Culture, Power, Change

The first part of the module introduces you to some of the contemporary and historical debates in social sciences in the 21st century.

The social sciences are centrally concerned with the investigation of a changing world and the recent arrival of the internet, globalisation, migration and other features will be investigated. However social science is a discipline with a long historical tradition. Here it is key that you have a working knowledge of Marx, Weber, Durkheim and Du Bois to understand the world of the 19th and early 20th century. The module explores the historical and contemporary relevance of these ideas.

The second part of the course mostly relies upon the social science thinking of the 20th and 21st century. Questions such as the impact of the arrival of the consumer society, the importance of difference and diversity, the role of utopia, the importance of art and social movements, the development of the network and mediated society, issues related to gender identity and sexuality, and our shared ideas about the urban setting and the future are all covered in this part of the course.

Overall, you will be introduced to a range of different perspectives in helping you understand a changing world.


Select student type

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£10,050 per year

Quote marks icon

Sociology and marketing really interlink in nice way. Throughout my degree, I learned about families and society and crime and why people act a certain way. In marketing, you're constantly trying to understand your target audience and why they would buy your services or go to your event. So sociology gives you the skills to be able to excel in marketing."

Abi Kramer

BA Sociology

Careers

Compare this course

Discover life at Nottingham

From financial support to student life and accommodation, discover more about the Nottingham experience.

Welcome to your campus

At University Park, nature, architecture and student life come together on one unforgettable campus. Explore beautiful green spaces, unwind by the lake and enjoy a vibrant sense of community. It’s the perfect setting for an extraordinary university experience where you can learn, grow and thrive.

Ready to help

Head to our Help and Support hub for frequently asked questions and details of how to get in touch.