This page shows course information for 2026/27. The details for 2027/28 will be added soon.
BA Hons UCAS Code
This page shows course information for 2026/27. The details for 2027/28 will be added soon.
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. Â
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).Â
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. Â
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).Â
A degree in sociology can lead to successful careers in the civil service such as working as a policy advisor, creative industries like journalism or marketing, or even in business consulting. Read more about where our graduates work in the careers section.
If studying at university for you is about more than just what happens in the classroom, then you’ll be at home here. With over 200 societies and sports clubs to choose from and a student-friendly city a short bus journey away, you’ll have lots of opportunities to meet new people and explore new hobbies.
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.Â
Our teaching is delivered through several modes including lectures, seminars and workshops. Independent study is an important aspect of learning at university and you will be expected to undertake preparatory reading and/or research before you attend your classes.
Our staff deliver teaching that is essential for you to understand the key ideas and contemporary thinking in your discipline (known as core modules) and teaching that is more specialist and based on their own research expertise (known as optional modules). All students will be required to take specific core modules relevant for their programmes and be given flexibility in the optional modules they choose to fit with their own personal interests. Find out more by watching our optional module videos.
You will be assessed through a combination of methods including exams, essays, project work and presentations, as well as a final year dissertation. You will normally receive feedback within three weeks of submission to enable you to improve for next time.
At the end of each semester, you will meet with your personal tutor to discuss all of the assessments and help you identify areas for improvement.
A typical 20-credit module in the first year will involve a weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar, independent reading, seminar preparation and assessment activities. You will study six 20-credit modules in the first year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ classical sociological theories through a decolonised lens. This module covers key thinkers like Marx, Durkheim, Weber and Du Bois. You'll explore their theoretical positions and how they've influenced contemporary sociological debates.
Engage with 20th and 21st-century sociological theory, examining major theoretical and methodological innovations that shape contemporary sociology. Through close readings and case studies, you’ll explore how these frameworks illuminate key social and political phenomena. Develop the analytical tools to critically apply theory to the complexities of a modern, globalised world.
Explore the principles of qualitative research design, practice and ethics. This module equips you with the skills to conduct qualitative research and understand the methodological challenges and ethical dilemmas involved. You'll learn to choose appropriate methods for your research aims.
Learn the principles of quantitative research design and ethics. This module provides hands-on experience in designing and conducting small-scale research projects. You'll explore data collection and analysis methods and understand the strengths and limitations of quantitative approaches.
Understand socio-economic inequalities within and between societies. This module explores theoretical perspectives and case studies to analyse the construction, reproduction and impact of inequalities. You'll develop skills in data analysis and policy evaluation.
Explore how digital technologies shape our identities and social relationships. This module introduces you to key debates in digital sociology and explores the impact of social media on self-perception, love and intimacy, and civic participation. You'll critically assess both digital engagement and resistance.Â
Examine how social identities are created and expressed through the body. This module covers theories of identity and 'otherness', exploring topics like body modification, idealised femininities and masculinities, embodied inequalities and the impact of class, gender and race on our identities and experiences.
Analyse the role of religion in modern society. This module uses sociological frameworks to explore how people live, encounter and experience religion and non-religion across different contexts. You'll examine how (non-)religion impacts everyday life and study debates on power, control and inequalities.
Explore contemporary Chinese society and current events through a sociological lens. This module covers topics like nationhood, religion, family and gender. You'll apply theoretical frameworks to analyse social issues in China and develop policy recommendations.
Explore the relationship between youth, crime and justice. This module examines data on youth crime and critically considers social responses, including courts and youth custody. You'll discuss contemporary issues like the over-representation of minority groups and the age of criminal responsibility.
Analyse factual and fictional media about crime, justice and policing. The module explore media in relation to race, class, gender, ideology, power and institutions. You will use criminological and sociological theory and thematic analysis, to critically assess a ‘crime story’.
Examine the social, cultural and medical aspects of drug use and addiction. This module explores the definition of drugs, regulatory regimes and treatment approaches. You'll discuss the social construction of drug use and its implications for policing and public health.
Explore the history and sociology of policing in England and Wales. This module covers the background to, culture and practices of policing, drawing on examples from around the world. You'll investigate the key issues relating to policing today and consider these from different perspectives.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of prisons and imprisonment. This module examines the historical evolution of prisons, the daily lives of prisoners and contemporary debates on issues like solitary confinement and long sentences. You'll explore the broader societal context of the prison system.
Understand the concepts of rehabilitation and desistance from crime. This module explores the role of risk in the criminal justice system and examines the experiences of those under community supervision. You'll discuss the changing nature of rehabilitation over time.
Conduct independent research on a topic of your choice. This module allows you to plan, design and carry out a research project with the support of a supervisor. You'll apply your knowledge and skills to produce an extended piece of academic writing.
Connect historical and current debates in education to citizenship in a global age. This module explores sociological, philosophical and policy-based issues to understand the purpose of education. You'll critically examine the relationship between education and society and consider diverse perspectives.
Use film to explore contemporary debates on identity, culture and everyday life. This module examines issues like gender, race, class, disability and youth culture through different film genres. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how culture shapes social inclusion and exclusion.
Investigate feminist approaches to social policy and the welfare state. This module examines how policies reflect and perpetuate gender differences and the division of labour in families. You'll explore concepts like justice, citizenship, inequality and how gender intersects with race and class.
Learn to think about cities sociologically. This module explores how sociological theory and methods can help us to make sense of cities and urban life. It covers key topics in urban sociology including community, public space, belonging, social exclusion, social networks, housing and homelessness.
ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ new religious movements (NRMs) and the theories used to understand them. This module covers topics including religious innovation, NRMs and their social contexts and their representation in the media. You'll explore how NRMs are formed, their beliefs and their histories and critically engage with media portrayals.
Investigate the movement and settlement of people in a global context from a transnational perspective. This module explores the political, social and economic factors driving migration. You'll examine theories of integration and processes of inclusion and exclusion, and discuss issues like identity, belonging, transnational families and global care chains.
Understand the complexities of cyber crime in the digital age. This module explores various forms of cyber crime including hacking, online harassment and identity theft. You'll analyse criminological theories and victim experiences and discuss the challenges of policing and regulating cyber crime.
Analyse the violence and harm caused by war and state actions. This module covers criminological, sociological and philosophical theories to understand war and state violence. You'll explore historical and contemporary examples, focusing on injustices faced by the Global South.
Investigate the deviant activities of powerful entities like states and corporations. This module covers state crime, corporate crime and green crime. You'll critically examine how power and control influence deviant activities and explore avenues for prevention and redress.
Learn about human trafficking and its global impact. This module explores different forms of trafficking, prevention methods and media representations. You'll critically consider legal and criminological responses and discuss contemporary issues surrounding victimisation and offending, as well as the root causes of human trafficking.
Explore southern and decolonial perspectives in criminology. This module examines crime and justice in the Global South, challenging the dominance of knowledge from the Global North. You'll analyse case studies on issues like genocide and human trafficking and understand the impact of colonialism.
Examine the social construction of victims and their role in criminal justice policy and practice. This module covers a brief evolution of victimology, key issues and debates and responses to victim needs. You'll explore exclusionary and complex explanations of why some harms are recognised as victimisation, some people are accepted as victims and how interactions shape how victimisation is experienced and perceived.
Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and you may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.
Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages. If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.
Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on LASTMODDATE. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry, details for 2027 entry will be updated soon.
A levels
ABB
IB
30 points overall
ABB / AAC / A*BC
General studies, critical thinking, citizenship, thinking skills and global perspectives and research
GCSE English grade 4 (C) or above
30 points overall or 655 in 3 HL certificates
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
60 credits overall, which must include 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit
We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
At the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
We are looking for students who have the ability and motivation to benefit from our courses and who will make a valued contribution to the school and university. We will take into account a wide range of factors including post-school experience and breadth of interests as well as exam results.
Our courses require a combination of different skills, and an ability to engage with new subjects and ideas. These qualities in part relate to academic performance, but we will also look at your interests and experience.
On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions.
If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent. Â
You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options. Â
The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.
In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.
If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a placement, our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout this process. Contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.Â
The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information. Â
In order to undertake an optional placement year, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an optional placement as part of your course.
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 27/28. It may increase for the academic year 28/29 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee.
For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), please visit our fees page.
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.
If you choose to take an optional placement module, you will need to factor in travel costs, which will be dependent on location of placement and proximity to term-time address.
The ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our .
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our .
A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry, details for 2027 entry will be updated soon.
IB
30 points overall
A levels
ABB
30 points overall or 655 in 3 HL certificates
ABB / AAC / A*BC
General studies, critical thinking, citizenship, thinking skills and global perspectives and research
GCSE English grade 4 (C) or above
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
60 credits overall, which must include 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit
6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
At the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
We are looking for students who have the ability and motivation to benefit from our courses and who will make a valued contribution to the school and university. We will take into account a wide range of factors including post-school experience and breadth of interests as well as exam results.
Our courses require a combination of different skills, and an ability to engage with new subjects and ideas. These qualities in part relate to academic performance, but we will also look at your interests and experience.
On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions.
If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent. Â
You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options. Â
The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.
In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.
If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a placement, our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout this process. Contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.Â
The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information. Â
In order to undertake an optional placement year, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an optional placement as part of your course.
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using .
For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.
You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.
If you choose to take an optional placement module, you will need to factor in travel costs, which will be dependent on location of placement and proximity to term-time address.
The ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our .
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
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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
Sociology graduates have gone on to work for local councils, charities, the police, civil service and marketing.
Employers include:
21.7% of graduates have progressed to further study.
Information is from the HESA Graduate Outcomes data, 2017-2022 graduating cohorts.
The Faculty of Social Sciences runs an exclusive placements programme of term-time opportunities across all years of study. There are both paid and volunteer opportunities at local, national and even international level, across a wide range of organisations and businesses.Â
Hear from graduates who shared with us what they enjoyed about their time at Nottingham and what jobs they are doing now.Â
95.6% of sociology and criminology graduates were in sustained employment, further study or both three years after graduation, ranking Nottingham 1st in the Russell Group (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, sociology, social policy and anthropology category, published in 2025).
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service will work with you to boost your employability even further – helping with job and course applications, finding relevant work experience and hosting events that connect you with a wide range of potential employers.
The ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers.
We’re also the top UK university for the number of graduates entering highly skilled jobs (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey data 2021–2025 for full-time, UK, UG and PG graduates).
From financial support to student life and accommodation, discover more about the Nottingham experience.
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.
Head to our Help and Support hub for frequently asked questions and details of how to get in touch.