BSc Sociology
Sociology at Surrey specialises in the application of systematic empirical research to a number of substantive topics. This includes research on health and illness, the police, media, gender, ageing, criminology and the criminal justice system, childhood and child protection, sociology of the environment and new technology. The Honours Degree in Sociology builds on the expertise and research strengths of the Department, and provides a sound sociological training as well as a vocationally oriented education for students aiming at the increasing career opportunities in both the public and private sectors in social research.
Students can study Sociology as a four year degree, BSc Sociology with Professional Training, with the option of spending the third year in a supervised placement in which students apply their knowledge and skills in the work environment, while also receiving training and practical experience. (The Surrey Professional Placement Scheme). The Department of Sociology has a very successful Undergraduate Exchange Scheme with the University of Maryland. Two or more students from the B.Sc in Sociology can spend their second year studying comparable courses at the University of Maryland, near Washington DC.
The Sociology course is distinguished from other degree courses in sociology by the inclusion of three interrelated topics usually given much less attention. First, it covers a wide range of research methods, including survey methods, field methods, the analysis of communications and evaluation research, so that students can design, conduct, analyse and disseminate the findings of research. Second, it includes courses on basic computing, and on the computer analysis of complex data sets. Third, it provides an understanding of the factors influencing the formation and successful implementation of central government, social and health service policy. A feature of the course is the proportion of students' time spent on project work, both individually and in project groups.
Contacts with employers have demonstrated a substantial and growing job market for graduates with analytical skills, awareness of social policy issues and competence in computer-based research techniques.
For further information contact Daniel McCarthy.