Our Department is noted for its emphasis on the integration of methodological and substantive issues in both its research and teaching and for the supportive coexistence of a diversity of approaches within the discipline. This research strength means that you will be taught by experts at the forefront of their field.

Factfile

Degrees

 Degree Programmes

Degrees

 Degree Programmes

 Our Degrees

Sociology is a diverse discipline which makes use of a range of theories and concepts. It also employs a range of research methods, such as observations, interviews, statistics and textual analysis, to name but a few.

Our Sociology programmes build on our unique expertise and research strengths to provide you with an intellectually challenging and vocationally relevant education. We aim to provide you with a thorough and enjoyable grounding in the theories and methods of contemporary sociology. You can choose between a programme with or without a professional training year.

Other degrees you may be interested in:

Criminology and Sociology
Psychology
Sociology, Culture and Media

Programme

 Programme Overview

Level 1 provides a broad-based curriculum, including Sociological Theory; Sociology of Contemporary Societies; Popular Culture and Everyday Life; Current Social Issues and Debates; Politics; Social Research Methods and Quantitative Methods; and ICT and Study Skills for Sociologists.

During Level 2, you will study modules in Sociological Theory, Social Research Methods, Critical Issues in Sociology and Quantitative Methods and Computing. In addition, you choose three out of a range of sociology options which includes a Group Research Project; Sociology of the Environment; Sociology of Gender; Sociology of Work and Family; Social Policy and Welfare in Context; Sociology of Art; Understanding Internet Culture; Media, War and Human Rights; Television Entertainment.

At Level 3 you will take core modules in Social Theory, Research Analysis and Analysing Sociology and again are able to choose three sociology options to study, from a range including Deviance and Social Control; Sociology of Health and Illness; Sociology of Sexualities; Aspects of Social Research Methodology; Sociology of Childhood; Sociology of Race and Ethnicity; Music, Media and Technology; Organisational Analysis; and Sociology of Terror. A third of the final year is spent doing an individual project chosen according to your interests and written up as an 8000–12,000-word dissertation.

 Programme Structure

Professional Training

On the four-year Sociology degree programme, you will further your knowledge by working in a placement during the third year. This provides you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during your first two years of study in a work environment whilst receiving training and undertaking responsible work. 

As a result of the placement, we find that our students return to their final year significantly more confident, mature and organised, and with clearer, more definite career aspirations.

The process of preparing and applying for placement jobs also significantly enhances job-seeking skills, which will come into play in the final year and beyond when applying for graduate employment.

After graduation some take up permanent posts with their professional placement employer. Placements will be selected according to your interests, career plans and location preferences. The majority of placements are paid, usually in the region of £12,000–15,000 per annum. If you work on an unpaid placement, you can claim additional financial support and may also work a reduced amount of time. 

Companies and organisations that have participated in the scheme include the Home Office, the House of Lords, the Metropolitan Police, the British Market Research Bureau, Guildford Pupil Referral Unit, Marks & Spencer and IBM.

Why Surrey?

 Key reasons to study Sociology 2012 at Surrey

Careers

 Top for Jobs

Graduates over the last few years entered employment in roles such as:

• HM Inspectorate of Prisons - Research Officer
• National Centre for Social Research - Freelance Research Assistant
• Ipsos Mori - Executive Assistant
• Metropolitan Police - Research Analyst
• Motortrak - Online Marketing Executive
• Senwick - Graduate Trainee

 Career Opportunities

Sociology graduates are found across a wide range of occupational areas, with the skills they acquire useful in many different roles. However, many are attracted to careers that enable them to directly use aspects of their degree studies, applying what they have learned and the skills gained whilst an undergraduate. This centres on an interest in society and the challenges and demands that members of a society face.

Our Sociology degree will prepare you for a wide range of jobs which require the ability to analyse complex issues and reach policy conclusions. Our graduates are in a strong position in the job market because they have good analytical skills, are numerate and communicate well.

The Sociology degree provides you with an excellent basis for entry into careers in personnel management, social services, education, criminal justice, teaching, welfare services, information services, the government, charities and the voluntary sector. About a quarter of our students go into postgraduate training courses and to higher degrees. Undertaking a professional placement will enhance your prospects further, as such experience is of high value to future employers.

“The degree programme is of an excellent quality, incorporating a wide range of modules, making it both challenging and interesting…”

Ali Squire

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Teaching

Sociology at the University of Surrey emphasises the development of your practical and analytic skills in addressing contemporary sociological problems. You will benefit from a range of teaching methods including small group tutorials, projects and workshops, as well as lectures and classes. 

We find our students learn most effectively in this environment, and projects will contribute to the development of your personal skills in leadership, effective communication and analytical ability. You will develop sophisticated skills in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research.

You can take advantage of the Department’s excellent facilities, range of audiovisual equipment and networked computer suite, all available to aid your studies.

Assessment

Many modules are assessed entirely by exercises or project work; others are assessed by coursework and an examination at the end of the year. Examples of coursework include essays, projects and exercises. Each module in the first year must be passed satisfactorily in order to enter the second year. Your first-year marks do not count towards your final degree result, but are used to check on your progress. The final degree result is based on assessment during your second year (40 per cent) and your final year (60 per cent).