Minimum entry requirements

Required subjects

English language requirements

Other suitable qualifications

Selection process

 Programme overview

Year 1 provides a broad-based curriculum, including Introduction to Classical Sociological Theory; Introduction to 20th Century Sociological Theory; Sociology of Contemporary Societies (with Study Skills); Popular Culture and Everyday Life; Contemporary British Politics; Introduction to Research Methods; Qualitative Field Methods; Quantitative Methods 1. 

During year 2, you will study modules in Contemporary Sociological Theory; Sociological Theory: Criticism and Description; Doing Research by Asking Questions; Quantitative Methods 2. In addition, you choose four out of a range of sociology options which includes a Group Research Project; Analysing Media; Sociology of Gender; Sociology of Work; Poverty, Welfare and the State; Migration and the Politics of Identity; Researching Bodies; Sociology of Political Systems; Sociology of the Arts; Sociology of Religion; Sociology of Health and Illness; Media, War and Terrorism; Television Entertainment; Media, Audiences and Identity. 

In year 3 you will be able to choose five sociology options to study, from a range including: Sociology of Sexualities; Cultures of Race and Racism; The Family and Social Reproduction; Sociology of Childhood; Popular Music and Society; The Sociology of Sociology; Advanced Qualitative Research Methods; Work and Workers in the 21st Century; Sociology of Mental Health; Medicine and the Body; Cultural Organisations and Industries; Crime, Ethnicity and Racism; Music, Media and New Technology; Media and Cultural Globalisation; Understanding Youth Cultures; Fans: Emotion and Affect. A third of the final year is spent doing an individual project chosen according to your interests and written up as an 8,000–12,000- word dissertation.

 Programme structure

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.

 Graduate prospects

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.

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 that 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 coursework, that is, essays, exercises or project work; others are assessed by a mixture of coursework and an examination at the end of the year. 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).