The degree programme is of an excellent quality, incorporating a wide range of modules, making it both challenging and interesting.
As the world grows more complex, so too does the challenge of understanding the intricate ways in which contemporary societies work.
Studying for a Sociology degree at Surrey puts you in a top-rated department for this most fascinating subject.
Sociology is increasingly attracting the very brightest, most ambitious minds to apply their intellects to the study of large-scale social trends, the significance of key social institutions and the subtleties of everyday behaviour, lifestyles and identities.
Join us here in one of the UK’s most prestigious sociology departments and we will push you to master the theories and methods of this fascinating and vital subject.
Our rigorous, varied and enjoyable programme is delivered by world-leading experts who keep the content and approach right up-to-date.
We use a range of teaching and assessment methods to put your learning into context, including individual and group projects that enable you to make your own new contributions to the discipline.
By studying Sociology at Surrey, you become an expert in research design and methodology (including observation, interviews, statistics and textual analysis), and develop a detailed understanding of sociological explanations for micro and macro social processes across a range of absorbing topic areas.
Such knowledge, skills and understanding will prove highly desirable, whatever your eventual career path.
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 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; Television Entertainment; Fan Cultures: Media, Audiences and Identity.
Core modules:
Optional modules:
Our Professional Training placement programme gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during your first two years of study in a work environment whilst receiving training and undertaking projects with real responibilities. 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.
In Year 3, you are able to choose five sociology options to study, from a range including: Sociology of Sexualities; Cultures of Race and Racism; Sociology of Education; 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.
Optional modules:
Our Professional Training placement programme gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during your first two years of study in a work environment whilst receiving training and undertaking projects with real responibilities. 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.
Sociology at the University of Surrey emphasises the development of your practical and analytical skills in addressing contemporary sociological problems. You 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.
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 and your final year.
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 use directly 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.
Graduates over the last few years entered employment in roles such as:
Find out more about the Department of Sociology.
Come to one of our Open Days, when you can tour the campus, speak to students and academic staff, see our student accommodation and ask as many questions as you like. In the meantime, order a personal prospectus – tailored to only include the subjects that interest you.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent).
Offers are normally made in terms of grades. Suitable candidates will be invited to an Applicant Day. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students.
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill (or equivalent).
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
| Award | Course Length | Professional Training | UCAS code | KIS code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | 3 years | L300 | View KIS data set | |
| BSc (Hons) | 4 years | L301 | View KIS data set |
We offer a range of bursaries, scholarships and other financial support.
See course information for students applying to start in September 2013.
Phone: +44 (0)1483 681 681
