Sociology BSc (Hons) – 2024 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2024
| Award | UCAS code | Course duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: L300 | 3 years View KIS data set |
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: L301 | 4 years with professional training View KIS data set |
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: L302 | 4 years with foundation year View KIS data set |
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: L303 | 5 years with foundation year and professional training View KIS data set |
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
| Course | UCAS code | Institution code |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | L300 | S85 |
| BSc (Hons) with professional training | L301 | S85 |
| BSc (Hons) with foundation year | L302 | S85 |
| BSc (Hons) with foundation year and professional training | L303 | S85 |
Why choose this course
2nd
In the UK for sociology in the National Student Survey 2022
7th
In the UK for sociology in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
On our BSc Sociology course we’ll encourage you to apply your intellect to the study of large-scale social trends, the significance of key social institutions and the subtleties of everyday behaviour, lifestyles and identities.
You’ll gain a thorough grounding in theoretical and empirical debates within sociology and be trained to apply this understanding to current issues. You will also be equipped with an understanding of social divisions and social inequalities. Through research methods training from your first year onwards, you will gain an understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods which is valued by many employers.
Study with us, and you’ll join one of the most prestigious sociology departments in the UK, which is also well known for its friendly and supportive nature.
What you will study
Our highly varied BSc Sociology course is taught by world-leading experts who continually keep the content and approach up-to-date.
You’ll develop a detailed understanding of sociological explanations for micro and macro social processes and understand how sociologists from different perspectives have conceptualised the social world.
You’ll have the opportunity to engage with a range of topics such as family life, consumption, travel and tourism, migration, gender, sexuality and mental health. Your studies will help you to question common assumptions and to see current issues in a new light.
We will share our renowned knowledge of research design and methodology on the course, allowing you to become confident in observation, interviews, statistics and textual analysis. You’ll also gain an understanding of research ethics and develop skills in writing up research.
We put your learning into context using a range of teaching and assessment methods, such as individual and group projects that will give you the opportunity to adapt and develop your sociological imagination and approach to the discipline.
Please be aware: the course content and modules listed for this course are subject to change for the 2023/24 academic year, whilst we undertake a curriculum design review. Please contact the programme leader if you have any queries about the course.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Our sociology graduates span a wide range of occupational areas, with the skills they acquire useful in many different roles.
Many have pursued careers that enable them to directly use aspects of their course studies. This centres on an interest in society and the challenges and demands that members of a society face.
Our course 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 are analytical, numerate and communicate well.
Depending on which modules you choose, you can use sociology to develop expertise for a range of different occupations. Specifically:
- It provides the knowledge and analytical skills needed to pursue a professional degree in the public sector, business, education, health and medicine, social work, or counselling
- It offers preparation for fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups of people, such as journalism, politics, marketing, business, human resources or public administration
- It provides the strong research skills needed for positions in business, social services and government
- It is a first step for future graduate study in sociology and allied disciplines in order to become a researcher or lecturer.
Given the broad education that a degree in sociology offers, one of its benefits is flexibility in the job market. Recent graduates have entered employment in roles such as:
- Civil Service Fast Stream
- Police Constable, Metropolitan Police
- Community Investment Coordinator, AXIS Europe
- Communications Officer, Kent Police
- Mental Health Recovery Worker, Creative Support
- Research Officer, Surrey County Council
- Research Officer, Office for National Statistics.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the Department of Sociology.
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.
Optional modules for Foundation - FHEQ Level 3
For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 please view the programme specification for the full-time BSc (Hons) Sociology programme.
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Students take two options from each semester, four in total.
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Students take the dissertation (45 credits) across the whole year plus THREE options from Semester 1 and TWO from Semester 2.
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students take two options from each semester, four in total.
Optional modules for Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year
Students must choose one of the above three modules.
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students take the dissertation (45 credits) across the whole year plus THREE options from Semester 1 and TWO from Semester 2.
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Teaching
Studying sociology at Surrey will help you to develop your practical and analytical skills in addressing contemporary sociological problems.
You’ll benefit from a range of teaching methods, including 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 including student common room and networked computer suite, all available to aid your studies.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations, presentations and essays.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
International entry requirements by country
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Foundation
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this course with a foundation year. A course with a foundation year includes an extra year of study to prepare you for a full degree course.
During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get acquainted with university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.
The programme aims to provide you with knowledge of social science concepts, theories, ideas and tools. Furthermore, we want to help you develop your ability to apply this knowledge and the skills you have acquired, to the solution of theoretical and applied problems in the social sciences.
The foundation year will equip you with appropriate tools of analysis to tackle issues and problems associated with social science policy-making in a global context.
By the end of the programme you will be familiar with ethical frameworks and their repercussions for decision-making, as well as a range of generic skills that will be of value in your future career. These skills include:
- Team working
- Networking
- Independent research skills
- Building an empathetic mindset, social awareness and capacity of intelligence-based decision making
Enhancing employability through a developing awareness of the workplace and associated skills.
Find out more about our degrees with foundation year.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL a for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2024
BSc (Hons)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
- Professional training
- To be confirmed
BSc (Hons) (with foundation year)
- UK
- To be confirmed
BSc (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Professional training
- To be confirmed
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2023/24 academic year Professional Training placement fees.
Additional costs
There are no associated costs with this course.
Optional expenses
Occasional optional trips to London or within Surrey will be organised by the School which may incur travel costs – £60 approximately.
These expenses are accurate as of September 2022 and apply to the 2023 year of entry. Expenses for 2024 entry will be published in September 2023.
Placements
Our award-winning Professional Training programme offers you the option to spend a career-enhancing year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. We have thousands of placement providers to choose from or you can source your own placement.
Most placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Sociology placements
Our Professional Training placement programme gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained during your first two years of study in a work environment, while receiving training and carrying out projects with real responsibilities.
Companies and organisations that have participated in the scheme include:
- British Red Cross
- Suffolk County Council
- Stonewall Housing
- Government Social Research
- IFF Research
- Surrey County Council
- Cyprus Green Action Group.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surry opens up a world of opportunity. We want you to take advantage of our international partnerships, explore the world and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
View our study and work abroad information to find out more and see where you can go.
Partner institutions
Depending on your preference, you may decide to choose one of our European partner universities, such as Copenhagen University, Denmark.
We also have exchanges with:
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Singapore Management University
- Seoul National University, South Korea
- University of Cincinnati, US
- North Carolina State University, US
- University of Central Florida, US
- University of North Texas, US
- Texas Tech, US
- Monash University, Australia
- La Trobe University, Australia
- Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
- University of Victoria, Wellington, New Zealand.
Students share their experiences of going on an international exchange to Hong Kong.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may 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 a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH