Sociology (Joint Honours)

What is Joint Honours?

With joint honours, you can study for an honours degree in two or even three subjects. Find out more about joint honours.

Why choose this course?

  • This course can be combined with a range of other subjects, helping you to put yourself ahead in the job market by being more diverse to potential employers.
  • There is the option to take a placement during this course allowing you to develop your knowledge of the workplace and to increase your employability.
  • In the 2012 National Student Survey, our students said they were 90% satisfied overall with how enthusiastic we were in our teaching.
  • You'll get to choose from an exciting range of topics looking at classical as well as modern sociological issues - from social inequality and race and ethnicity to terrorism and the cult of celebrity.
  • You'll be taught by experienced teachers who are specialists in their field. They're also approachable and will give you lots of support. We were highly commended by the external examiner in our latest annual report.
  • Our sociology is modern and applied to the real world. You will acquire the knowledge, confidence and skills to stand out in the job market.

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Fact file

UCAS code: Y002

Start date: September

Course length: Three years full time or up to six years part time

Campus: Kedleston Road, Derby

This course is available to international students

About this course

Everybody has their own ideas about today’s society, but the question is: how do we gain an accurate picture of what is really happening? This course will transform your understanding of the social world and give you the confidence, knowledge and skills to explore, analyse and understand the dramatic and diverse changes affecting our lives.

You'll develop the confidence, knowledge and skills to help you analyse social issues, ranging from the most everyday or intimate experiences, to those linked to global or historical questions. By the end of the course, you'll have practical research skills, the ability to critically analyse arguments and images, as well as the confidence to defend and justify your own opinions.

Studying sociology will help you to think critically and ethically. You'll look at previous theories on changes in society and culture which will help you to consider how the modern world has developed and how we can bring about change.

You'll do research into the 'real world' of society through your independent studies module. So you'll explore an area you're interested in through fieldwork or data collection and will use the skills you've developed when you learn about research methods. It's a great opportunity to undertake research and put your knowledge to practical use. The skills you develop will be useful in your future career.

During stage two, you'll have the opportunity to study Sociology abroad for one semester, as part of our ERASMUS programme. Our students currently go to Charles University in Prague. This will help you to look at sociological issues from different perspectives, broaden your experience and develop your confidence. You'll gain an international perspective and develop a range of life skills that will look great on your CV, helping you to stand out in the job market when you graduate.

You'll have a personal tutor to help you throughout your degree and all our staff are really approachable and can be easily contacted.

What can I combine this programme with?

What you will cover

Stage one

You'll study these modules:

Stage two

You'll study these modules:

And you'll choose two from these modules:

Stage three

You'll study these modules:

And you'll choose three of these modules:

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are usually 220-300 UCAS points, of which at least 200-240 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

We'll accept up to 60 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

How to apply

UK/EU students

International students

Information for international applicants

Applying for an undergraduate degree

Fees and finance

Fees for 2013/14

This is a classroom based course.

UK/EU students

  • Full time: £7,700 (each year)
  • £965 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total)

International students

  • Full time: £9,945 (per year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you will learn

How you'll learn

You will learn through lectures, seminars, multimedia presentations, online collaboration, guest speakers and class debates. In addition to our scene-setting core modules, our optional module choices mean you can focus on issues that interest you, gaining deeper insight and building up your knowledge and expertise. You will develop social research skills and use these in your own research projects. Our work placement allows you to apply your growing knowledge of sociology to the workplace and develop skills and contacts for your career development.

How you're assessed

You will be assessed through essays, exams, case studies, project work, group work presentations and online discussions. These
assessments enable you to demonstrate your individual strengths and abilities.

Careers and employability

Sociology offers a huge range of skills so it’s no surprise to find our graduates in a range of industries. You could work in social services, education, criminal justice, welfare services, national and local government, counselling, charities and the voluntary sector. You could also work in a hands-on research or policy capacity with diverse groups ranging from young people to refugees.

One of our recent graduates, Sean Silkstone now works for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) where he defends and protects sites from unauthorised access to nuclear material. Sean said: "The diverse nature of my course meant that I had the skills and experiences they were looking for." Read his full story here.

What our students say

"I enjoyed the course and it gave me the ability to go on and do post graduate research".

"I really appreciated the friendly and supportive learning environment."

Contact details

Course enquiries

Contact name: Dr Simon Speck
T: 01332 591703

If you are a UK or EU student, contact us

T: +44 (0)1332 591167
F: +44 (0)1332 597724
E: askadmissions@derby.ac.uk

UK/EU course enquiry

If you are an international student, contact us

T: +44 (0)1332 591698
E: international@derby.ac.uk

International course enquiry

Where will I study?

Kedleston Road, Derby