Kedleston Road and One Friar Gate Square, Derby Campus
History and Sociology at Derby
As a Sociology student, you’ll take critical insight of a traditional academic subject and apply it to life as it is lived today and the forces that shape our lives. You’ll explore inequalities, power, and pressing social problems. You’ll develop the skills, insight and ambition to not just understand the complexities of modern societies but to intervene in them and make a positive difference to the life of others. The world we live is changing rapidly and sociology is a dynamic and evolving subject t best placed to plot global change and how this impacts nations, communities and individuals. Sociology is the study of us – of how we live and how we might.
You’ll combine this with studying History in a city and county with a strong historical heritage – Derby and Derbyshire have always been an important centre for trade, religious expression, industry and enlightenment thought. Our History courses explore these key ideas and themes both within our region and across the globe. You’ll study an exciting range of modules that consider society, culture, politics and economics from the sixteenth century to the modern day.
A global perspective
You can enhance your knowledge through work placements, community engagement, an active student society, and fascinating guest speakers and relevant study visits we will give you an environment in which to understand the many applications of your subjects. Additionally, you can enrich your perspectives and broaden your horizons by taking up the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad.
Top10for teaching quality - Sociology subject areaTimes and Sunday Times University Guide 2024
No.1for student satisfaction in HistoryThe Complete University Guide 2024
Top5for satisfaction with feedback - Sociology and Social PolicyGuardian University Guide 2024
Academic expertise
Our Sociology courses are taught by a team that includes experienced researchers whose work is shedding new light on some of the most pressing issues facing our society.
They are recognised for their expertise in research areas such as social policy, childhood and war, extremism and counter terrorism, conspiracy theory, politics and social movements, postcolonialism and globalisation, Marxism, feminism, and social theory. They regularly publish their research findings, deliver conference papers internationally, and contribute to local, national, and international media.
As a Sociology student, you can take part in regular guest lectures and departmental research seminars delivered by leading professionals and eminent academics from other institutions.
Our History teaching is underpinned by active research and scholarship. Your tutors continue to develop their expertise through research, leading to conference papers and the publication of books and articles. This enables us to support you in your development as a student researcher, and for you to develop the confidence to share your own research with others
Choose your pathway
Studying a History and Sociology Joint Honours degree allows you to choose whether you major in one subject or study them both equally.
You begin this degree by studying both subjects equally in your first year. By the end of your first year, you will then decide whether you would like to major or minor in a chosen subject or continue to study them both equally.
In this pathway, Sociology is the major subject and History is the minor subject.
100%History - teaching and academic supportNational Student Survey 2023
No.1History - academic support and teaching in the UKNational Student Survey 2023
What is a Joint Honours degree?
A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.
A Joint Honours degree is a great option if:
You want to study two subjects you’re passionate about
You’ve got a specific career in mind and want to create a tailored degree to prepare you for the future
You want to study a new subject alongside one you’re already familiar with
What you will study
The modules below indicate the range of modules you may study as part of this combination, however prescribed and optional modules will vary depending on whether you choose to study both subjects equally, or choose to major or minor in a subject. To find out exactly which modules you would study as part of your chosen combination please contact jhs@derby.ac.uk.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Undergraduate Open Days
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
For History modules you’ll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, study visits and co-curricular learning.
As a Sociology student, you’ll learn through:
lectures
seminars
multimedia presentations
online collaboration
guest lectures
class debates
We are determined to keep things fresh and interesting and involve projects that include the close reading of music videos, the design of your own conspiracy theory, the production of wikis and an extended final year piece of research in which you showcase your sociological interest in a topic of your choice.
How you are assessed
The History modules at Derby have a wide range of assessments that are varied and reflect the different academic and transferable skills of History graduates. We have designed our assessments to reflect the key skills of the historical discipline as well as skills that will prepare you for life beyond university. Our commitment to students as researchers, public history, global history and co-production has shaped our assessment strategy, and we have designed our assessments so that you are building expertise through the degree.
Our Sociology modules will be assessed through a broad range of methods which allows you to demonstrate your individual strengths and abilities. Our assessment strategy does not include exams, but does involve:
essays
case studies
project work
group work presentations
online discussions
Who will teach you
You will be taught by our team of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts.
Subject Leaders
Dr Ruth Larsen Senior Lecturer in History; Programme Leader for BA (Hons) History and Integrated Masters in History; Subject Lead for Joint Honours History
As a Senior Lecturer in History, Ruth Larsen is the Programme Leader for undergraduate History programmes. She has research expertise in British History of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, especially relating to gender history and the history of the country house.
Dr Phil Burton-Cartledge Course Director, Business, Law, and Social Sciences
Dr Phil Burton-Cartledge is Course Director for the School of Law and Social Sciences and Programme Lead for Sociology. Prior to joining the University in 2013, he previously had worked for a Member of Parliament. A regular commentator on current affairs, his teaching and research interests reflect these concerns.
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.
If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.
As both History and Sociology deliver such a broad spectrum of skills and insights, it is no surprise to find our graduates excelling in a wide variety of careers where critical thinking, analytical know-how and research abilities are valued.
Our graduates have used their degree to become teachers, lecturers, social workers, probation officers, civil servants, social researchers, business owners, marketeers, counsellors, charity workers, and community officers as well as working in museums, archives, libraries and the heritage sector – to name but a few roles. They have also found work in retail management, public relations, banking, welfare advice, accountancy and systems analysis.
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
Stage appropriate study skills textbook each year
Occasional field trips around Derby
A study trip may be offered if applicable and appropriate
Optional costs not included in your fees
Costs associated with travel to and from a year in industry and/or a third-year work placement
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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