Studying Sociology at Derby will give you a head start in a richly rewarding graduate career - and prepare you for life as an actively engaged citizen.
Explore a wide-ranging subject which gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue a successful career in many different sectors
Get to the heart of public debates: ours is a modern course where you’ll focus on the issues and trends influencing society today
Boost your employability through work placements, fieldwork and advanced research skills
Gain an international perspective on sociological issues - with the chance to go on an exchange to Charles University in Prague
Be inspired by our enthusiastic and approachable teaching team who will support you every step of the way
Study in a city with a strong heritage in sociology: Herbert Spencer, credited with founding the study of sociology, was born in Derby.
100%overall satisfaction - BA (Hons) Sociology**National Student Survey 2018
Everybody has their own ideas about society, but how do we gain an accurate picture of what is really happening? Studying Sociology at Derby will help you to analyse and understand the dramatic and diverse changes affecting our lives today.
You'll look at key approaches to social dynamics, politics and culture, consider how the modern world has developed and where it’s going, and explore how we can bring about change for the better.
Challenge your perceptions
You can choose fascinating topics which encourage you to think critically and ethically. You’ll find yourself discussing a broad range of social trends, including controversies around social inequality, race and ethnicity, politics, the nature of evil, and the cult of celebrity.
Enjoyable and engaging
The course is structured around the key avenues of crime and justice, culture and belief, and politics and social justice - which you can combine to match your own interests.
We have designed the first year of the degree to make the experience of studying Sociology enjoyable for all applicants. Those moving up from 'A' level Sociology, as well as those bringing other skills, knowledge and experiences, will find something fresh and engaging on offer. By the end of your studies, you'll have developed practical research skills, the ability to analyse arguments and the confidence to justify your own opinions.
Well prepared for the world of work
We’ll help you to acquire the knowledge, skills and experience to excel in your chosen career. You’ll take a compulsory second year work placement module where you can gain experience with an employer of your choice. This will not only broaden your practical know-how but also equip you with skills in CV writing, interview techniques and reflective thinking. There’s also the option to take an additional placement in your third year.
Build your research skills
We offer exciting opportunities for you to put your knowledge to practical use. You'll undertake ‘real world’ research through your independent studies module, exploring the sociological themes in which you have developed a particular interest. We give you a thorough grounding in research methods, fieldwork and data collection which will serve you well in your future career.
Broaden your horizons by studying abroad
Our focus is international in scope, so you’ll consider the key sociological questions facing global populations. There is the chance to study Sociology abroad for one semester as part of our Erasmus partnership with Charles University in Prague. You’ll not only explore sociological issues from an international perspective in the lively Czech capital but also gain an impressive addition to your CV. Experience overseas showcases your resourcefulness, confidence and willingness to embrace new opportunities.
Expertise to inspire you
You'll be taught by experienced teachers who are specialists in their field and whose research is opening up debates about some of the most pressing issues facing society today. Our staff are in demand for their expertise, regularly appearing in the media, publishing journal articles and delivering conference papers in the UK and overseas.
A city of great thinkers
You’ll be studying in a city which has always fostered originality and innovation. Among the many pioneers who have called Derby home was Herbert Spencer (1820-1903), recognised for founding the study of sociology. Spencer was a philosopher, biologist, anthropologist and political theorist. He is best known for the expression ‘survival of the fittest’, which he coined after reading Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species.
Apocalypse and Conspiracy: Understanding Marginal Beliefs
Gender, Crime and Violence
Changing the World: Social Movements and Political Engagement
Digital Futures and the Global Networked Society
The Effects of Social Policy.
Please note: modules are subject to availability, and may change to suit the needs of industry.
How you will learn
You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, multimedia presentations, online collaboration, guest speakers and class debates. In addition to our scene-setting core modules, the choice of optional modules means you can focus on issues that match your intellectual interests and career aspirations.
Fascinating fieldtrips
We make use of fieldtrips across a number of modules. These will help you gain insights into how institutions and organisations work ‘on the ground’. They will also assist you to develop observational research skills you may wish to use in your own projects.
Our Religion and Society module, for instance, features speakers from each of the major faiths and visits places of worship. We also have an active Sociology Student Society that organises social activities and events.
Work placements
In your second and third year, you have the option of taking our Sociology in the World modules, which enable you to put your growing knowledge of sociology into practice in the workplace. It’s the ideal opportunity to develop your employability skills and make vital contacts for your future career. A similar option can be taken in your third year as well.
Supporting you all the way
We pride ourselves on being approachable and supportive. You'll have a personal tutor to help and advise you throughout your degree - providing an exceptional level of support, which has been commended by external examiners.
How you'll be assessed
You’ll be assessed through essays, exams, case studies, project work, group work presentations and online discussions - a broad range of methods allowing you to demonstrate your individual strengths and abilities.
Who you'll meet
Our staff specialise in a wide range of modern social issues including economic inequalities, religion, the family, culture, gender, media, crime, politics, ethnicity, terrorism, childhood, health, social policy, extremism and alternative beliefs.
GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification
Interview / Audition
N/A
Portfolio
N/A
Alternative entry qualifications:
BTEC - DMM
Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
Find out more about Sociology
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.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Part-time students should apply directly to the University.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Sociology offers a wide range of skills and insights, so it’s no surprise to find our graduates enjoying success in a variety of careers. The analytical ability and research skills you develop on this course can be applied in many different job roles. 100% of sociology graduates are in work or further study six months after graduating *Destination of Leavers Survey 15/16.
By studying Sociology as a Joint Honours subject, you will broaden your scope in the job market. It will set you apart as a flexible, adaptable and highly organised graduate, while enabling you to apply for an even wider variety of jobs.
A broad career choice
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. They have also found work in retail management, public relations, banking, welfare advice, accountancy and systems analysis. A growing number of our graduates secure competitively funded places on postgraduate courses too, especially in the fields of social work and teaching.
Ensuring you’re ‘work-ready’
Our Careers and Employment Service will provide you with support from day one of your course to ensure you leave Derby as a ‘work-ready’ graduate - industry aware, motivated and enterprising. Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from our Personal Development Planning (PDP) scheme which enables you to reflect on your learning and develop your career ambitions.
The support continues once you’ve completed your course too: you are entitled to further help and guidance from the Careers and Employment Service for up to three years after leaving the University.
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.
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, state-of-the-art 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.
Included in your fees
Stage appropriate study skills textbook each year
Occasional field trips around Derby. International field trip in year 3 - Berlin planned for this year
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Travel to mandatory 2nd year placement - organised by the student, mostly in the local area. Cost not expected to exceed £5.
Optional costs not included in your fees
Students recommended to purchase textbook 'Making Sense of Society'. Latest edition £33.47 from Amazon.
Travel to optional 3rd year placement - organised by the student, mostly in the local area. Cost not expected to exceed £5.
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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