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Studying sociology degree guide

In a world where events and issues that split opinion are becoming more and more common, it’s important to understand why it is that people make the decisions they do within our society. As a result, sociology is becoming an increasingly popular course to study. 

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
03 Nov 2022

Sociologists study why these events and issues happen, as well as analyse their impact with the aim of finding solutions. A sociology degree is likely to tackle societal issues like immigration, equality, race, class structure and gender, allowing you to wrestle with the biggest talking points in modern society. It’s an extremely interesting degree that gives students a set of skills and knowledge that future employers will admire. Keep reading to see if you think this is the subject for you.

Find sociology courses

What do you need to get on a sociology degree?


The ranges of entry requirements for sociology are as follows:

  • UCAS points: 96 – 160
  • A-levels: AAA – CCC
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAA – BCCDD (Advanced Highers: AAB)
  • BTEC Nationals: D*D*D* – MMM
  • International Baccalaureate: 38 – 27

Unis will likely ask for A-levels (or equivalent) in essay-based subjects like history, politics and English. If you’re looking to study human sciences then an A-level (or equivalent) in a science subject, probably biology, will be needed.

Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.

Learn how to write a winning personal statement.

What sociology degrees can you study?


Degrees in sociology include:

  • BA Sociology
  • BSc Sociology
  • BA Criminology
  • BA Sociology and Anthropology
  • BA/BSc Human Sciences

Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses.

What topics does a sociology degree cover?


Common modules for sociology include:

  • Social research methods
  • People and cultures
  • Anthropology
  • Behaviour and its evolution
  • Power
  • Inequality
  • Crime and criminology
  • Media, society and crime
  • Making a difference
  • Concepts of good and evil
  • Youth and community models of practice
  • Social policy and social inequality
  • Understanding organisations

What do you learn studying a sociology degree?


Studying a sociology degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like

  • Broad understanding of societal and cultural issues
  • Understanding of how issues and events affect society
  • Application of social theory to society’s organisations
  • Application of research methods to society
  • Understanding of people and motivations

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

  • Decision making
  • Critical thinking
  • Team working
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Public speaking
  • Data management and analysis
  • Report-writing
  • Analysing trends
  • Data handling

What professional accreditations can you get with a sociology degree?


Degrees combined with other subjects may hold accreditation, for example, joint degrees including psychology may be accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

What can you do with a sociology degree?


Sociology is a transferable degree, meaning it can be applied to several industries and jobs. So, sociology graduates have lots of options when it comes to employment like:

  • Community development worker
  • Advice worker
  • Family support officer
  • Government social researcher
  • Housing officer
  • Marketing executive
  • HR manager
  • Police officer
  • International development aid worker
  • Journalist
  • Policy analyst
  • Probation officer
  • Public affairs manager
  • Social worker
  • Teacher

Check out our careers guides here.

Where to study sociology?


Check the latest ranking of unis offering sociology courses by the Complete University Guide.

How long is a sociology degree?


A sociology degree usually takes three years to study. However, many unis will give the option of a foundation year, placement in industry or year abroad which will increase the course to four years.

How will you be assessed?


Sociology courses usually involve assessment through:

  • Exams 
  • Coursework 
  • Debates 
  • Portfolios
  • Research projects
  • Dissertation  

What are the postgraduate opportunities?


Your options for further study include:

  • MSc Sociology
  • MSc Criminology
  • MLitt/MPhil/PhD Gender Studies
  • MSc Social Science Research
  • MSc Social and Cultural Anthropology

What alternatives are there to a sociology degree?


Not sure if a sociology degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects:

Education

Criminology

Social Work

Economics

Find sociology courses.