Sociology
Factfile
| Typical Entry Requirements | A level grades ABB-BBB (320-300 points) |
|---|---|
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for non-native-English-speaking applicants. |
| Other Suitable Qualifications | BTEC National Diploma - DDM A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis such as HND, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish qualifications, Access Diplomas and Foundation courses. |
|---|---|
| Planned Intake | 30 |
| Selection Process | Selection is primarily on the basis of UCAS forms. Offers are made in terms of points. We do not include General Studies in our offers. We invite suitable candidates to visit the University to find out more about the programme and meet staff and students. |
The Department of Sociology at the University of Surrey has an international reputation as a centre of excellence in both research and teaching. The Department of Sociology was again ranked in the UK’s top six by the latest Research Assessment Exercise, with most of our research rated internationally excellent or better (30 per cent achieving world-leading status). Sociology at Surrey was rated the second best in the country by The Times Good University Guide 2009 and 2010.
Our Department is noted for its emphasis on the integration of methodological and substantive issues in both its research and teaching and for the supportive coexistence of a diversity of approaches within the discipline. This research strength means that you will be taught by experts at the forefront of their field.
Further information
Degree Programmes
BSc (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BSc (Hons) Sociology | L300 | 3 years |
| BSc (Hons) Sociology | L301 | 4* years |
Our Degrees
Sociology is a diverse discipline which makes use of a range of theories and concepts. It also employs a range of research methods, such as observations, interviews, statistics and textual analysis, to name but a few.
Our Sociology programmes build on our unique expertise and research strengths to provide you with an intellectually challenging and vocationally relevant education. We aim to provide you with a thorough and enjoyable grounding in the theories and methods of contemporary sociology. You can choose between a programme with or without a professional training year.
Programme Overview
Level 1 provides a broad-based curriculum, including Sociological Theory; Sociology of Contemporary Societies; Popular Culture and Everyday Life; Current Social Issues and Debates; Politics; Social Research Methods and Quantitative Methods; and ICT and Study Skills for Sociologists.
During Level 2, you will study modules in Sociological Theory, Social Research Methods, and Quantitative Methods and Computing. In addition, you choose three out of a range of sociology options which includes a Sociology Group Research Project; Sociology of the Environment; Sociology of Gender; Sociology of Work and Family; Social Policy and the Future of Welfare; Sociology of Art; Understanding Internet Culture; Media, War and Human Rights; TV Entertainment.
At Level 3 you will take a core module in Sociological Analysis and again are able to choose three sociology options to study, from a range including Deviance and Social Control; Sociology of Health and Illness; Sociology of Sexualities; Aspects of Social Research Methodology; Sociology of Childhood; Sociology of Race and Ethnicity; Music, Media and Technology; Organisational Analysis; Sociology of Terror. A third of the final year is spent doing an individual project chosen according to your interests and written up as an 8000–12,000-word dissertation.
Programme Structure
Level 1
- Sociological Theory
- Sociology of Contemporary Societies
- Popular Culture and Everyday Life
- Current Social Issues and Debates
- Politics
- Social Research Methods and Quantitative Methods
- ICT and Study Skills for Sociologists
Level 2
Core modules:
- Sociological Theory
- Social Research Methods
- Quantitative Methods and Computing
Optional modules:
- Sociology of the Environment
- Sociology of Work and Family
- Social Policy and the Future of Welfare
- Understanding Internet Culture
- Sociology of Art
- Group Research Project
- Media, War and Human Rights
- Television Entertainment
- Sociology of Gender
Level P
- Optional professional training year
Level 3
- Double-weighted Dissertation
- Sociological Analysis
- Analysing Sociology
Optional modules:
- Aspects of Social Research Methodology
- Deviance and Social Control
- Sociology of Health and Illness
- Sociology of Sexualities
- Sociology of Childhood
- Sociology of Race and Ethnicity
- Organisational Analysis
- Sociology of Terror
- Music, Media and Technology
Professional Training
On the four-year Sociology degree programme, you will further your knowledge by working in a placement during the third year. This provides you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during your first two years of study in a work environment whilst receiving training and undertaking responsible work. As a result of the placement, we find that our students return to their final year significantly more confident, mature and organised, and with clearer, more definite career aspirations.
The process of preparing and applying for placement jobs also significantly enhances job-seeking skills, which will come into play in the final year and beyond when applying for graduate employment.
After graduation some take up permanent posts with their professional placement employer. Placements will be selected according to your interests, career plans and location preferences. The majority of placements are paid, usually in the region of £12,000–15,000 per annum. If you work on an unpaid placement, you can claim additional financial support and may also work a reduced amount of time. Companies and organisations that have participated in the scheme include the Home Office, the House of Lords, the Metropolitan Police, the British Market Research Bureau, Guildford Pupil Referral Unit, Marks & Spencer and IBM.
Ten reasons to study Sociology at Surrey
- Rated the second best sociology department in the country by The Times Good University Guide 2010
- The highest scoring sociology department in the National Student Survey 2010
- An outstanding, internationally recognised research reputation
- An excellent reputation for the quality of teaching
- International student exchange scheme opportunities
- The professional training year will benefit you academically, personally and professionally
- You will be eligible for graduate membership of the British Sociological Association
- A lively and friendly department
Top for Jobs
Graduates over the last few years entered employment in roles such as:
HM Inspectorate of Prisons - Research Officer
National Centre for Social Research - Freelance Research Assistant
Ipsos Mori - Executive Assistant
Metropolitan Police - Research Analyst
Motortrak - Online Marketing Executive
Senwick - Graduate Trainee
Career Opportunities
Sociology graduates are found across a wide range of occupational areas, with the skills they acquire useful in many different roles. However, many are attracted to careers that enable them to directly use aspects of their degree studies, applying what they have learned and the skills gained whilst an undergraduate. This centres on an interest in society and the challenges and demands that members of a society face.
Our Sociology degree 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 have good analytical skills, are numerate and communicate well.
The Sociology degree provides you with an excellent basis for entry into careers in personnel management, social services, education, criminal justice, teaching, welfare services, information services, the government, charities and the voluntary sector. About a quarter of our students go into postgraduate training courses and to higher degrees. Undertaking a professional placement will enhance your prospects further, as such experience is of high value to future employers.
“The degree programme is of an excellent quality, incorporating a wide range of modules, making it both challenging and interesting…”
Ali Squire
Teaching
Sociology at the University of Surrey emphasises the development of your practical and analytic skills in addressing contemporary sociological problems. You will benefit from a range of teaching methods including small group tutorials, projects and workshops, as well as lectures and classes. We find 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, range of audiovisual equipment and networked computer suite, all available to aid your studies.
Assessment
Many modules are assessed entirely by exercises or project work; others are assessed by coursework and an examination at the end of the year. Examples of coursework include essays, projects and exercises. Each module in the first year must be passed satisfactorily in order to enter the second year. Your first-year marks do not count towards your final degree result, but are used to check on your progress. The final degree result is based on assessment during your second year (40 per cent) and your final year (60 per cent).
Contact Details
T: 0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681681
What our students say
Graduate Profile: Simon Rolls
BSc Sociology
After attending the Surrey Open Day I knew that this is where I wanted to study. The campus facilities stood out as being the best I had seen, and there is a real feeling of community and a friendly atmosphere about the place.
The Sociology Department has an excellent reputation and is viewed as one of the best in the country. The course has been interesting and all of the staff are supportive and approachable. The wide range of module options means you are able to study specific aspects of sociology that interest you.
With the support of the Department I got a placement with IBM. The placement gave me the opportunity to use my statistical and research skills that I gained from my course. I also developed my workplace skills such as communication, presentation skills and teamwork, and got a valuable insight into how a company is run and what is expected of you.
I am glad I made the decision to study at Surrey. I have had a great time socially and been challenged intellectually throughout. With the knowledge I have developed from my degree and the skills I gained on placement, I am looking forward to further improving them when I enter employment.
Graduate Profile: Ali Squire
BSc Sociology
I chose Surrey predominantly because it was a single campus university but also because it had a friendly feel to it and it was close to all sporting, shopping and social amenities. I chose to take a Sociology degree because it is a broad subject which allows for a wide range of career paths to be followed. The Sociology Department is one of the top departments in the country and is recognised for its quality of teaching and outstanding research.
The degree programme is of an excellent quality, incorporating a wide range of modules, making it both challenging and interesting as you can choose the areas in which you wish to focus your studies.
I will always be glad I chose to take a course that allowed me to participate in a year’s placement in the Metropolitan Police. I gained so much from this experience and it allowed me to draw on and develop the skills I had learnt in my previous two years at Surrey. I gained an invaluable insight into police operations and I feel I grew both academically as well as personally throughout the year.
Choosing Surrey was a decision that I won’t regret and I feel confident that wherever I go from here, the knowledge and experience I have gained in the last four years will provide a good foundation for the rest of my life.
