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Undergraduate

Sociology BA (Hons)

What is Sociology BA (Hons)?

This course focuses on the significant issues of the day and how they impact on everyday life. You’ll examine inequality, social injustice, terrorism, migration, democracy, and citizenship and media representation. Our Sociology for Social Justice learning approach means that you will work alongside real-world organisations tackling issues such as community cohesion and social exclusion.

You’ll contribute to live research projects and have the opportunity to explore international sociological issues in destinations such as Bosnia and South Africa. You can also gain academic credit and professional experience through an internship in preparation for your career. When you graduate you’ll be well-prepared to make a difference to people’s lives.

Take a look at this video to find out more about studying Sociology at University of Gloucestershire.

Study style

You’ll learn through a range of activities such as group discussions, lectures, project work and field trips. You will have the opportunity to interact with guest speakers who possess expertise in a range of exciting areas. The majority of your assessments will be coursework, focusing on the skills you will use in the work environment. These include report writing, presentations, essays, blog posts, portfolios, group work and a dissertation.

In Year 1 you’ll be introduced to the key sociological ideas to understand individual and collective social identities constructed around race and ethnicity, social class, gender and sexuality, age and disability. We will explore ways in which social life is changing in the UK and globally. You’ll develop your knowledge and skills on a UK-based residential field week.

From Year 2 you’ll be able to choose from modules exploring topics such as gender, race and ethnicity, social welfare, crimes against humanity, power and injustice, and visual culture. You will have the opportunity to attend an international fieldtrip; previous locations have included Bosnia, South Africa, and Canada. You’ll also be supported to pursue a research area to match your interests and career goals in your final year. Students have recently investigated the motivations of Covid-19 volunteers, links between food waste and food poverty and why young people take action on climate change.

Get Sociology BA (Hons) course updates and hear more about studying with us.

Entry requirements

    • 104 – 120 UCAS tariff points, BCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.

      If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2023 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham L300 £9,250 £15,450
Sep 2024 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham L300 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work in:

  • Local or national government
  • Social research
  • Community development
  • Youth work
  • Social housing
  • Teaching
  • Social work
  • Journalism
  • Human resources
  • Marketing and PR

Industry links

Our Sociology in the Real World and Applied Sociology modules are conducted in a community setting – you’ll be able to develop a project based on the needs of community members and organisations, applying your sociology knowledge and skills in the service of the public.

Our students work with a number of local organisations on community projects, including:

  • Local Government
  • Social housing organisations
  • InterClimate Network
  • The Nelson Trust
  • Cheltenham West End Partnership
  • Gloucester City Safe
  • Gloucestershire Constabulary
  • Restorative Gloucestershire
  • Agencies offering support to victims of crime

Make a difference

Use your sociological skills to help your community and gain academic credit. First year students have helped to evaluate a community safety scheme in Gloucester – and second years can work on a project based on the needs of community members and organisations.

Trips and experiences

You’ll develop research skills through field visits in the UK, including a residential field trip at the end of your first year. You’ll also have opportunities to investigate sociological issues in more depth on a field week in locations such as South Africa and Bosnia.

Placements

You can choose to complete an internship to gain insights into your career options and experience for your CV. Organisations our students have worked with include Turning Point, Cheltenham Borough Council, neighbourhood groups, social housing organisations, schools and a children’s centre – all working on projects that support stronger communities.

Recently students have joined the committee for an event to celebrate cultural diversity in a Cheltenham neighbourhood, and worked with charities that offer support around problems with housing, mental health and alcohol abuse.

"Participate in projects with real impact"

“We have strong links with relevant areas of work beyond the university walls, so students can participate in projects with real impacts.”

Dr Louise Livesey, Senior Lecturer in Criminology

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