COURSE CURRICULUM

The Sociology (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons) at Northumbria University provides a comprehensive introduction to understanding society, social structures, and contemporary issues while developing strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills. The program begins with a foundation year, covering core topics such as crime and society, politics and decision making, sociological imagination, social sciences debates, and skills for university, allowing students to build a strong academic and practical base. In the first year, students progress to modules exploring real-world research, global transformations, sociological thinking, social problems, and the role of biography in understanding everyday life, alongside language support for international students. The second year deepens knowledge of social inequalities, contemporary social theory, and applied research through modules like real-world research 2 and live projects, while offering optional areas such as sex and gender in society, youth and education, families and households, and activism and advocacy. Students may also have the opportunity to study abroad. In the final year, the focus shifts to independent research, with options for a work experience or social sciences dissertation, alongside core modules on radical sociological ideas and optional topics including class, gender, wellbeing, migration, and social justice. Across the degree, students gain practical, theoretical, and reflective skills that prepare them for careers in social research, policy, education, and community-focused roles.