COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the Sociology degree, students are introduced to the foundations of the discipline through five compulsory modules. These modules offer a comprehensive introduction to sociological theories, research methods, and key social issues. Topics such as childhood, family, social inequality, criminology, and digital society are explored, laying the groundwork for more specialised study. Students gain practical research experience by learning how to observe, interview, and create questionnaires in real-world contexts. They also examine major social theories and concepts related to identity, structure, and cultural diversity, focusing on the interaction between individuals and society. This year serves as a crucial period for students to discover the four core pathways of the course—Criminology, Sociology of Children and Families, Sociology of Social Change, and Digital Sociology—which they will explore in greater depth in later years. In the second year, students deepen their understanding of sociological research with a compulsory module focused on qualitative and participatory research methods, including newer approaches like visual and creative methods. Alongside this, they can choose from a wide selection of optional modules aligned with the course pathways, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest and future career goals. The third year is spent studying abroad at a partner university, where students continue their sociological studies in a different academic and cultural environment, gaining valuable international experience. In the final year, students undertake a dissertation, where they choose a topic of personal interest to research and write about in depth. This project allows for creative and independent exploration of sociological issues. They also select advanced optional modules to build expertise and prepare for postgraduate study or a career in the field.