Sociology

Sociology is the study of society: how it is organised, how power is distributed, how identities are formed and contested, and how social structures both enable and constrain the lives of individuals and groups. It takes seriously the idea that the situations people find themselves in are shaped by forces larger than personal choice, and it develops the analytical tools to identify and understand those forces. Sociology asks questions that are both intellectually challenging and directly relevant to the most pressing issues of the day, from inequality and discrimination to migration, digital life, crime and the changing nature of work.

At London South Bank University, this three-year full-time programme gives you a rigorous grounding in sociological theory and research methods alongside substantive engagement with topics that reflect the real challenges facing contemporary societies. You will study classical and contemporary sociological theory, quantitative and qualitative research methods, race and ethnicity, gender, class, globalisation, crime and deviance, health and illness, urban life and social policy. The programme draws on the rich social diversity of London as a resource for learning, and it encourages you to connect your academic study to the world around you.

Sociology graduates are valued by employers across a wide range of sectors for their ability to analyse social situations critically, conduct and evaluate research, and communicate findings to different audiences. Social research, policy analysis, the civil service, journalism, education, health and social care, the third sector, human resources and management are all common career destinations. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in sociology, social policy, social work, criminology or related fields, where the research skills and theoretical foundation of the undergraduate degree provide a strong starting point.