Sociologist
30AI EXPOSURE TODAY30
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST75%
NOT A FORECAST75%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM SOCIOLOGY →
Sociologist
As a sociologist, you hold the key to understanding the intricate tapestry of human society, exploring how social structures, relationships, and cultural norms shape our lives. Your insights drive social change, inform public policy, and enhance community well-being, making this role vital for fostering a more equitable and informed society in the UK and beyond.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior SociologistIn this entry-level role, you will assist in research projects, collect data, and support senior sociologists in their analyses. This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience and develop your skills.£25,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level SociologistAt this stage, you will lead research projects, manage data collection teams, and begin to specialise in specific areas of sociology, such as urban studies or social policy.£40,000 - £50,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Sociologist/Head of ResearchIn a senior role, you will oversee large-scale research initiatives, mentor junior staff, and represent your organisation in high-level discussions with policymakers and stakeholders.£55,000+
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Sociology and CriminologyThe University of Reading · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,000 median
🎓Sociology and Social PolicyThe University of Bath · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Criminology and PsychologyRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,000 median
🎓Criminology and Psychology with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,000 median
🎓Psychosocial StudiesAnglia Ruskin University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£27,000 median
🎓Sociology and PortugueseThe University of Manchester · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£26,500 median
All Sociology courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Sociology and CriminologyThe University of Reading · DegreeSociology and Social PolicyThe University of Bath · DegreeCriminology and PsychologyRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · DegreeCriminology and Psychology with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · DegreePsychosocial StudiesAnglia Ruskin University · DegreeSociology and PortugueseThe University of Manchester · Degree