Our Sociology course focuses on the significant issues of the day and how they impact on everyday life. Examine inequality, crimes against humanity, terrorism, democracy, and citizenship and media representation. Work on live research projects and have the opportunity to explore international sociological issues in destinations such as Belfast and Canada. Graduate well-prepared to make a difference to people’s lives.

You’ll develop research skills through field visits in the UK and you have the opportunity to investigate topics in more depth on a field week to destinations such as Belfast and Canada. You can also gain academic credit and professional experience through an internship in preparation for your career. Organisations our students have worked with include Turning Point, Cheltenham Borough Council, neighbourhood groups, social housing organisations, schools and a children’s centre, to complete projects that support stronger communities.  Our Public Sociology module is conducted in a community setting and you will develop a project based on the needs of community members and organisations, applying your sociology knowledge and skills  in the service of the public.

In your first year 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. You will consider topics such as the imprint of migration, ethnicity and class on urban landscapes, and the ways in which social life is changing in the UK.

From your second year you’ll be able to choose from modules exploring topics such as crimes against humanity, migration, gender, power and injustice, and visual culture.  You’ll be supported to pursue a research area to match your interests and career goals in your final year. Students have recently investigated racist and sexist portrayals in modern Disney cartoons and the impact of social networks on the experience of mental health.