How would you explain the society we live in?

If you are looking to develop a global understanding of society, social dynamics and modern life; expertise in research and analysis; and strong decision-making skills, you will need an enquiring mind and a desire to get out into the community to see the ‘real issues’ and get involved in bringing about change.

The programme gives you the skills to explore the many ways that people live in contemporary societies probing the nature of power, identities, cultures and change that characterise our lives.

Why choose Northumbria to study Sociology?

You will explore the theories, research and debates in the discipline giving you the tools and creativity to investigate the pressing issues of our time – belonging, inequality, mobilities solidarity, climate change and how class, sexualities, ‘race’ and gender are woven into everyday life. You will be trained to think clearly and critically about the social world – skills highly valued by employers.

You will graduate prepared for employment in a number of fields that require a sophisticated, critical and questioning understanding of the workings of society, including central government, the police, the prison system, community safety and education.

Graduate Prospects: Sociology at Northumbria is ranked 2nd in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Guardian University Guide, 2024). This is because 82% of our graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation.

Student Rated: 100% of students studying Sociology at Northumbria believed the library resources supported their learning and found it easy to contact teaching staff (NSS, 2023).

See other similar courses you may be interested in: BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology

How will I learn during the Sociology BSc (Hons) degree course?

There are a wide range of option modules to choose from that reflect the diverse research interests of the sociology team such as the environment, employment, education and youth, families, consumption, international development, media, activism and happiness/wellbeing.

We provide a range of assessment feedback, support groups and one-to-one sessions with your tutor to help support your progress through the course.

Examples of innovative learning on the programme include, when our students interviewed local environmental activists (from charity, Urban Green Newcastle), exploring the development of green spaces in local communities and their significance for wellbeing, and investigating volunteering opportunities with these sorts of charities.

What experience can I gain studying at Northumbria?

There are study abroad opportunities at Northumbria’s Amsterdam Campus and through partnerships with other universities around the world. Sociology students are also eligible for work experience placements organised by the university.

Our students have undertaken a range of placements as part of dissertation projects with local charities and organisations exploring homelessness, poverty and disadvantage in the North East of England. There are also some paid internships for students that offer short placements with local research projects exploring issues such as wellbeing, education, community development and digital cultures. Our extensive links with charities and organisation in the North East also enable us to help students with volunteering opportunities whilst at university.

Who teaches the BSc (Hons) Sociology course?

We offer an exciting and extensive range of high-quality courses taught by leaders in the field.

Academics from our team were behind the information of the North East Homeless Think Tank - a regional agency bringing together academics, researchers and policy offers to inform and influence policies affecting homeless groups. Our staff regularly produce research outputs of international quality within world-leading, peer-reviewed journals and play leading roles in professional associations such as the British Sociological Association, the Social Policy Association, the Development Studies Association and the Academy of Social Sciences.

Where will I learn throughout my Sociology degree?

You will be part of an exciting, vibrant and dynamic department which has received continued praise for the quality of teaching and learning experience, student support and engagement and research rich environment it affords students. Our academic team are actively involved in the ‘real issues’ that face the community through their research into homelessness, diversity, domestic violence, international development and the impact of de-industrialisation on community, class and gender.

We are a leading centre for energising creative practice and academic study. By working in partnership with a broad range of stakeholders, we seek to nurture ‘home-grown’ talent and, through meaningful engagement, business innovation, and knowledge creation at the highest level, support and grow the economic, social, cultural and intellectual capital of the region and beyond.

How is Sociological research applied to teaching throughout my degree?

Our teaching is informed by staff research projects. For example Paul Stretesky’s work on food insecurity features in core research methods modules to illustrate the uses of survey data. Mark Cieslik’s analysis of wellbeing in the UK features in core social theory modules to demonstrate how sociologists use concepts such as biography and life course transitions to explore different experiences of happiness.

Other modules on the programme such as Activism and Advocacy and Intimate Partner Violence draw on recent projects to show how sociological research has been involved in environmental activism and campaigns against gender violence.  

How will my BSc (Hons) Sociology degree provide me with the skills needed for my career?

Through this course you will develop a range of skills and attributes which will help you develop into an active agent of social change.

You will develop a sociological imagination which allows you to critically link individual actions to social structures. You will critically evaluate evidence and theory in order to challenge your own ideas, justify your arguments and evaluate those of others. You will apply appropriate theory and research methods to complex real world problems. You will be trained in a range of forms of effective communication formats which address diverse audiences. Consequently you will graduate prepared for employment in a number of fields that require a sophisticated, critical and questioning understanding of the workings of society.

Our graduates go on to work in the public and not-for-profit sectors including central government, the police, the prison system, community safety and education.