Sociology

Sociology is an exciting, challenging, relevant and increasingly important subject. Sociology is the study of society: how it's structured and how it works. If you're interested in people or the way people behave together, then Sociology could be for you.

Career Opportunities:

• Management or administration in the public or private sector

• human resource management or marketing

• media or journalism

• social work

• health education or nursing

• law

• the police

• penal institutions

• probation and working with offenders

• work in the voluntary sector

• social research.

National Student Survey 2008

91% overall satisfaction.

Course Structure

Sociology at Bath Spa University is taught in an exciting and supportive way that begins with real everyday concerns - thinking about identity and who we are. You will study contemporary issues such as why do so many young people in Britain and the USA buy trainers and what are the consequences of their actions for people thousands of miles away, who they will probably never meet? There are also opportunities to develop a range of skills and abilities that will improve your university grades as well as your job prospects. Throughout the degree you will be offered a mix of compulsory and optional modules that give you a grounding in sociological ideas and an opportunity to explore more specific areas in detail.

Our options list is extensive because it also includes modules from related subjects in other departments such as:

• Business and Management

• Health Studies

• Psychology

• Education

• Cultural and Media Studies.

You can shape your learning to suit your own interests and the list of available choices increases as you progress.

In the first year, no prior knowledge of sociology is expected - we provide a range of assessments and support to suit your level of skill. The second and third years are then designed to build on the knowledge that you have already gained.

Teaching Methods and Resources

Sociology is taught by a small, enthusiastic team who will get to know you and be able to provide appropriate support. Students often comment on how much they enjoy studying sociology at Bath Spa, we work hard to foster a friendly atmosphere where everyone can feel welcomed and valued. We use a range of teaching and learning strategies:

• lectures

• classes

• workshops

• group work

• individual study.

The department has a range of resources available to sociology students. We make a large part of our lecture notes and supporting material available on-line and we also have a film club that provides an opportunity to explore issues raised in your learning in a more informal setting.

You may combine Sociology with:

Biology
Business and Management
Creative Writing
Drama Studies
Education
English Literature
Film and Screen Studies
Food Studies
Geography
Health Studies
History
Media Communications
Music
Philosophy and Ethics
Psychology
Study of Religions

Course Length

Three years full-time.

Part-time available.