B.Sc. Sociology with Human Resource Management

Students majoring in Sociology study 4 modules in Sociology each year, covering theory, methods and topics. In addition, students study 2 modules per year in Human Resource Management.

Sociology as a Major at Magee

Students taking Sociology as their Major study 4 modules in Sociology at each level, covering theory, methods and topics. In addition, students study 2 modules at each level in their Minor subject.
At the first level (year one for full-time students), students are encouraged to think sociologically about society. In the introductory module, issues explored include: disability, gender, class, the family, crime, ethnicity, world poverty and religion. In a more locally-focused module, students look at the island of Ireland, covering such issues as peace and conflict, identity, immigration, family, racism, economic change and the similarities and differences between “North” and “South”.
At the second level (year two for full-time students), cross-cultural sociology is offered, which has a particular focus on society in non-industrial regions. Topics covered include gift-giving, symbolism, hunter-gatherer economies, witchcraft, non-centralised political systems and adoption.

At the final level (year three for full-time students), students select from a range of options. Currently, these are: "Genocide", “Africa in Transition”, "Sociology of the Media", "Mind, Body and Society" and "Northern Ireland: Culture, Heritage and Identity". Options may vary over time.

Throughout the programme, there is a study of sociological theory, from Marxism to Feminism and Postmodernism. There is also thorough, hands-on teaching of research methods (including the use of computerised data analysis) and an exploration of the philosophy, ethics and politics of research.

Students have the opportunity to practise qualitative and quantitative techniques in mini-research projects from the very outset of the programme. This is reinforced at level two and at the start of level three. Students can then pursue their own choice of research project in the dissertation module. Recent dissertation projects have included:
• Changing identities in fishing communities in Inishowen
• Representations of the women’s bodies in the media.
• Analysis of attitudes towards urban homelessness.
• A critical exploration of “developing country” debt.
Modules offered on the Major in Sociology

First Level

• Introduction to Sociology
• Social Structures of Modern Ireland
• Classical Sociological Perspectives
• Sociological Perspectives on Contemporary Issues

• Cross-cultural Perspectives on Society
• Contemporary Sociological Theory
• Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
• Qualitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods

Third Level

• Research Methodology,
• Ethics & Politics
• Dissertation

TWO further options from:

• Africa in Transition;
• Sociology of the Media;
• Genocide;
• Northern Ireland: Cultural Heritage, Identity and Society;
• Mind, Body and Society.

The Minor in Human Resource Management

The Human Resource Management Minor follows the key syllabus of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). It focuses on a rigorous evaluation of key contemporary theories and concepts of Human Resource Management. It includes a strong emphasis on “best practice” at company and sectoral level.

In year 1, the programme looks at the principles of Human Resource Management. In year 2, the programme covers managing employee development. In year 3, international & comparative Human Resource Management and Human Resource Management strategy are addressed. These elements are taught by the Human Resource Management team within the Ulster Business School at Magee. Guest speakers are also a vital feature of the programme, providing industry and public sector insights.

Modules offered on the Minor in Human Resource Management

First level

• Principles of Management.
• Principles of Human Resource Management.

• Managing Employee Development.
• Organisational behaviour.

Third level

• International and Comparative Human Resource Management.
• Human Resource Strategy.