Sociology BA (Hons)

• Study global issues such as human rights, childhood, the sociology of popular culture and imagination, crime and the media, the sociology of health, urban crime, control and youth crime, contemporary social theory, and cultural identities.
• Learn from our award winning and world-leading academics at the University of Bedfordshire with expertise in human rights, trafficking and exploitation, international child protection, the international refugee regime and climate change.
• Enhance your employability and extend your learning through voluntary work with organisations and NGOs locally, nationally and internationally.
• Challenge yourself with a final-year supervised research-based dissertation in your chosen subject, building on the theoretical and research skills developed during your course.
• Benefit from field trips and activities relevant to your interests that facilitate links with professions and industries and a portfolio of networks. Previous examples include trips to Bosnia to learn about the genocide of Srebrenica in , visits to the international criminal court at The Hague, Parliament as well as acclaimed guest speakers.

What our graduates say Students are enthusiastic about the way that the course is taught and the opportunities that they are given both inside and outside of the lecture rooms. “It has opened new career paths for me. Whereas before I thought I wanted to be a social worker, now I want to work in Human Rights.” “At the International Criminal Court we saw the internal workings of the court. You have to see and experience things rather than just have them taught in class to really understand them.” “Talking with people in Srebrenica who lost loved ones in the conflict, makes it all real. I was surprised that so many are now dedicated to building social cohesion. Their message is that hatred does not prevail and should not be allowed to dominate. This is really important for our own communities.” “I never knew the impact it would have on me. If it wasn't for your all inspiring dedication, enthusiasm and all round awesomeness I wouldn't be so inspired and passionate about wanting to work in human rights or in any humanitarian capacity.” “I've enjoyed it so much and I think I can safely say it's changed my life and the way I view it.”

You will study a mix of core and option units all focusing on knowledge, skills and analysis – essential requirements for your employability. Year 1 (all core units)

• Investigating Social Life
• Identity and Structure
• Exploring the social landscape
• Constructions of Childhood
• Understanding Society
• An Introduction to Modern Britain

Year 2 (study three core units and select from option units):

Core:

• The Nature of Social Theory
• Research Approaches in the Social World
• Making Sense of Popular Culture

Options:

• Sociology of Human Rights
• Disability in Childhood: critical perspectives on policy and practice
• Contemporary Forced Migration
• Sociology of Deviance
• Crime and the media

Year 3 (study one core unit and choose two option units):

Core:

• Independent Project in Sociology

Options:

• Ideas and Issues in globalisation
• Understanding the welfare state and education
• Childhoods in a global context
• Sociology of health
• Contemporary social theory
• Delinquency and Delinquency legislation
• Contemporary Issues in Sociology