Sociology BA (Hons)

About the course

The focus of the Sociology degree is the scientific study of societies; how they are organised and how they change, and it can help us see our society in a different light.

This course enhances your practical understanding and sound knowledge of health, politics and government; and by applying scientific methods, it uses sociological theories and research to find solutions to societal problems. This is called sociological practice.

Reasons why you should choose to study Sociology degree at DMU

• One of the few sociology courses in the UK which is applied, so that the expertise you gain can be applied directly in the workplace after graduation
• Can be combined with Politics so you can study 50 per cent of two subjects; broadening your range of career opportunities
• Volunteering opportunities allow you to become actively involved within the sector, enhancing your learning experience
• Develop an extensive range of transferable and analytical skills, as well as an appreciation of empirical research
• One of the largest teaching and research teams in the UK with expert staff who will help you to understand some of the important issues relevant to society today

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Key facts

UCAS course code: L300

Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013/2014 UCAS Points Minimum of 280 points

GCSEs

• 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English. Plus one of the following:

Alevels

• Normally with at least 180 points from 2 A levels with a specified subject at grade B or above

BTEC

• BTEC National Diploma - BTEC with Distinction/Merit/Merit
• BTEC National Certificate - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC National Award - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC Extended Diploma (3 A2s) - BTEC with Distinction/Merit/Merit
• BTEC Diploma (2 A2s) Distinction/Distinction
• BTEC 90 credit Diploma - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (1 A2) - only in combination with other accepted qualifications
• BTEC certificate (1 A1) - only in combination with other accepted qualifications

Access Course Pass. English GCSE equivalency required, 12 level 2 credits.

Interview:
An informal chat may be required for applicants without an sociology background.

Work Experience: No

International Baccalaureate: 28+

International Students:
If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent when you start the course is required.

Personal Statement selection criteria

• Clear communication skills, including good grammar and spelling
• Information relevant to the course applied for
• Interest in the course demonstrated with explanation and evidence
• If relevant for the course - work and life experience

If your course has a surplus number of applications to choose from after the UCAS equal consideration deadline (15.1.2011) the additional criteria that will be used as a basis for selection is:

• Qualifications
• Academic performance
• The relevance of A level course subjects
• Personal statement

Please note that if you are applying with non-standard qualifications you may be required to attend an interview.

Teaching and assessment

Our diverse range of teaching styles bring the subject alive and help you achieve your best, including; lectures, student-led seminars, workshops, group work, e-learning, guided reading, problem solving and visiting speakers, as well as tutorial support to guide you in the learning process.

A strong research profile allows our experienced team to provide you with expertise in areas including young people, experiences of black and minority ethnic groups, health, crime and justice, gender, caring and globalisation. Assessment takes place through methods such as essays, group projects, oral presentations, phase tests, exams, case studies and final year dissertation.

Contact hours normally consist of 10–16 hours, and you are expected to undertake approximately 28 hours of self-directed study per week.

If you study Sociology as a joint subject contact hours will normally consist of five to eight hours per week, and approximately 14 hours of self- directed study per week. You will be required to undertake a similar amount of hours for the other side of your chosen joint.

Course modules

In the first and second year the focus is on a range of different perspectives in sociology to provide a broad understanding of the discipline. For example, gender, ethnicity, the family, work, sexuality, health, age, social class, religion and the environment.

First year

• Social Structures and Institutions
• Developing a Sociological Imagination
• Social Problems and Social Policies
• Introduction to Social Research

Second year

• Identity and Culture in a Social World
• Diversity and Social Inequalities
• Contemporary Social Theory
• Applied Social Research

The final year offers an opportunity to do either a Library-Based Investigation or a Research Project exploring an interesting sociological question of your choice and in addition, we offer a wide range of optional modules to suit individual interests and aspirations.

Third year

• Dissertation
• Optional modules
• Crime in Late Modernity
• Power, Politics and Morality
• Globalisation and Democracy
• Social Exclusion and Health
• The Social Context of Work and Organisations
• Ethnicity, Health and Health care
• Feminisms and Masculinities
• Gender, Health and Health Care

Work experience and placements

You will be encouraged to participate in voluntary opportunities in the sector to enhance your learning experience and employability.

Graduate careers

Sociology is relevant to a range of local, provincial and national governmental career paths including; community development and research, working with NGOs, consultancies and state agencies across a range of sectors:

• Child welfare
• Health
• Land
• Housing

A degree in Sociology is also well respected in related fields such as:

• Journalism,
• Social work,
• Education
• Politics
• Social policy development

We also offer a range of postgraduate courses to further enhance your professional development.

Learn more about graduate employability and careers||

Fees and funding

UK/EU Full-time £9000 Part Time 2013/14 4 Year Course £5925 6 Year Course £3950 Per Module (15 Credits) £988 International
Full-time Band 1 £10,750 Band 2 £11,250

Learn more about fees and funding information|.

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships| and awards information.

Facilities

Recent investment of £8 million into our first-class teaching and learning facilities, develop your practical experience and enhance your employability upon graduation.

At DMU you will benefit from 24 hour access to our fully equipped library and Learning Zone for focused group and independent study.

Learn more about our first-class facilities|