Sociology, BA (Hons)

This distinctive degree examines specialist areas of contemporary sociology and allows you to explore society, culture and everyday lived experiences. Throughout the course you will hear from external speakers, have the opportunity to study abroad and undertake a self-directed work placement. Why choose this course?

If you have a keen interest in society, culture and making sense of the social world in which we live, then the Sociology course at NTU is ideal for you.

• You will explore a unique range of complex classical and contemporary social issues from gender, class and race, identity, disaster and the social world, ethnicity, sexuality, media and spirituality.
• You'll have the opportunity to study abroad for one term in your second year as part of the Erasmus foreign exchange network and you can also choose the Sociology and Service Learning module in Year two where you will undertake a self-directed work placement.
• You will also benefit from the skills and expertise of staff who use their leading research on identities, social inclusion, and cultural diversity to inform their teaching.

This course will help you develop a greater awareness of the complexity and connectedness of the socio-political processes that shape our world. This opens up careers in a wide range of fields in the public and private sectors, fostering the skills, imagination, understanding and flexibility which employers demand.

What our students say

"I really liked the structure the Year one modules as they cover virtually every area of social life, including classical philosophy. This structure has allowed me to embrace specific topics of interest for my second year such as religion, gender and health which I can write about in my assignments."

James Donovan
BA (Hons) Sociology

Want to know more?

For more details about our BA (Hons) Sociology course you can request a course brochure. Open days are also a great way to find out more about our courses and experience NTU for yourself. Find out when our Open Days are taking place and book your place. If you can’t make it in person why not take a virtual tour?

When does this course start?

The course will begin with Welcome Week in September and you’ll study over three terms each academic year. For specific information, take a look at NTU’s future term dates.

What will I study?

Year One
Core modules:

• Thinking Sociologically
• Social Structure and Social Life
• Sociological Research Methods in Action
• Sociology and the Real World
• Contemporary Social Lives

Year Two
Core modules:

• Constructing Modern Societies
• Contemporary Sociological Issues
• Social Methodologies
• Sociology Work Placement

You are able to choose two optional modules (one from list A and one from list B):

List A:

• Gender, Violence and Society
• Sociology of Tourism
• Crime and Policy in the UK

List B:

• Sociology of Education
• Religion and Society
• Political Sociology

Year Three
Core modules:

• Theorising Contemporary Society
• Dissertation or Report for Local Organisation
• Sociology of Work and Careers

You are able to choose two optional modules (one from list A and one from list B):

List A:

• Sociology of Interpersonal Abuse
• Sociology of Global Health and Development
• Technology and Society
• "Race", Culture and Society
• Consumer Cultures

List B:

• Youth, Culture and Society
• Disaster and the Social World
• Death and Society
• Identities and Intimacies
• Understanding Crime Policy Environments

You will be given the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge in areas that interest you through optional modules and the dissertation in Year Three.

How will my work be assessed?

The majority of your work will be assessed through coursework based essays, reports and a final year research-based dissertation. You will also be assessed through a combination of formal examinations and practical assessments such as group and individual presentations and portfolios. The portfolios will allow you to engage in creative and innovative projects. You'll also get the chance to do collaborative work using wikis and reflect upon research projects, for instance using blogs.

All work placement learning is assessed by an essays or presentations, not upon how you perform in the work placement itself.

In response to student feedback the university have introduced a policy ensuring marked work is returned to you electronically within three weeks of submission.

Can I study abroad?

You'll have the opportunity to spend half of your second year studying abroad with the ERASMUS foreign exchange scheme. This provides a great opportunity to experience life in another country and gain a new perspective on your subject. Find out more about this exciting study abroad opportunity.

Contact hours

To provide you with a first-class learning experience and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at university you will receive contact time through a diverse range of delivery methods.

Structured teaching will be delivered through a combination of traditional lectures, seminars, workshops and computer room sessions. The smaller group seminars and workshops provide opportunities to develop problem solving skills, group working, analysis, debating skills, presentation skills and discussion about a wide range of views.

Tutorials with staff

As the relationship between students and tutors is an important one you can expect to have lots of direct contact and support through seminars and one-to-one tutorials. At these sessions you'll have the opportunity to:

• Discuss and gain feedback about your work.
• Ask questions about the projects you're working on.
• Raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances or your university experience.

Independent study

Independent study is an important part of this course. Throughout the three years of your course the scheduled contact hours you receive will gradually decrease as you develop the skills required to undertake an independent study or dissertation in your final year. You will still have regular contact with your tutors and if necessary ad hoc tutorials can be arranged.

Virtual learning environment

You'll also use our virtual learning environment, NOW which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students, and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.

Expert staff

You'll be taught by enthusiastic, engaged and expert staff. The courses all draw upon their expertise, research interests and industry experience and many have also published textbooks in their specialist area of interest. You will develop specialist knowledge based on the teams expertise in several areas including:

• sociology and disaster
• race
• ethnicity
• gender and social class
• identity
• alternative spiritualities
• sexuality
• family
• the clergy.

Where will I study?

As a member of the School of Social Sciences’ community, you will study on our vibrant City site. You will typically be based in the Chaucer building although you will also learn in the recently regenerated Newton and Arkwright buildings. All of our teaching rooms and learning resources are within a short distance of each other.

Welcoming students from all over the world

The University is proud of its multicultural community. We provide specialist staff, services and facilities that you need to help you through all the stages of being a student. Find out more about the University's dedicated services for international students.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

You'll have easy access to a great combination of facilities that include:

• the £13 million Boots Library that has a wide range of both print and online resources, as well as 24 / 7 IT facilities, group and individual study spaces
• the redeveloped Newton and Arkwright buildings which will provide you with an inspiring place to learn
• our virtual learning environment (NOW) which allows you to learn online at any time
• 3,000 student open access PC's and 300 secure wireless access points
• a new City site Students' Union building will open in 2013 giving you an exceptional array of social, leisure and well-being facilities.

The prime location of the City site gives you easy access to a great combination of facilities and activities including:

• sports facilities
• student accommodation
• music venues
• cafes.