Sociology

Sociology at Durham University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of social life, institutions, and contemporary social issues. This degree program is designed to develop students' understanding of how societies function, change, and influence individual behavior. Throughout the course, students will examine a wide range of topics including social inequalities, culture, identity, globalization, and social policy. The curriculum combines theoretical perspectives with empirical research methods, enabling students to critically analyze social phenomena and conduct their own research projects. The program is delivered by leading academics who are active researchers in their fields, providing students with up-to-date insights and engaging teaching. Students will have access to excellent resources, including dedicated sociology labs, libraries, and research centers. The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and teamwork, which are highly valued in various careers. Durham University's vibrant academic community fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity and personal growth, supporting students throughout their studies. Opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and interdisciplinary projects are integrated into the program to enhance practical experience and employability. Graduates of the Sociology program at Durham are well-equipped for careers in social research, policy analysis, community development, education, journalism, and beyond. They also benefit from Durham’s strong global reputation and extensive alumni network, which can open doors to a wide range of professional opportunities worldwide. Whether students are interested in understanding social justice issues, exploring cultural diversity, or investigating social change, the Sociology degree at Durham provides a rigorous and stimulating academic experience that prepares them for active participation in society and successful careers in various sectors.

Content

The degree is wide ranging, focusing on applying knowledge and theory to real-life situations. Studying Sociology at Durham is about sharing a common enthusiasm for exploring how human beings behave, think and feel within social settings.

The degree is based on a modular structure, and in each year of study students will be required to take the equivalent of six modules (some of these are double modules). As the course develops, the modules taken become increasingly specialised and students are able to undertake their own sociological research on a specialist topic.

Year 1

Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and fundamental issues within sociology.

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Research
• Conceptualising Society

Optional Module

• Societies in Transition
• Candidates shall also study and be assessed in modules to the value of 40 credits from open modules offered elsewhere in the School or by another Board of Studies (including appropriate credit-bearing language modules to the value of 20 credits offered by the Centre for Foreign Language Study); 

Year 2

Students will build on and extend their sociological knowledge.

Compulsory modules

• Sociological Imaginations
• Social Research Methods.

Depending on module choice, specific study may then develop sociological understanding of:

• Self, Identity and Society
• Sociology of Social Exclusion
• Crime, Power and Social Inequalities
• Sport, Crime and Deviance
• Sports Development: Policies and Practices
• Modules to the value of 20 credits from open modules offered by another Board of Studies (including appropriate credit-bearing language modules offered by the Centre for Foreign Language Study)

Year 3

Students will critically analyse and evaluate more complex issues in the discipline of sociology. Students will also undertake an in-depth, critical analysis of a chosen topic in sociology through their Dissertation.

Compulsory module

• Dissertation

Depending upon module choice, specific study may then include topics such as:

• Social Policy
• Sociology of Health and Medicine
• Drugs, Crime and Society
• Issues in Criminal Justice
• Sociology of Gender and Sexuality
• Sociology of Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation
• Cybercrime: Crime in the Information Age
• Urban Studies
• Rural Studies and Social Policy
• Sociology of Work and Professions
• SASS Community Placement
• Modules to the value of 20 credits from those offered by another Board of Studies (including appropriate credit-bearing language modules offered by the Centre for Foreign Language Study) or from open modules elsewhere within the School.

Study Abroad

We are part of the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme which encourages students to study for part of their course in a university of another EU country.

We currently have links with the universities of Helsinki in Finland and Duisburg-Essen in Germany. Students can also apply to the university-wide international exchange programme with universities in North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• Our normal GCE A-level requirement is AAB
• We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer
• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements, such as BTECs (normally DDD), International Baccalaureate (on its own or combined with other qualifications – Required Grades: 36 points)and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors
• Preference may be given to those students who have studied at least one essay-based subject at A-level, or equivalent
• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Centre offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses
• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

We endeavor to make offers as quickly as possible, however, we are committed to the principle of equal consideration, which means that any application made to us through UCAS by the deadline of the 15th January has a chance of being considered for an offer. Because of this we cannot make all our decisions straight away when they reach us, so we may not inform some applicants who applied as early as September of our decision until March. However, we do this because each application really matters to us and we want to make offers to those applicants who show the strongest merit and potential in their application.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

Funding for Sociology undergraduate studies at Durham University can be obtained through various sources. Domestic students may be eligible for government-funded financial support such as tuition fee loans and maintenance loans provided by the UK government via Student Finance England. These loans help cover tuition fees and living costs during the course duration. Additionally, students can apply for university bursaries, scholarships, and hardship funds specifically aimed at supporting academically capable students with financial need. Durham University offers a range of merit-based scholarships, some requiring high academic achievement or specific regional origins. International students are responsible for full tuition fees and may seek external funding from government-sponsored scholarship programs, private foundations, or international organizations. Some students also consider part-time employment opportunities on campus, which provide additional income and work experience, as permitted under visa regulations for international students. Financial planning should also include estimates for accommodation, books, supplies, personal expenses, and health insurance if applicable. Students are encouraged to explore Durham’s financial aid and scholarship pages for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures. Furthermore, students can access financial advisory services provided by the university to help manage costs and explore funding options. Overall, while the cost of studying Sociology at Durham can be significant for some students, the university’s range of financial aid opportunities, government support, and potential external funding sources aim to make education accessible to a diverse student body. It is advisable for prospective students to thoroughly research and apply for all relevant financial support well in advance of their course start date to ensure they have adequate funding throughout their studies at Durham University.

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Durham University offers students an in-depth understanding of social life, social change, and the structure of society. The programme is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of sociological theory, research methods, and contemporary social issues. Students have the opportunity to explore diverse topics such as social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender, class, education, and globalisation through a variety of modules that combine both theoretical and empirical approaches. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret complex social data.

Durham’s sociology programme emphasizes a hands-on learning experience, often including research projects, fieldwork, and opportunities for practical application of sociological principles. Students may engage with current social policy debates and participate in discussions that shape societal understanding. The department has strong links with external organizations and offers opportunities for placements or internships, providing valuable experience for future careers.

The programme also benefits from Durham’s vibrant academic community and its focus on research-led teaching. Faculty members are active researchers in areas such as social justice, urban sociology, migration studies, and digital society, among others. This dynamic environment enables students to stay current with emerging issues and innovative research techniques in sociology.

Students enrolled in the programme will develop sophisticated analytical and research skills, which are highly valued across a range of careers in policy, social research, community work, law, journalism, and beyond. The university provides excellent resources, including access to extensive libraries, research centres, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Overall, Durham University’s Sociology degree aims to produce well-rounded graduates with a broad understanding of social phenomena and the ability to critically analyse social issues. The programme prepares students for a variety of professional pathways or further academic study, laying a solid foundation in sociological knowledge and research methodologies.