Sociology

Sociology at the University of Essex offers an in-depth exploration of the social structures, institutions, and processes that shape human society. This undergraduate degree programme is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and understanding of social issues from a variety of perspectives. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics, including social inequality, culture, identity, globalization, and social change. The programme emphasizes both theoretical foundations and empirical research methods, equipping students with the practical skills necessary for careers in research, policymaking, community development, and beyond.

Students will have opportunities to explore contemporary social challenges such as poverty, migration, and social justice, all while gaining insights into how societies operate and evolve. The programme fosters a global outlook, encouraging students to consider social phenomena from an international perspective. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group projects, and hands-on research activities, supported by access to extensive university resources and experienced faculty.

In addition to core modules, students can choose optional modules that allow specialization in areas such as media, health, youth, or environmental sociology. The programme also offers opportunities for placements, internships, and study abroad experiences, helping students to apply their learning in real-world contexts and enhance their employability. Upon graduation, students will be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers in academia, public policy, social services, or further postgraduate study. The University of Essex's Sociology programme is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment and encouraging students to challenge assumptions and develop a nuanced understanding of the social world.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our course are flexibility and choice. You will have 60 credits of compulsory modules and 60 credits of optional modules each year. For BA Sociology your first-year optional modules can be chosen from our Faculty of Social Science, Department of Psychology and School of Health and Human Sciences. Your second and third-year modules are chosen from with our Department of Sociology. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments. In your final year as part of your compulsory credits you will take a 30 credit dissertation.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Sociology and the Modern World;
Researching Social Life 1; and
two social science options from sociology, politics, economics, psychology, health and human sciences or language and linguistics

Year 2

Continuity and Controversy in Sociology;
Researching Social Life 2; and
two sociology options

Year 3

Sociology Project;
Current Disputes in Sociology; and
two options, of which one may be an outside option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis).
• BTEC qualifications, in relevant disciplines, will be considered on an individual basis, depending on the units studied. The standard required is generally at Distinction level.
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

Sociology at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive undergraduate degree that explores the complex structures, processes, and patterns that shape societies around the world. The programme is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of social issues, enabling them to critically analyze social phenomena, institutions, and relationships. Throughout the course, students engage with key areas such as social theory, inequalities, culture, and social change, using a variety of research methods to examine contemporary societal challenges. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical research skills, preparing graduates for diverse careers in sectors including social policy, community development, research, education, and non-profit organizations. The programme emphasizes an international perspective, encouraging students to consider global issues and different cultural contexts. Students also benefit from the university's strong emphasis on employability, with opportunities for internships, placements, and engaging in research projects. The university’s campus provides state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant student community, supporting a dynamic learning environment. Additionally, the faculty is composed of experienced scholars and researchers who actively contribute to the advancement of sociological knowledge, ensuring that students learn from leading experts. The programme is typically designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests through optional modules. Graduates of the sociology programme at Essex are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce with critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, and a solid understanding of social dynamics. The university’s commitment to research-led teaching means that students often have opportunities to participate in innovative projects, contributing to contemporary debates in sociology. Overall, the programme aims to develop graduates who are not only knowledgeable about social issues but also capable of applying their skills to make meaningful contributions to society.