Sociology (including Year Abroad)

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of the social structures, institutions, and processes that shape human societies. This undergraduate programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation of social diversity and change. Throughout the course, students will explore key sociological theories, research methods, and contemporary social issues, gaining insights into topics such as inequality, globalization, identity, and social justice. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical research experience, preparing graduates for careers in research, policy-making, social services, and beyond.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad option, which provides students with the opportunity to study at a partner university in another country. This immersive experience enhances intercultural understanding, language skills, and global perspectives, enriching students’ academic journey and personal growth. The Year Abroad is carefully integrated into the programme, with academic support and guidance to ensure a seamless transition and maximum benefit from the international exposure.

The programme is delivered by experienced academics who are experts in their respective fields, using a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on research projects. Assessment methods are diverse, encompassing essays, presentations, exams, and dissertation work, designed to evaluate students' grasp of sociological concepts and their ability to apply them in real-world contexts.

Students benefit from the University of Essex’s strong research environment and vibrant campus life, which foster critical engagement and collaborative learning. The programme also offers opportunities for placements, voluntary work, and participation in sociological conferences, enabling students to connect theory with practice and build professional networks. Graduates of the Sociology programme are well-equipped to pursue postgraduate study or enter a range of careers in areas such as social research, community development, journalism, education, and public policy. With its combination of rigorous academic training and international experience, this programme aims to empower students to become informed and active contributors to societal change.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
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 offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
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

Year abroad

Year 4

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 and dynamic programme designed to equip students with a deep understanding of social structures, institutions, and issues. The course explores a wide range of topics, including social inequality, globalisation, culture, politics, and identity, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills applicable in various sectors such as social research, policy analysis, community development, and media. The programme is structured to include core modules that introduce fundamental sociological theories and methods, alongside optional modules that allow students to specialise in areas like criminology, gender studies, or environmental sociology.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the Year Abroad, during which students have the opportunity to study at partner universities across Europe and beyond. This international experience enhances cultural awareness, language skills, and global perspectives, which are increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected world. Students benefit from the university’s diverse academic environment and support services to maximise their learning abroad. The Year Abroad typically takes place in the third year, providing ample time to adapt and immerse oneself in a different academic and cultural setting.

The university emphasizes employability and practical experience, offering opportunities for internships, research projects, and engagement with local communities. The programme's teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work, and independent research, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Assessment methods involve essays, presentations, exams, and research proposals that prepare students for careers in academia, public policy, social research, and related fields.

Graduates of the Sociology programme at Essex are well-prepared for diverse roles in sectors such as social services, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, journalism, and international development. The university’s strong links with industry and emphasis on research ensure students are equipped with the skills needed to contribute effectively to society. Overall, the programme aims to foster a critical understanding of society, encouraging students to become informed and active citizens capable of analysing and addressing social issues worldwide.