Please note there are no vacancies on this course for September 2024
Page last updated 23 September 2024
Get to the heart of the issues facing society today by taking placements or internships, working with leading experts and developing your own insights into how to make a difference.
In a rapidly changing social landscape, studying society and people's relationship with it is increasingly important.
By exploring the nature, causes and effects of people's beliefs and behaviour, we can better understand social order and social change.
Sociologists are particularly good at evaluating, reasoning and communicating. They assess and map the context of social issues and problems skills that employers will value whatever career you choose.
BA(Hons) Sociology focuses on how we can make a difference to 'self and society' using sociological theories and approaches.
Through a broad range of modules, and with the support of our staff who are leaders in their field, you'll engage with real issues, and develop fresh insights and solutions to help improve people's lives.
Learn to evaluate evidence, approach problems from multiple perspectives, and build your expertise in research, analysis and communication.
Carry out your own research projects to develop, test and apply new solutions to contemporary problems. Student projects have focused on the refugee/economic migrant crisis, representations of gender or religion in the media, homelessness, the gender pay gap, the policing of public order and demonstrations, the impact of new technology on cultural industries, and how social class affects attitudes to education. These illustrate just a small number of the types of projects students undertake.
Gain industry insights from guest speakers, and take part in work-based learning through our links with organisations such as the Bristol Youth Offending Team, Bristol Youth Education Service and the police.
Activities such as volunteering, placements and internships will build valuable vocational experience, and deepen your skills and knowledge further, to make you highly sought after when you graduate.
Recent graduate Sophia Hanke was inspired by her course to make a short three-minute film titled 'Welcome to Sociology at UWE Bristol', which features students and lecturers talking about their course.
The broad skills and industry-focused experience you'll gain will make you attractive to a wide range of employers.
You could pursue a career in research, education, social work, charity work, counselling, politics, journalism or writing, or work in the justice, legal or media sectors.
You could also go on to do a postgraduate course or research degree.
Graduating in Sociology from UWE Bristol will open up a variety of interesting and rewarding future possibilities for you. In this short film, some of our recent Sociology graduates discuss how their course has helped them to develop their graduate careers.
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
All foundation year students study together and will take four compulsory modules covering introductions to Sociology, Criminology, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, and university-level academic and study skills.
This will ensure that you have the necessary grounding across all the social science disciplines, enabling you to develop a range of perspectives that will enrich your learning at Year one and beyond.
You'll study:
You normally need to pass your foundation year before going into Year one.
You'll study:
*Accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
You'll study:
Plus, one optional module from:
or
And, one optional module from (indicative titles as follows):
or
If you study on the four-year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work or study placement after Year two.
Depending on which you choose, you'll either complete a placement learning or learning and development module.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
You'll study:
Plus, three optional modules from:
*Module descriptions to follow as soon as possible.
This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.
Develop your academic and practical skills through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, technology-based learning, media presentations, independent project work and reflective diaries.
Explore technological, cultural and psycho-social processes through an impressive range of modules. We offer modules that differ in learning approach, so you can choose those that match your style.
You'll get to interact with different organisations and social groups, and attend regular presentations from visiting practitioners so you can learn about industry challenges and best practice.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 1 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 2 | 23% | 74% | 3% |
| 3 | 19% | 81% | 0% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Get involved in our Social Science in the City series of events, which engage the public in research and ideas being pursued across the University.
You'll have at least 12 hours of teaching and related activities each week.
We'll assess you using essays, seminar presentations, timed assignments, group and individual projects, literature reviews, and computer-based assessments.
Learn more about assessments.
Approximate percentage of marks awarded by each assessment method*:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 22% | 65% | 13% |
| 1 | 24% | 53% | 23% |
| 2 | 20% | 64% | 16% |
| 3 | 9% | 78% | 13% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Students who undertake work experience tend to graduate with better degrees and with improved employability skills, making them sought after graduates.
We have links with lots of employers, including the Alzheimer's Society, Bristol Children's Playhouse, Bristol Fair Trade Network, Bristol Refugee Rights, Claremont Special School, Lifeskills Centre or The Big Issue.
We also offer volunteering and other work-based experiences, to deepen your knowledge and skills.
You'll get help to find a placement and support throughout from staff within the School and our award-winning careers service.
Learn in modern, well-equipped facilities to support your study of sociology.
Enjoy 24 hour access to our main university library, which has spaces for silent and group study, and rooms you can book.
You'll have use of books, trade press, academic journals, and industry databases both on and off campus.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Psychology, Sociology and Criminology facilities and see what's on offer here for you.
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
We provide support in the way you need it.
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Our graduates are increasingly in demand by employers for their research and IT skills, their literacy and numeracy, and their understanding of individuals, social institutions and processes.
Many students choose to go into the public sector in local or central government or the civil service. Others take their skills into healthcare, the justice service, education, journalism, politics, public relations or human resources.
Many students also progress to postgraduate study and research degrees.
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
This refers to items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for BA(Hons) Sociology.
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to year one of the degree.
Read more about entry requirements.
Read more about undergraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
International/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333
International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644