Sociology
(BA) Sociology
Entry for 2026
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
The overall aim is to produce competent sociologists - with a range of empirical knowledge which they can evaluate and relate to theories, and with a grasp of how to carry out library and field research - and who have also gained transferable practical and intellectual skills. In addition, they will have taken other courses, chosen from a range which will in different ways complement and extend their social-scientific knowledge.
Course learning outcomes
explain major sociological concepts and theories, and their application in contemporary sociology
demonstrate knowledge of different societies, and understanding of what may be learned by comparing them
demonstrate understanding and knowledge of key topics and debates in a number of specialised areas in sociology
identify general issues in concrete cases
identify major methods of data collection in sociology, and assess the appropriateness of their use in different contexts
reflect on the relationship between sociological theory / concepts and data
collate a range of appropriate sources and structure material from them to answer a question
assess the strengths and weaknesses of empirical material as evidence for conclusions in specific cases
critically evaluate competing explanations and sociological theories in a range of contexts
formulate sociological questions and plan how to answer them
select and use appropriate research methods (including questionnaires, interviews, observation and content analysis)
analyse the ethical implications of social research in a variety of settings
make simple analyses of quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate computer programs
communicate research findings to an academic audience, both in writing and in oral presentations
identify and select sociological work relevant to given social, public and civic issues or professional practices
conduct a literature search and produce a correctly formatted bibliography
manage their time in long-term work programmes
For information on the composition of this course please see either the on-line Undergraduate prospectus for undergraduate related courses or the on-line Postgraduate prospectus for postgraduate related courses.
More detailed information on the course structure and modules within this degree will be available on this page shortly.
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.