Study Sociology: A Comprehensive Subject Guide

This guide is your key to unraveling the intricacies of human society, culture, and behaviour. Delve into the theories, methodologies, and real-world applications that define the field of sociology. Whether you’re a budding sociologist, a curious student, or someone eager to understand the dynamics of the world around you, this guide is your indispensable companion on a journey to explore the complexities of human interaction and societal structures.

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the scientific study of society, human behaviour, and the patterns and structures that shape human interactions and relationships within groups and communities. It is a social science discipline that seeks to understand, explain, and analyse various aspects of human society, including its institutions, norms, values, cultures, and how these elements influence individuals and groups.

Key areas of focus in sociology include:

Social Structure: Sociologists examine the organisation of society, such as social hierarchies, institutions (e.g., family, education, government), and how they impact individuals and communities.
Social Change: Sociology explores how societies evolve and change over time, including the impact of technological advancements, economic shifts, and cultural transformations.
Social Interaction: This involves the study of how individuals and groups communicate, cooperate, and conflict with one another, as well as the role of symbols and language in shaping social relationships.
Culture: Sociologists investigate the shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices that characterise different societies and subcultures, and how they influence human behaviour.
Social Inequality: The examination of disparities in wealth, power, education, and access to resources among different social groups, including issues related to race, class, gender, and more.
Social Deviance: The study of behaviours and actions that deviate from societal norms and expectations, and how societies define and respond to deviance.
Research Methods: Sociologists employ various research methodologies, including surveys, interviews, observations, and statistical analysis, to gather and analyse data about human behaviour and social phenomena.

Why Study Sociology?

Studying sociology offers a wide range of valuable insights and benefits, making it a compelling field of study for individuals interested in understanding human society and behaviour. Here are some compelling reasons to study sociology:

Understanding Society: Sociology provides a framework for comprehending the complex structures, dynamics, and forces that shape society. It helps answer fundamental questions about how societies function and change.
Insight into Human Behaviour: Sociology explores why people behave the way they do, both individually and in groups. It delves into the factors influencing human actions, decisions, and interactions.
Cultural Awareness: Studying sociology enhances cultural sensitivity and awareness. It fosters an appreciation for diverse cultures, beliefs, and practices, promoting tolerance and empathy.
Social Problem Solving: Sociologists tackle pressing social issues such as inequality, poverty, discrimination, and crime. Their research can inform policy solutions and drive positive change.
Critical Thinking: Sociology encourages critical thinking and analytical skills. It teaches students to question assumptions, gather evidence, and make informed decisions.
Global Perspective: Sociology offers a global perspective, allowing students to examine societal issues and trends on a global scale. This is increasingly important in our interconnected world.
Personal Growth: Sociology encourages self-reflection and personal growth. It prompts individuals to consider their place in society and their roles as citizens.
Research Skills: Sociology equips students with research skills, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. These skills are valuable in various professions.
Advocacy and Social Change: Many sociologists are advocates for positive social change. They work to address inequalities and injustices, contributing to a more equitable society.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Sociology intersects with other fields, making it an excellent foundation for interdisciplinary study and research.
Intellectual Challenge: The study of sociology is intellectually stimulating and rewarding. It encourages curiosity, exploration, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Best Universities for Sociology in the UK

Here is a list of the top UK universities in this field according to the latest QS World University Rankings:

Entry Requirements for a Sociology Degree

Rank	University	Entry Standards	Student Satisfaction	Research Quality	Continuation	Graduate prospects outcomes	Graduate prospects on track	Overall Score
1	University of Cambridge	195		3.54	99.2	94	78	100
2	University of Oxford	183	3.98	3.55		92	92	97
3	University of Bath	155	3.97	3.39	97.2	88	82	89.9
4	University of Glasgow	206	3.82	3.46	97.1	66	80	87.7
5	London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London	171	4.07	3.37	100	58	56	87.6
6	Loughborough University	155	3.73	3.57	98.2	70	72	87.2
7	University of Bristol	164	3.57	3.22	97.1	70	78	86.5
8	Durham University	158	4.02	3.23	94	68	78	86
9	University of Warwick	147	3.96	3.29	94.3	74	80	85.7
10	UCL (University College London)	183	3.76		99.3	76	76	84.9
11	University of Manchester	152	3.62	3.51	96.7	62	72	84.8
12	The University of Edinburgh	188	3.5	3.24	99.4	54	64	84.8
13	University of Birmingham	142	3.85	3.42	96.3	70	68	84.8
14	University of York	149	3.79	3.47	97.1	60	68	84.5
15	University of Leeds	148	3.58	3.17	96.7	68	76	84.1
16	University of Nottingham	144	3.71	3.32	96.1	68	70	84
17	Lancaster University	147	3.8	3.41	98.4	58	62	84
18	University of Exeter	157	3.91	3.16	94.5	66	54	83.7
19	University of Surrey	132	4.1	3.22	96.1	68	70	83.6
20	Cardiff University	149	3.81	3.29	95.1	64	60	83.2
21	University of Southampton	142	3.84	3.53	97.1	54	56	82.7
22	University of Sheffield	142	3.8	2.91	95.6	68	72	82.6
23	Swansea University	137	3.97	3.14	95.6	62	68	82.4
24	University of Aberdeen	177	4.01	2.86	94.3	68	70	81.8
25	Glyndwr University, Wrexham	108	4.66	2.38	100	62	92	81.6
26	University of Stirling	192	3.79	3.22	92.8	52	70	81.4
27	University of Leicester	125	3.88	3.18	97.7	58	66	81.2
28	University of Liverpool	137	3.13	3.32	97.2	64	68	81.1
29	Aston University, Birmingham	126	3.71	2.99	95.5	66	76	80.8
30	University of East Anglia UEA	138	3.55	3.53	89.6	54	90	80.7
31	City, University of London	130	3.52	3.43	96	60	66	80.7
32	University of Kent	117	3.68	3.56	95.8	60	70	80.6
33	University of Hull	122	3.94	3.3	93.8	60	70	80.4
34	Edinburgh Napier University	175	4.03	2.99	94.8	56	66	80
35	Queen's University Belfast	141	3.7	3.34	94.9	52	44	79.6
36	Royal Holloway, University of London	132	3.76	2.97	95.6	56	60	79.4
37	University of Sussex	128	3.55	3.28	94.5	58	60	79.1
38	Keele University	122	3.72	2.92	94.2	62	70	78.6
39	University of Worcester	121	4.24	2.39	92.9	66	74	78.4
40	University of Lincoln	120	3.82	3.33	96.6	46	56	78.4
41	Nottingham Trent University	120	3.88	2.82	96.5	58	66	78.4
42	Newcastle University	139	3.35	3.08	96.5	48	58	78.3
43	Manchester Metropolitan University	124	3.91	2.82	92.9	64	62	78.3
44	Bangor University	128	3.82	2.81	97.6	44	60	78
45	University of Plymouth	122	3.96	3.26	93.8	46	54	77.6
46	Brunel University London	106	3.81	2.86	90.1	66	86	77.1
47	University of Essex	123	3.63	3.4	88.9	58	60	77.1
48	University of Central Lancashire	126	3.74	3.23	90.7	56	62	76.9
49	Edge Hill University	128	3.92	2.48	91.4	62	60	76.9
50	University of Portsmouth	127	3.87	2.95	93.7	52	52	76.8
51	Ulster University	123	3.83	3.31	89.6	58	56	76.8
52	University of Sunderland	111	3.84	2.79	92.3	68	72	76.7
53	Bournemouth University	114	3.89	2.18	93	66	80	76.5
54	University of Salford	124	3.89	3.19	91.2	50	62	76.5
55	Aberystwyth University	126	4.11		97.4	52	78	76.3
56	Oxford Brookes University	115	3.84	2.82	92.8	48	68	75.7
57	Northumbria University, Newcastle	129	3.35	3.06	92.7	50	58	75.6
58	Sheffield Hallam University	115	3.84	2.89	94	52	60	75.4
59	Bristol, University of the West of England	117	3.99	2.92	92.2	50	58	75.3
60	University of Roehampton	110	3.8	2.94	90.3	54	62	74.9
61	Leeds Beckett University	118	3.88	2.61	92.1	54	60	74.7
62	University of Suffolk	101	3.99	2.69	84.2	86	54	74.7
63	University of Winchester	118	3.6	2.29	93.2	58	62	74.5
64	Bath Spa University	111	3.86	2.73	91.1	60	56	74.3
65	Abertay University	160	3.94	2.33	88.3	62	60	74.3
66	Liverpool Hope University	122	3.85	2.48	90.6	42	70	73.9
67	Birmingham City University	124	3.93	2.41	91.5	44	62	73.9
68	University of Huddersfield	122	3.73	3.08	89	42	60	73.9
69	Staffordshire University	112	4.21	2.55	97.6	36	32	73.9
70	Liverpool John Moores University	123	3.95	2.56	92.2	42	56	73.8
71	University of Greenwich	121	3.93	2.55	92.7	42	52	73.7
72	University of Derby	123	4.04	2.59	91.1	42	52	73.6
73	University of Chester	126	3.6	2.25	94.2	46	54	73.5
74	Coventry University	116	4.01	2.94	84.4	52	64	73.4
75	Solent University (Southampton)	111	3.86	2.04	92.7	56	58	72.6
76	University of Brighton	110	3.48	2.83	92.3	46	58	72.6
77	University of Westminster, London	107	3.95	2.9	92.7	30	56	72.5
78	Anglia Ruskin University	104	3.85	2.73	89.1	54	58	72.4
79	University of Gloucestershire	117	3.7	2.53	90	46	52	72.3
80	London Metropolitan University	102	3.84	3.1	87.3	44	54	71.8
81	Canterbury Christ Church University	104	3.87	2.65	89.8	50	54	71.6
82	University of Northampton	104	3.82	1.91	92.7	50	62	71.4
83	Goldsmiths, University of London	112	3.21	3.25	83.7	52	62	71.4
84	University of Bedfordshire	102	3.94	3.09	84.6	46	68	71.3
85	University of Bolton	107	4.4		91.4			71.2
86	Teesside University, Middlesbrough	116	3.8	2.6	87.5	40	60	70.7
87	University of East London	95	3.66	2.59	88.1	48	70	70.3
88	University of South Wales	120	3.46		90.4	58	56	70
89	De Montfort University	103	3.57	3.18	87.4	46	40	69.9
90	York St John University	116	4.04	2.01	90.1	34	52	69.7
91	Middlesex University	106	3.74	2.79	80.1	54	64	69.6
92	Leeds Trinity University	114	3.92		87.4	42	80	69.5
93	Kingston University	117	3.83		92.8	40	48	69.2
94	Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh	139	3.68	1.8	96.9	26		68.4
95	Buckinghamshire New University	102	3.78		91.7			68.1
96	University of Wolverhampton	100	3.8		92.6	46	50	68
97	University of Bradford	117	3.69		94.2	34	34	67.7
98	St Mary's University, Twickenham	109	3.59		88.7			66.9
99	University of Cumbria	106	3.6		89.3			66.5
100	London South Bank University	102	3.84		85.6	34	58	64.8
101	Plymouth Marjon University	115	4.21		72.9			62.9

Entry requirements for a Sociology degree in the UK can vary depending on the university and the specific programme. Here is a general overview of the typical entry requirements you might encounter:

Academic Qualifications:
- A-Levels: Many universities require A-level qualifications or their equivalent. The specific grade and subject requirements can vary, but subjects such as Sociology, Psychology, History, English, or related social sciences are often preferred or required.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): If you’re an international student, the IB diploma or certificates are generally accepted.
- BTEC: Some universities accept BTEC qualifications in related subjects, such as Applied Psychology or Health and Social Care.
- Access to HE Diploma: Mature students may be eligible for entry with an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a relevant subject.

Jobs for Sociology Graduates

Sociology graduates possess a versatile skill set that makes them well-suited for a wide range of careers in various fields. Here are some common job opportunities for sociology graduates:

Social Worker: Social workers provide support and services to individuals and families facing social and emotional challenges, such as child protection, mental health issues, and substance abuse.
Human Resources Specialist: HR specialists handle recruitment, employee relations, and workplace policies to ensure a positive and productive work environment.
Counselor or Therapist: With additional training and certification, sociology graduates can work as counselors or therapists in areas such as marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, or mental health counseling.
Community Outreach Coordinator: These professionals work for nonprofit organisations and government agencies to develop and implement programmes that address community needs, such as homelessness, education, or healthcare.
Market Research Analyst: Market research analysts collect and analyse data to help businesses make informed decisions about their products, services, and marketing strategies.
Policy Analyst: Policy analysts research and evaluate public policies, propose improvements, and provide recommendations to government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
Crime Analyst: Crime analysts work with law enforcement agencies to study crime patterns and trends, aiding in crime prevention and investigation.
Data Analyst: Data analysts collect and interpret data to support decision-making in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and marketing.
Public Relations Specialist: PR specialists manage an organisation’s public image, handle media relations, and develop communication strategies to build and maintain a positive reputation.

Which Jobs Stand Out for Sociology Graduates?

Welfare and housing associate professionals (8%), protective service occupations (7%), care workers (6%), teaching professionals (4%), teaching and childcare support occupations(3%), admin (4%) and sales, marketing and related associate professionals (3%) are all among the top ten jobs held by sociology graduates.

Salary for Sociology Graduates

Check out the average salary for graduates in this field:

Low skilled: £18,000

Medium-skilled: £20,000

High-skilled: £24,000

Topics for Sociology Dissertation

Below, we present a diverse array of research areas, each offering an opportunity to delve into the complexities of Sociology and make a significant contribution to its advancement:

Social Inequality: Investigate the causes and consequences of social inequality, including income disparities, racial disparities, and gender inequalities.
Family and Relationships: Explore the dynamics of family structures, marriage, divorce, and changing societal norms related to relationships and family life.
Cultural Sociology: Examine the role of culture in shaping individual and collective identities, beliefs, values, and practices within societies.
Social Movements: Study social movements and activism, including civil rights movements, environmental activism, and political protests, to understand their impact on society.
Health and Healthcare: Investigate healthcare access, disparities in health outcomes, and the social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status and race.
Migration and Immigration: Analyse patterns of migration, immigration policies, and the experiences of immigrants and refugees in host countries.
Environmental Sociology: Explore the relationship between society and the environment, including issues related to climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice.
Education and Inequality: Examine the role of education in perpetuating or reducing social inequalities and disparities in access to quality education.
Urban Sociology: Study urbanisation, urban development, and the social issues associated with cities, including housing, gentrification, and urban planning.
Political Sociology: Investigate the impact of politics and governance on society, including the study of political systems, voting behaviour, and political ideologies.

How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK

One of the most important things to consider is how much the degree is going to cost. Here is a general guide for 2023/2024:

For home students in England, universities can charge up to a maximum of £9,250 per year for an undergraduate degree.
In Wales, institutions can charge up to £9,000 for home students. However, Welsh students can apply for a fee grant to cover some of the cost of their tuition fees. This grant is currently not repayable or income-assessed.
Northern Irish universities will charge up to £4,275 for home students and may charge up to £9,250 for students from elsewhere in the UK.
Scotland does not charge home students fees at the undergraduate level; however, students from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland are expected to pay up to £9,250 per year. International students from outside of the UK will pay significantly more to study in Scotland.
International students can expect to pay between £10,000 and £26,000 annually for lecture-based undergraduate degrees at universities across the UK. An undergraduate medical degree can cost overseas students up to £58,600 per year. As for postgraduate degrees, the average cost is estimated to be around £17,109 per year.

Besides the tuition fees, there are also several other cost considerations such as food, accommodation, phone bills, books, social life, memberships, and others. Remember to check out our free student budget calculator.

Other Subjects to Consider

Given that you are interested in this subject area, you might also want to consider the following options:

Anthropology
Psychology
Political Science
Criminology
Social Work
Public Health
Economics
Environmental Studies
History
Education Studies
Geography
Cultural Studies
Gender Studies
International Relations

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right university degree for me?

Consider your interests, passions, and career goals. Research various degree programmes and their content to see which aligns best with your aspirations.

Should I choose a degree based on potential earnings?

While earning potential is important, it’s also crucial to select a degree that you’re passionate about and suits your skills. A balance between your interests and potential career prospects is ideal.

Should I consider the location of the university when choosing a degree?

Location can impact your overall university experience. Consider factors like cost of living, proximity to industry hubs, and personal preferences.

What financial considerations should I keep in mind when selecting a degree?

Evaluate tuition fees, available scholarships, and potential for part-time work. Create a budget to ensure you can manage your finances during your studies.

How can I balance my interests with practicality when choosing a degree?

Consider combining your passions with practical skills. For example, if you love art but want job security, explore fields like graphic design or digital marketing.

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