Sociology

Why study Sociology at ARU?

• Join a well-regarded course – our Sociology courses ranked 18th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and scored 93% for “Freedom of students to express ideas, opinions and beliefs” in the National Student Survey 2024.
• Specialise in areas that interest you on optional modules, including the impact of intoxicants on societies, social policy and change, global feminisms, cybercrime, "woke wars", and digital methods.
• Learn about and apply a range of social research methods to understand how global issues affect different communities.
• Prepare for your future career with the opportunity to conduct your own workplace research, gaining valuable practical experience and insight into different approaches to social issues.
• Learn from sociologists who specialise in social policy and theory and undertake research into a wide range of sociological issues - the impact of our sociology research was assessed as 'world-leading' in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
• Choose to take an optional placement year; this might be in a governmental organisation, NGO, charity or social enterprise – wherever your own interests lead you.
• Enhance your CV further by studying abroad for a semester, with funding on offer to help cover the cost.

On this degree you'll explore what shapes societies and individual lives, the relations that connect individuals, groups and institutions within societies and those that the divide them.

As a BA (Hons) Sociology student at ARU, you’ll look at the work of classical sociologists, such as Weber, Du Bois and Marx, while adopting a decolonial approach to understand how sociology as a discipline is changing to respond to global issues. Through the study and application of social research methods viz., interviewing, group discussions, statistical analysis, etc., you will acquire transferable skills to take with you into a wide range of careers.

Our BA (Hons) Sociology degree will equip you with skills in independent, creative, critical and analytical thinking. Previous students have gone on to careers in journalism and the media, business administration and management, health management, the civil service, teaching, social care, social research, the police, prison and probation services.

Specialist modules in years 2 and 3 will help you tailor the course towards your career goals with topics including cybercrime, drinking cultures, health, violence, feminism, and sport.

You could also learn more about sociology, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research with our MA Sociology. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules. Organisations such as Soroptimist have provided live briefs for our past students, giving them a taste of professional life.

You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.