BA (Hons) Sociology

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 and Marx, and contemporary issues such as individualism and global communication and how they are changing human behaviour.

You’ll be able to specialise in areas that interest you too – such as the impact of intoxicants on societies, cybercrime, social control, sport or nature and society – through our range of optional modules.

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.