Sociology BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG5 Gender Equality; SDG10 Reduce Inequalities and SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

  The course explores topical societal questions such as:

  • How do we shape our own identities?
  • How are social inequalities represented in our culture and media?
  • How do different ideas of the future influence our lives?
  • How have ideas of love and intimacy changed throughout history?
  • How can we understand race, ethnicity and migration after Brexit?
  • How does our physical environment influence our lives and societies?

  Core modules in the first year provide you with a foundation of knowledge and understanding in the discipline of Sociology, ensuring you get to grips with key sociological issues, theories and concepts.

  In the second year, the focus is on the theory, practice and application of research methods, with an opportunity to put your social research and reflection skills into action in a variety of settings in the field. You will also have the chance to develop your knowledge further in various areas of Sociology, such as race and ethnicity, culture, health, bodies and sex, and identity formation.

  In your final year, you will have the opportunity to research and investigate a sociological topic of your choice in detail, and a dissertation supervisor (who you meet regularly) supports you in the process. In addition, you will also have the chance to explore more complex sociological theories and concepts in areas such as the future, death, power, and the environment.

  Schedule

  • In your first year, you will receive 12 hours per week of dedicated teaching support, as well as additional staff support and guidance.
  • In year two, a minimum of 10 hours of teaching per week is provided, supported by one-to-one and group tutorials. You will have greater flexibility to shape your study schedule.
  • In your final year, eight hours of classroom-based teaching per week is provided and you will meet regularly with your dissertation supervisor. Supervisors take on the role of personal tutors as well as providing expert support in your chosen area of research.

  List of modules:

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • The Sociology of Education (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC1069

      Status: Compulsory
      The module aims to support students in developing a theoretical/conceptual and historical understanding of the social issues surrounding education. The module supports these aims by: (1) providing a solid grounding in key sociological theories and themes vis-a-vis education, (2) exploring core themes for sociology of education, for instance the role of the State, the concept of childhood, the relationship between education and the market and education and the family, and (3) giving opportunities to develop the skills to evaluate and instigate change in educational systems
    • Media, Crime and Society (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC1072

      Status: Compulsory
      Drawing on from disciplines such as Sociology, Media/Cultural/Communication Studies, Journalism, Criminology and Psychology, this module is designed to introduce students to a wide range of different topics in order to create a multi/inter-disciplinary theoretical and conceptual understanding of the relationship between the media, crime and society.
    • Spaces and Places of Social Inequalities (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC1077

      Status: Compulsory
      Current sociological research on inequalities focuses on the geography of social inequality, that is, on the relation between space, place and inequalities. This module explores issues such as housing, health services, education polices, urban and rural development, supporting the students in gaining an understanding of several core areas of social and spatial inequalities.
    • The Sociological Imagination (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC1078

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce in a critical and synthesized manner that enable first-year sociology students to understand how sociology investigates and describes the social world. Important theoretical perspectives and primary methodological considerations will be a large consideration. Empirical as well as theoretical engagement with introductory sociological principles will be presented as part of the wider concept of what is perceived to be the `sociological imagination?.
    • Social and Cultural Transformations (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC1079

      Status: Compulsory
      To develop student?s theoretical knowledge and understanding about major social and cultural changes for subjects in the contemporary world. The module will introduce students to debates in Sociology about the increasingly contested nature of age boundaries and the journey through the life course.
    • The Sociology of Love and Intimacy in the 21st Century (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC1080

      Status: Compulsory
      This module allows students to tackle a range of material within a specialist field. It enables students to relate the study of intimate relationships and family life to their own experience whilst developing their ability to apply sociological research and theories to understanding this area.
  • Stage 2
    • Methodology and Application in Social Research (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC2112

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is: To familiarize students with the theoretical and practical elements of the social research process which will help in preparation for their dissertations in the third year.
    • `Race', Ethnicity and Migrations (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC2113

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide a framework through which students can develop an understanding of ethnic relations and inequalities through historical and contemporary social science perspectives. Based on fundamental theories from social psychology, communication studies and identity studies, students will explore issues of racism, inclusion/exclusion, discrimination, disadvantage and identities between racialized social groups, and critically analyze their socio-historical genesis.
    • Sociology of Health and Well-being (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC2114

      Status: Designate
      This module introduces students to: a range of sociological perspectives and contemporary debates relating to the Sociology of Health and Well-Being; issues and/or practice; the socially constructed nature of medical knowledge and practice; relationships between, and explanations for, social variances in health, illness, disease and well-being and globalisation; the classic sociological `structure? versus `agency? debates.
    • Sociological Research & Reflection in Action (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC2116

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with the valuable opportunity to experience preparing and conducting independent practical social research and/or theoretical/conceptual reflection in a variety of different in-the-field settings that offers a choice of experience to each student. Students put into practice their methodological training, enhance self-development from in-the-field experience, recognise and/or develop creative and innovative opportunities to engender positive change, and prepare them for their dissertations in the third year.
    • Identity and Social Change (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC2117

      Status: Designate
      This module will introduce students to a range of micro- and macro-sociological perspectives and their analysis of the changing nature of social identities. It aims to demonstrate the relevance and applicability of sociology to an understanding of social identity and aspects of everyday life.
    • Culture, Representation and Social Inequalities (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC2118

      Status: Designate
      This module introduces students to core debates, concepts and theories of culture and representation, with a focus on the representation of social inequalities. Through the examination of a range of contemporary media examples, students also learn to use and apply key approaches to media and cultural analysis.
    • Sexual Intimacy and the Body (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC2119

      Status: Designate
      Popular and academic concern with both the body and sex have increased enormously within the last 150 years. This module provides an opportunity to explore this development in relation to matters of continuity and change within advancing modernity at a range of levels from the individual to the global.
  • Stage 3
    • Sociology of the Self (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC3059

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is ?to advance students? understanding concerning: a) the socio-theoretical approaches to the study of the self and b) the dialogic relationship between them. It provides students with the means to understand core theorizations of the relationship between society and the individual and consider possible distinctions of the two concepts. It will also enable students to understand the distinction between inter-active and intra-active processes as two of the key ways to explore the relationship between structure and agency.
    • Sociology of Death (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC3060

      Status: Designate
      This is a level 6 module that builds on the sociological foundations of level 5 and allows students to tackle a range of material within a specialist field. The module has been designed to enable students to relate the study of death, dying and breavement to their own experience whilst also developing their ability to apply sociological research and theories to the understanding of this area.
    • The Sociology of the Future (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC3063

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to engage in a critical interdisciplinary examination of past and present examples of possible, probable, preferable and already in process futures. Students will critically explore how the future has been/is told, tamed, traded, transformed, traversed, thought, tended and transcended ? focusing on the 'utopian imagination' i.e. the hope for a more perfect world and better 'way of life? that has always been at the very core of the 'human condition' and which had/still has an important part to play in re-shaping contemporary ideologies, peoples and societies.
    • Sexuality, Gender and Power (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC3064

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to explore key theories and concepts of gender and sexuality, from intersectionality and representation to power, performativity and queer theory. Students learn to apply gender and sexuality theories to key areas of sociological and social scientific investigation of inequalities, identities, culture and politics.
    • Environment and Sustainability (20 Credits)
      Module code: SOC3065

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental and sustainability issues, as well as the knowledge and skills needed to enhance work on the resolution/advancement of environmental and sustainability issues.
    • Sociology Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: SOC4018

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to build on the applied social research methods training that students receive at Level 5 and provide them with an opportunity to study a topic of contemporary sociological significance in depth. Students are expected to work independently, under the supervision of their dissertation supervisor.

  Collapse

• Entry Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be:

  • BCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC.
  • an Access Course must include 30 level 3 credits at Merit.
  • we welcome international applicants and applications from those with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

  Integrated Foundation Study Entry Requirements

  Admission to this Foundation Framework is normally:

  • DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC
  • however, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  Collapse

• Fees and Funding

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,500 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate).
  • International – Full Time: £14,000
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year:£14,000

  2021/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2021/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £6,780 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate).
  • International – Full Time: £13,000
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year:£13,000

  Additional Costs

  The optional International Field Trip* is partially funded by the University. The cost of trip is on average between £600-£1,000 and students pay part of this cost.

  As a part of the placement, students get a free DBS paid by the University (where required), but students need to pay for any additional expenses such as travel costs.

  Scholarships and Bursaries

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

  Collapse

• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time degree at Northampton you will receive a laptop when your course begins. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page.

  Collapse

• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  Collapse

• Placements and Opportunities Abroad

  Placements

  In your second year you have the opportunity to develop your employability skills through a work, volunteering or social action placement, where you conduct sociological research or reflection in the field. This allows you to put your methodological knowledge into practice, alongside building crucial skills to prepare you for the world of work.

  In the past, our Sociology students have completed placements in a variety of settings, ranging from educational institutions, charities, community organisations and youth groups, to the NHS, MPs’ offices, local councils, and companies in PR and marketing, HR, retail, and so on.

  Opportunities abroad

  We also value the significance of understanding different cultures and for that reason there is an opportunity in the second year of the course to participate in an International Field Trip*, allowing you to learn about how different societies function and apply theory to real-life scenarios.

  In the past, our students have travelled to New York, Abu Dhabi, Berlin, Athens, and on a ‘Brexit Tour of Europe’. The field trip is optional. For a five to seven day visit, the cost of the trip will be no more than £1,000.

  Collapse

• FAQs

  How will I learn?

  Our approach to teaching and learning combines face-to-face teaching with carefully crafted digital experiences*, designed to help you take control of your own learning. Typically, you will study in small, interactive group sessions, where you learn through interactive, teamwork and problem-solving activities, and have a range of online resources and materials at your fingertips.

  How will I be assessed?

  The assessments on the Sociology course are regularly praised by our external examiners as being imaginative and varied. Assessment methods used on this course include:

  • essays
  • portfolios
  • case studies
  • journal articles
  • seen and unseen exams
  • group and individual presentations
  • research projects
  • posters and pamphlets.

  Collapse

Careers and Employability

We are a Changemaker campus, which means that there’s an emphasis on supporting you in achieving your career and study ambitions. As well as the placement opportunity in your second year, employability skills are built into the Sociology course throughout the three years, so that you are consistently building the skills that you will need to prepare for the world of work.

The University of Northampton Sociology students have ended up with careers in fields ranging from education, youth work, charities and community organisations, to PR and marketing, media and journalism, HR and management, as well as social work, politics, and social research.