Sociology BA (Hons)

• Overview

  Our Sociology course allows you to develop your understanding of how humans shape and are shaped by the society they live in.

  This Sociology course explores the latest Sociological questions and methodological implications. We offer a degree that focuses on academic excellence, high standards of methodological training and empirical professional experience.

  We will support you to achieve your career and study ambitions, which is why if you complete our Employability Plus Gold programme or Changemaker Gold certificate alongside your studie and if you haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating* we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you, or support you into postgraduate study.

  *with a 2:2 degree classification or higher

  Course

  Highlights

  • Optional international field trip module.
  • Placement module.
  • Foundation Study Framework available.
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.

  HP Laptop and software included with this course.*

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  Apply Now Open Days

  
• Course Details

  The course explores topical societal questions such as:

  • What is Sociological Imagination? How is it used?
  • What is the impact of Inequalities on Spaces and Places?
  • How do we shape our own identity and self?
  • How can Sociologists become professionals?
  • How important is the future to Sociology, societies and the self?
  • What is Sociology of the Life course? How is it related to the Sociology of Death?
  • How can we understand Race, Ethnicity and Migration after Brexit?

  You will develop a critical understanding of contemporary sociological themes and issues whilst learning to apply sociological concepts on a global scale. Core modules that you will study provide you with a foundation of knowledge and understanding of the discipline. You will then develop your knowledge further and will be able to add areas of personal interest such as international development, politics, media and culture, and deviance.

  Schedule

  • you will receive 12 hours per week dedicated teaching support in year one and additional staff guidance throughout your first year
  • in year two a minimum of 10 hours teaching per week is provided and you will have greater flexibility to shape your own study week supported by one-to-one and group tutorials
  • in year three 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

  Assessments

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

  • essays
  • seminar portfolios
  • seen and unseen exams
  • internet-based exercises
  • group presentations
  • research projects
  • academic posters

  Read more

  Additional

  Information

  International Field Module trip

  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 the International Field Module, allowing you to learn about how different societies funtion and apply theory to real-life scenarios. Our students have already travelled to Abu Dhabi, Berlin, Athens, and Rome. This module is opitonal – for a five to seven day visit the cost will not be more than £1,000.

• Careers and Events
  • Open Days

    See for yourself

    Our Open Days offer you a fantastic opportunity to get a real taste of university life at Northampton and discover how studying here will be a life-changing experience.

    Each Open Day has a packed programme of subjects talks, advice sessions and activities designed to give you all the information you need about studying at The University of Northampton.

    To find out more about the day, please feel free to have a look at our Open Day Guide.

    
  • Careers

    Career Opportunities

    The skills, knowledge and competencies that you will develop will equip you for a wide range of careers. Our graduates can pursue careers in areas such as teaching, research, social work, community organisations, local government, and Human Resources.

    
  • Student Stories

    What our students say

    “The friends I have met on the course are now friends for life and the lecturers have had a positive influence on me throughout my studied. The small class sizes meant that I was able to engage confidently with peers and work with ease in groups. Additionally, the opportunities provided through different modules allowed me to express my work thought written assignments, presentations and journals.” – Shannon Powell.

    
• 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.

  Foundation Study Framework 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.

   

  Contacts

  Course Enquiries

  Application status enquiries
  admissions2020@northampton.ac.uk

  Current student enquiries
  SID@northampton.ac.uk

  International student enquiries
  international@northampton.ac.uk

  Applying for 2020
  Facebook Applicant Group

  Office hours:
  Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm
  Fri: 9am – 4.30pm

  Phone Call

  0300 303 2772

  +44 (0)1604 892134

  +44 (0)1604 892546

• Course Content
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Stage 3
  • Foundation

  In your first year you will be introduced to key sociological concepts and perspectives. You will have the opportunity to explore modules on gender in society as well as the impact of media on crime levels in society.

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

    Core Module Y
  • Media, Crime and Society (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC1072

    Core Module Y
  • Identity Formation and Social Change (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC1073

    Core Module Y
  • Gender and Society (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC1076

    Core Module Y
  • Spaces and Places of Social Inequalities (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC1077

    Core Module Y
  • The Sociological Imagination (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC1078

    Core Module Y

  In the second year you will explore how sociological research is carried out and will be able to apply these methods to real-life scenarios within society. You will also have the opportunity to take a placement at this stage within an organisation or social action setting that will allow you to apply your sociological knowledge and understanding to the relations, cultures and organisational structures that inform people’s identities and behaviours in the workplace.

  • BA Sociology Placement (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC2096

    Core Module Y
  • Methodology and Application in Social Research (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC2112

    Core Module Y
  • Love and Intimacy in the 21st Century (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC2009

    Core Module N
  • International Field Trip (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC2109

    Core Module N
  • ‘Race’, Ethnicity and Migrations (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC2113

    Core Module N
  • Sociology of Health and Wellbeing (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC2114

    Core Module N
  • Sociology of Sport, Leisure and Tourism (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC2115

    Core Module N
  • Optional Placement Year: The FHS Placement Year Experience (40 Credits)
    Module code: PSY2028

    Core Module N

  In the final year of the course you will have the chance to research and investigate a sociological topic of your choice as part of the Dissertation module. You will also have the option to explore more complex sociological theories and concepts in areas such as the future, death and complexity.

  • Sociology Dissertation (40 Credits)
    Module code: SOC4018

    Core Module Y
  • Body, Sex and Society (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC3019

    Core Module N
  • Sociology of Death (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC3060

    Core Module N
  • Your Sociological Agenda (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC3061

    Core Module N
  • Sociology and Complexity (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC3062

    Core Module N
  • Sociology of the Future (20 Credits)
    Module code: SOC3063

    Core Module N

  • Investigations into your Subject Area 1: Business, Education and Social Sciences (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN011

    Core Module Y
  • Investigations into your Subject Area 2: Business, Education and Social Sciences (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN014

    Core Module Y
  • Investigation into your Subject Area 3: Changemaking (40 Credits)
    Module code: FDN016

    Core Module Y

  Facilities &

  Special Features

  • optional field trip to an international destination
  • compulsory placement module that allows you to gain valuable experience and enhance your employability skills whilst learning about the sociology of the workplace, volunteering and/or social action.

   

• Further Studies
  • Work Experience

    Placement module

    Many of our students find placements with a wide variety of organisations both in and around Northampton and in their home locations, including the health and care sectors, schools, and also in charitable organisations.

    “I enjoyed every minute of my placement. I am so thankful for this experience; it is definitely something I won’t forget. It has confirmed my aspirations for the future as well as helping me to improve some of the life and academic skills I will need in the future” (Primary school placement)

    
  • Student Stories

    What our students say

    “Studying Sociology at the University of Northampton gave me so much more than a degree. From carrying out research in a field module abroad, to gaining a vareity of skills and experience in a work placement module. It all helped me to realise what career path I wanted to take when I completed my degree, and how to get there.” – Zoe Whale.

    
• Fees & Funding
  • UK & EU
  • International

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module
  Foundation Framework: £6,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate).

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module
  Foundation: £6,600 (as part of a four year programme subsequent years will be charged at the BA/BSc fee).

  Additional Costs

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

  As a part of the Sociology Placement module, students get a free DBS paid by the University but students need to pay for any additional expenses such as travel costs.

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,900
  Foundation Framework: £9,800

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £12,500

  Additional Costs

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

  As a part of the Sociology Placement module, students get a free DBS paid by the University but students need to pay for any additional expenses such as travel costs.

  Scholarships

  EU and International Scholarships

  We’re committed to offering the opportunity to study in the UK to the best and brightest students from around the world.

  TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

  The Chancellor's Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply.  The…

• Foundation

  Our Foundation Framework courses provide the best possible preparation for degree level study for students who are willing to learn and advance, but don’t have the standard entry qualifications. Featuring a reduced tuition fee for the first year, these course provide the opportunity for you to successfully study on the degree pathway of your choice whilst gaining essential study skills. The first year of your chosen degree will be studied over a two year period; years three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  Visit our Foundation Framework page to learn more.

*Course data provided by Unistats