Sociology BA Welcome Pack
Welcome to BA (Hons) Sociology – September 2026.
A very warm welcome to the University of Northampton and to the BA (Hons) Sociology programme. We are delighted that you have chosen to study with us.
Sociology at UON offers a dynamic, forward-thinking, and socially engaged curriculum. Our programme explores urgent contemporary sociological questions and the methodological tools required to interrogate them, equipping you with a deep understanding of how individuals and societies co-construct each other in complex, differentiated, and evolving contexts.
You will engage with a wide range of critical interdisciplinary themes – including identity and the self, inequality and social justice, education, media and culture, crime and deviance, the body and emotions, work and volunteering, health and wellbeing, utopianism and the future, the environment, and death and dying. Through these, you will be encouraged to develop and apply your own ‘sociological imagination’ to real-world issues and to causes you care about.
Our academic team is committed to delivering high-quality, research-informed teaching using Active Learning approaches. This means learning happens both inside and outside the classroom – through collaborative in-person sessions, fieldwork, placements, research projects, and a range of inclusive assessments. You will also have the chance to participate in our international field trip, gaining unique global sociological insights.
A strong focus on graduate employability and public engagement runs throughout the degree. You will build a portfolio of transferable skills to prepare you for diverse roles in the public, private, and voluntary sectors – and to make meaningful contributions to society.
We also foster a vibrant and supportive student community, with opportunities to connect through the Sociology Society, the Students’ Union, and a variety of university-wide events.
We look forward to meeting you in person and supporting you in beginning your journey as a sociologist at UON.
Your Course Leader
James White
Senior Lecturer in Sociology | Programme and Deputy Subject Leader in Sociology
James.White@northampton.ac.uk
As Course Leader for Sociology, I can assist you with academic guidance regarding your modules, clarification on assessment criteria, and support for your overall degree progression. I can also address complex administrative concerns, support you with pastoral issues, and connect you with university-wide student support services.
Additional staff
- Dr. Federico Farini: Professor of Sociology
- Jo Downton: Senior Lecturer in Sociology
- Dr. Onur Acaroglu: Senior Lecturer in Sociology
- Dr. Siobhan Dytham: Senior Lecturer in Sociology
- Emma Cowley: Graduate Teaching Assistant in Sociology
- Alice Wilby: Pro-Vice Chancellor
Welcome and Induction Sessions
When you arrive at the University of Northampton, there’s plenty to get involved with during Welcome Week. However, there are specific sessions taking place as part of your course induction that’ll help you settle in and prepare for teaching to start the following week.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact induction organiser and programme leader for sociology James White, James.White@northampton.ac.uk.
Monday 21 September
Session: Sociology Course Induction (Face-to-Face), led by the whole Sociology Team
- Location: LH229, Second Floor, Learning Hub, Waterside campus
- Times:
- 10 – 11am – Meet and Greet Activity 1
- 11am – 12pm – Introduction to the Course, Part 1
- 12 – 1pm – Lunch
- 1 – 2pm – Introduction to the Course, Part 2
- 2 – 3pm – Activity 2
- 3 – 4pm – Student-Led Social Activity
Tuesday 22 September
Session: Academic and Employability Skills (Face-to-Face), led by James + UON Support Services
- Location: SN110, First Floor, Senate, Waterside campus
- Times:
- 10 – 11am – Welcome and Overview
- 11 am – 12pm – Student Mental Health & Wellbeing
- 12 – 1pm – Lunch
- 1 – 2pm – Library Support & Academic Skills
- 2 – 3pm – Learning Development Support
- 3 – 4pm – Employability and Career Values
Wednesday 23rd September
Session: (Cross) Course Field Trip (TBC)
This is a free day out so just come to enjoy yourselves and get to know others better.
Preparation and Pre-Arrival tasks
Start exploring these foundational sociology resources:
- The Sociological Imagination by C. Wright Mills: The ultimate guide to university-level sociology. It teaches you how your personal troubles connects to public issues.
- The Sociological Review: A collection of lively, thought-provoking articles tackling contemporary social issues.
- BBC Radio 4 – Thinking Allowed (Laurie Taylor): Join host Laurie Taylor for fascinating, bite-sized audio discussions on the latest social/sociological issues.
