Sociology BA (Hons)

In your second year, you will have the opportunity to broaden your understanding of social theory and social phenomena, with the chance to acquire social research training and specialise in specific subject areas of your choice.

Modules

• Tradition and Controversy in Social Theory - 20 credits

  This module aims to provide you with an understanding of 'classical' social theory - the work of Marx, Weber and Durkheim. Secondly, it explores the development of 'modern' social theory. Thirdly, it allows you to gain some understanding of contemporary debates and controversies.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: coursework, presentation

• Global Perspectives on Inequality - 20 credits

  The aim of this module is to think about different types of global inequalities such as inequalities of knowledge production, economic inequality and development using the lens of 'Southern' thinkers and theories.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: coursework

• Sex, Sexuality, Power and Oppression - 20 credits

  This module explores the relationship between sex, sexuality and political and moral definitions of crime and deviance. Drawing on key theoretical perspectives, it examines a range of issues from the perspective of both victim and perpetrator and explores the relationship between sexuality and social control (e.g. prostitution, pornography and heterosexual and same sex relationships).

  Compulsory

  Assessment: coursework, presentation

• Researching Social Life - 30 credits

  The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the rationale for and methodological issues associated with research.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: coursework

• Identity, Selfhood and Personal Relationships - 20 credits

  This module develops your understanding of how the self and society are connected, and the impact of social change on the self. You will examine how selfhood is discussed within sociological theories and how identity is debated from micro-sociological and social psychology perspectives.

  Optional

  Assessment: coursework

• Scenes and Subcultures - 20 credits

  This module explores the various roles of subcultures within past and present societies. It examines how and why subcultures emerge, the meanings behind them, how they both reinforce and resist existing power relations, and how they are perceived and understood by wider society.

  Optional

  Assessment: coursework

Following your second year, you have the opportunity to apply for a one-year professional work placement or study abroad in a partner institution.

The Professional Placement and Study Abroad modules both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and provided that you confirm your interest in undertaking this option before the end of your second year, typically in August. However, we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements. 

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module and therefore no additional tuition fees apply. Whilst the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.

Modules

• Study Abroad

  Optional

• Professional Placement

  Optional

In the final year you will be expected to conduct your own piece of supervised research in an area of your choice. This can be done as a research project or an audio-visual documentary. In the past, students of this course have chosen to explore topics important to them such as gender stereotypes in sport and fashion, race and identity, and the influences of social media on young people’s lives in 21st century Britain.

Modules

• Portfolio Project - 10 credits

  Students on this module will create a website based on their achievements on their course as an online portfolio. This might include films, photography and other assessments.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: coursework

• Final Project in Sociology or Criminology - 40 credits

  This module is designed to enable you to develop, enhance and put into practice the research and analytical skills acquired in your previous years of study. The module encourages you to employ your Sociological skills in the gathering, synthesis and interpretation of information and knowledge to pursue an in-depth analysis of a subject of your own choosing.

  Compulsory

  Assessment: coursework

• Deviance and Desire - 20 credits

  This module explores the relationship between deviance and desire across societies and the impact on people’s lives. We’ll explore queer theory and biopower, and the complex relationship between power structures and the multiple social constructions of deviance.

  Optional

  Assessment: coursework

• Family Life and Social Change - 20 credits

  This module explores sociological and historical analyses of changes in family structures, roles, relationships and ideologies, and their connections to social change.

  Optional

  Assessment: coursework

• Digital Worlds - 20 credits

  This module offers a critical exploration of various digital sites and social media spaces with a particular focus on how cultures, identities and social divisions play out within them. Themes we explore include: social media and identity; digital inequalities and divides; gaming cultures and communities; and cybercrime and online harassment.

  Optional

  Assessment: coursework

• Youth, Politics and Society - 20 credits

  This module is about young people and their 'political' context, action and resistance. Based on sociological theories, empirical research and policy perspectives, this module will explore the field key issues facing ‘youth’ and their responses to these issues.

  Optional

  Assessment: coursework

• Study Trip - 20 credits

  This module aims to give you the opportunity to address and explore issues and themes in history, international relations, sociology, politics and linked disciplines, in an international setting. A number of issues, depending on your degree, will be analysed either in the field study location or in a simulated/online environment. For example, on a field trip to Sicily, issues in history would include the origins and development of Italian organised criminal organisations, themes in politics would include the relationship between politics and the mafia, topics in sociology would include the study of women and various mafia groupings and transnational organised crime.

  Optional

  Assessment: coursework

• Disability and Society

  Optional