Key questions within sociology include: what gives society order, and why do some people break the rules? How and why do societies change over time? How do norms and values influence our thinking and actions? How and why is society divided? How does power work, and why do some people have it when others don’t? How do individual actions shape the social world?
The degree programme is distinctive in its approach to learning and teaching. The programme has used its own ‘sociological imagination’ to reflect on how to best deliver the degree, putting emphasis on creating a friendly, supportive and inclusive learning environment. The teaching staff are all approachable and committed to helping students achieve their potential.
The programme is built around a number of core modules that engage students with key sociological themes, questions and concepts. In the first year students receive a grounding in sociological theory and methods which together foster both knowledge and understanding of the social world. The first year offer also explores a number of interesting contemporary questions such as deviance, inequality, social change and identity.
In addition, from their second year, students take core modules in Divisions, Diversity and Difference, and are also able to choose from a variety of exciting optional modules, allowing them to pursue their own interests and direct their future careers, such as: Social and Political Theory; Crime, Deviance and Social Order; Health; Education; Family Life; Social Psychology; Citizenship; Philosophy; Sexuality and Mental Illness; and Research Methods. Many students choose to culminate their degree by undertaking an Individual Study on a topic of their choice.
Common to all our modules is a commitment to dynamic, responsive and innovative approaches to learning, teaching and assessment. We combine lectures, essays and exams with group work, directed studies, portfolio work, presentations, field trips, hands on research and placements.