BSocSc Sociology / Course details

It adopts the perspective that individual behaviour can only be understood by studying people's social context and their webs of connection.

An investigative ‘myth-busting' discipline, we critically examine core assumptions about social life.

Research and teaching are often motivated by the desire to improve or challenge the conditions of life and society, and sociology provides a critical perspective on how and why we might change our social worlds.

Lecturers are engaged in research on a range of sociological topics. Specialisms include:

• decolonial thought;
• race and ethnicity;
• migration;
• social division and inequality;
• social movements;
• sustainability and environment;
• social theory;
• globalisation and social change;
• cultural practices and consumption;
• media and technology;
• work and economy;
• personal life (family, intimacies and sexualities);
• survey methods and qualitative research;
• cities and urban life; and
• ageing and social gerontology.

Sociology staff have won Faculty of Humanities Outstanding Teaching Awards, and have been nominated for various teaching awards including the Manchester Students' Union Awards.

Excellence in research feeds into teaching, so you are taught by experts with a real passion for their subject.

Professional Experience Year opportunity

You can apply in Year 1 to do a Professional Experience Year. If you meet the criteria, the Professional Experience Team and Careers Service will work with you to find a placement in your second year.

You will then complete your Professional Experience Year in third year extending your degree to four years. Your degree title will be extended to include 'with Professional Experience'.

Paid placement opportunities

You can apply for a paid Q-Step internship between Years 2 and 3. This is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience and make future contacts.

Study abroad  

You can apply to study overseas for a year at one of our partner universities.

You apply in Year 2 to spend a year abroad in Year 3.

If successful, you will put together a programme of study at the host university in consultation with your Academic Exchange Advisor, to complement your studies at Manchester.

You will then come back to Manchester to study for a fourth year and graduate with a degree title including ‘with International Study'.

See The University of Manchester Study Abroad pages.

Course units feature formal lectures supported by smaller tutorials or seminars where you explore the contents of lectures and recommended reading in greater depth.

Tutorials and seminars are also key elements in improving your written and oral communication skills through group discussions, essay-writing, and presentations.

You are assigned an Academic Advisor who can advise you on selecting course units and career opportunities.

The range of methods is designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including:

• essays, coursework, and other mid-term evaluations;
• dissertations;
• presentations and group projects;
• exams.