BA Sociology at Aberystwyth University

The BA Sociology degree at Aberystwyth University will train you to develop a critical awareness of and engagement with the social world. By studying this course, you will develop a thorough grounding in the conceptual and theoretical approaches that have been employed by sociologists to study the world around us. You will also develop your ability to analyse social phenomena through training in the collection, analysis and presentation of sociological data. 

Some of the distinctive aspects of Aberystwyth’s approach to Sociology include: 

• emphasising the value and significance of a field-based approach to Sociology, with field exercises being integrated into lecture modules, and a dedicated Field-Based Sociology module in year 2;

• integrating more applied perspectives into the teaching that we undertake on key themes and concepts in Sociology to demonstrate its real-world significance (and, in doing so, help with the employability of our Sociology graduates); 

• drawing on our research strengths and to ensure that students are exposed to cutting-edge theoretical and empirical understandings of the social world.

A degree in BA Sociology at Aberystwyth will allow you to:

• be able to critically evaluate ideas, concepts and approaches across the whole of the subject and within particular branches of Sociology 
• be able to carry out independent research, applying a range of skills in relation to data collection, analysis and presentation; have developed a range of skills and be able to apply them to a variety of Sociological issues
• be able to recognize that your learning experience has been positively reinforced by exposure to research
• be able to evaluate your own performance in a range of learning contexts and under different modes of assessment 
• be able to work independently, in a team and with a social awareness of the contribution made by scholarship and applied research in their discipline to social policy 
• have the necessary skills and awareness to seek employment in a variety of professional careers or to begin postgraduate research and study.

The study of Sociology provides a solid foundation for you to consider a wide range of careers including the media, social work, international development, community engagement, and the civil service to name a few. Nowadays, employers are seeking graduates who possess various skills which include the ability to think analytically and laterally. The BA in Sociology degree provides you with a breadth and flexibility of skills which is why Sociology graduates nationally are attractive to employers. 

Sociology graduates have progressed on to: 

• criminology, the Police Force
• health and social care 
• social work 
• social policy (including public housing, social work, local government administration and the voluntary sector) 
• management 
• journalism
• public relations 
• teaching 
• research. 

Opportunities whilst studying at Aberystwyth: 

Work Experience/ Year In Industry 

The University operates the Year In Industry scheme. You will have assistance from our Careers Team. Check out their website and see where former students have gone. 

International Opportunities 

The Department has also established Erasmus Exchange Programmes with the University of Bergen, the University of Oulu, Finland, and the University Centre in Svalbard, giving students the unique experience of studying in one of the world’s most extreme environments. We also have strong links with a number of universities in North America, where students can complete their second year of study. In recent years, our Exchange coordinator has overseen placements at Purdue University (Indiana), the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, the University of Montana and the University of Ottawa in Canada.