BA (HONOURS) Sociology at Sheffield Hallam University

• Investigate social identities like ethnicity, class, sexuality, age, disability, gender and religion to understand privilege and disadvantage.
• Explore social movements for equality in a global context
• Evaluate the relative power of groups and individuals drawing on complex cultural and material resources

The first year introduces you to core sociological knowledge and skills taught by friendly and approachable staff. You progress to more specialised modules in the second and third years, with ample opportunity to develop your personal interests and build employability skills with peers and colleagues.

Live projects 

You will undertake live projects as part of your degree, to give you a taste of how you can use the skills learnt on the course in the real world. You will undertake desk-based research which will assist their work and form the basis for one of your assessments, and can list this work experience on your CV.   

There are also many elective modules to choose from, such as environment and society, youth studies, propaganda and media studies, and education policy. Alongside this, you undertake a more demanding commissioned project, working in a team to meet the needs of a local organisation.  

Field Trips

On each year of the course, you can take a field trip at no additional cost. In recent years these have included a visit to the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool (first year), a 4-day visit to Edinburgh (second year) and a dissertation conference (third year). 

Work placements

In the second year, many students opt to go on an eight-week structured work placement. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. Past students have worked on projects under the direction of a supervisor in workplaces such as hospitals, police service, schools, council departments and community associations.

Alternatively, you can study abroad for 12 weeks at a university in Europe, Australia, USA or Canada. Taught in English, you have a choice of modules. This is a chance to learn about different cultures and learning styles, as well as travel to new places and meet new people. 

Networking opportunities

As a Sociology student you will be enrolled as a member of the Social Policy Association (SPA) – funded by the University.  The SPA is the UK’s professional association for teachers, researchers, students and practitioners of social policy. It offers you access to extensive networks that can support your studies and career development.

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in   

• health and related areas
• education
• probation 
• police service
• prisons
• local and national government
• marketing and advertising
• research and development departments
• human resources
• community-based support
• voluntary and charitable organisations

These are just some of the areas previous graduates of this course have gone on to work in.  

However, the skills you will develop across your degree will enable you to successfully transition into a much wider range of potential career paths.