Sociology

We live in unprecedented eventful times of intense, rapid and constant social transformation – from rising economic inequality/poverty, the climate crises, threats to liberal democracy, the impact of social media, the recognition of LGTBQ+, BLM and disability groups, to name just a few – creating an increasingly complex world of both progress and peril that sociologists are best equipped to address. So, if you are excited by contemporary questions and convincing explanations about the world around you, then Sociology is for you.

While studying BA(Hons) Sociology, you will apply your sociological imagination to learn new ways of critically understanding and discussing important contemporary questions/concerns from a many different social science perspectives and approaches, not just through the dominant Western – such as: How do humans shape and are shaped by the societies they live in? How do we shape our own identities? How does our physical environment influence our lives and societies? How are social inequalities represented in our culture and media? How can we understand race, ethnicity and migration after Brexit? How have ideas of love and intimacy changed throughout history? How do different ideas of the future influence our lives?

The University of Northampton’s Sociology team has the necessary high quality teaching and research experience to provide you with the sociological knowledge, skill and confidence to succeed in higher education.

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026**.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

The Northampton Employment Promise

• In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information.
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information.

STAGE 1:
• Sociology of Education (compulsory)
• Media, Crime and Society (compulsory)
• Identity and Social Change (compulsory_
• Spaces and Places of Social Inequalities (compulsory)
• The Sociological Imagination (compulsory)
• The Sociology of Love and Intimacy in the 21st Century (compulsory)

STAGE 2:
• Sociological Research and Reflection in Action (compulsory)
• Methodology and Application in Social Research (compulsory)
• Social and Cultural Transformations (designated)
• ‘Race’, Ethnicity and Migrations (designated)
• Culture, Representation and Social Inequalities (designated)
• Sociology of Health and Wellbeing (designated)
• Sexual Intimacy and the Body (designated)

Optional Placement Year
• The FHES Placement Year Experience
Students must have successfully completed 100 credits at Level 5 in order to undertake placement.

STAGE 3:
• Sociology Dissertation (compulsory)
• Sexuality, Gender and Power (designated)
• Sociology of the Future (designated)
• Environment and Sustainability (designated)
• Sociology of Death (designated)
• Sociology of the Self (designated)

*Students must take the compulsory module plus four designated modules.

**Module information is quoted for 2024/25 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

The assessments on the BA Sociology course are regularly praised by our external examiners as being imaginative and varied. Assessment methods used on this course include essays, seminar portfolios, exams, internet-based exercises, group presentations, academic posters and research projects.