Sociology and Human Resource Management

Sociology and human resource management is a combination that addresses two of the most important dimensions of organisational and social life. Sociology equips you to understand how societies are structured, how inequalities are produced and reproduced, how culture and institutions shape behaviour, and how change happens at scale. Human resource management focuses on the management of people within organisations, covering recruitment, development, employee relations, wellbeing, and the ways in which HR strategy shapes organisational effectiveness.

Studied together, these disciplines give you both a critical lens for understanding social structures and a practical framework for operating within them.

At the University of Derby, this three-year, full-time degree includes a foundation year for students who benefit from additional preparation before entering degree-level study, and a sandwich year that gives you the opportunity to undertake a substantial work placement in a relevant organisational context. Work placements are embedded throughout the course, enabling you to develop professional experience alongside your academic learning. You will examine modern societies through sociological theory and empirical research while also gaining a grounded understanding of HRM practice, employment law, organisational behaviour, and people management.

A typical entry tariff of 104 points means the programme is accessible to students from a wide range of educational backgrounds.

Graduates of this combined degree are well placed for careers in human resources, people management, organisational development, equality and diversity, social research, policy, and public services. Many go on to work in HR departments across the private, public, and voluntary sectors, while others move into social research, community development, or roles in equality and inclusion. Postgraduate study in HR management, organisational psychology, social policy, or sociology is a well-travelled route for those seeking to specialise or pursue professional qualifications.