Sociology

Sociology is the discipline that examines how human societies are organised, how power is distributed within them, how culture shapes behaviour and identity, and how social structures produce inequality, conformity and change. It develops your ability to look beyond individual behaviour to the social forces and institutional arrangements that shape people's lives, and to analyse social phenomena with the rigour of a social scientist. Studying sociology equips you with critical awareness of the world around you and the conceptual and methodological tools to investigate it systematically.

At Aberystwyth University this four-year full-time degree includes an integrated year studying abroad between your second and final year, giving you the opportunity to experience a different educational and cultural environment as part of your degree. This international dimension is built into the structure of the programme, providing a year at one of Aberystwyth's partner institutions in Europe or further afield. You will study Aberystwyth's sociology curriculum across three years in Wales alongside that international experience, developing your theoretical grounding in sociological thought and your practical skills in collecting, analysing and presenting sociological data.

The discipline's breadth ensures you engage with a wide range of social phenomena and analytical frameworks.

Graduates from Sociology degrees go on to careers in social work, community development, public health, policy research, human resources, education and journalism. Others find roles in the voluntary and charitable sector, government, market research, international development and organisations concerned with equality and social justice. The research skills, critical thinking and social awareness the degree develops are valued across virtually every professional field that involves understanding and working with people and communities.

For those wishing to continue their studies, the degree provides excellent preparation for postgraduate work in sociology, social policy, criminology, social research or related disciplines.