Sociology

Sociology is the systematic study of how human societies are organised, how they change, and how the structures and norms that shape social life are produced and reproduced. It asks why inequalities persist, how institutions such as schools, families, and governments function, and how social identities including class, ethnicity, gender, age, and sexuality shape the opportunities and experiences available to people. It is a discipline that combines theoretical ambition with a commitment to evidence, and one that provides tools for thinking critically about the social world.

The three-year full-time Sociology programme at York St John University, which is also available with a foundation year, develops your analytical skills by investigating the challenges societies face and focusing on topical social and cultural issues. You will study social theory, deepening your understanding of contemporary society by engaging with the major intellectual traditions that have shaped sociological thinking. Throughout the course you will examine existing and emerging social divisions such as class, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, and identities, and develop critical reflections on popular media and social discourses.

A sandwich year, year abroad, and work placement options mean you will have multiple opportunities to apply your learning in professional and international settings, which enriches both your academic development and your employability.

With a typical entry tariff of 104 points, the programme is accessible to a broad range of students who want to question and understand the world around them. Graduates pursue careers in social work, community development, education, public policy, human resources, market research, the civil service, journalism, and the voluntary sector. Many also go on to postgraduate study in sociology, social policy, or a professional qualification in social work or teaching.