Department of Sociology

Studying Sociology gives you the opportunity to observe, analyse and describe complex social themes, through a focus on historical, comparative and contemporary perspectives on social change in a global world. You will develop important transferable skills that are highly valued by employers such as: quantitative and qualitative research methods, critical analysis, advanced capabilities in oral and written communication, project management and team work.

Why Study Sociology At Warwick?

A degree in Sociology at Warwick means three years at one of the country’s top departments. An outstanding provider of teaching and learning, we also have a first rate environment for cutting edge research. Our undergraduate programme is designed and informed by high-calibre academics, producing arguments, theories and ideas that are published and discussed around the world. We also encourage our students to become active members of this lively research culture.

We consistently top the league tables, always in the top ten, and are currently ranked 2nd for teaching in the Independent.

We have around 30 staff with a strong global and international focus to our teaching, research and student body.

Our staff are well-known internationally, as scholars and advisers on key aspects of public policy. They work on a variety of topics – for example, social theory, youth culture, media, social policy, health, population, ethnicity, gender, international development, education and science – in order to inspire and sustain a vast range of intellectual and academic interests. This provides undergraduates with the opportunity learn about, and pursue their own research, across a diverse and exciting range of specialist fields of study.

Mikey Davis

Student Profile: Mikey Davis,

4th year, Sociology

'Sociology at Warwick is simply incredible. The course structure allows students to tailor their interests to their degree and that was certainly one of the greatest appeals when deciding where to study. From gender studies to the welfare systems of Britain, Sociology at Warwick has everything a candidate with a desire to develop their breadth of knowledge could ask for.

The ‘cherry on top’ however, is the opportunity to go on an ERASMUS exchange. Last year I departed for Helsinki to further my studies and this was undoubtedly the best experience I have ever undergone. Discovering a new culture, new people and exposure to foreign academic strategies was invaluable, and promoted the qualities sought by employers'.

You will be taught through a mixture of traditional and more innovative methods, including undertaking your own research, and there are opportunities to publish this through the Warwick-based journal, Reinvention: a journal of Undergraduate Research.

Although single honours students enter the same Sociology degree, we offer a range of later specialisms that can be incorporated into your final degree title.

How Will I Be Taught?

You take four modules in each year and teaching is via lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, group work and independent study. In year one you will have 10–11 hours of formal contact time each week, helping you adjust to University life, and thereafter usually 8 hours each week. Seminars are in smaller groups of 15–17 students and you will be working alongside some of our joint honours students, giving you the chance to make friends across complementary disciplines. We have a strong personal tutoring system and staff have weekly office hours for individual consultation.

How Will I Be Assessed?

To support your assessment, you will submit class essays during the year and receive extensive feedback. This builds toward your end of year assessed essays and examinations. In the honours years (second and third) you also have some choice about methods of assessment and can take up to 50% of your degree by assessed work. In the final year you write a 10,000 word dissertation on a sociological topic of your choice, with one-to-one supervision from staff. This prepares you for the needs of working life by consolidating core and transferable skills, as well as supporting further academic study at MA and PhD level.

What Opportunities Are There To Study Abroad?

Each year there is a study visit abroad, which in the past has taken us to Athens, Barcelona, Brussels, Budapest, and Florence. All students have the option of spending a year at a University in continental Europe under the Erasmus scheme, between your 2nd and 3rd year. This will add a year to your overall period of study and you will thus complete your degree in 4 years. Students will typically be expected to have completed at least Level 3 (or equivalent) in the target language prior to studying abroad; you can take language modules in years 1 and 2 to reach this level, which can count towards your degree if you choose.

What Careers Can A Warwick Degree In Sociology Lead To?

Recent graduates have gone into journalism, social work, teaching, NHS management, marketing and communication, local government, banking and finance, the arts and postgraduate study in the UK and abroad.