Sociology

The study of the relationship between the individual and society

A sociological imagination is central to how we study Sociology at Warwick. This means we are interested in developing pioneering ways of understanding the relationship between individuals and society. To ensure you have a solid, scientific and creative basis from which to develop, our degree is structured around a central spine established in years one and two, branching out into more diverse options in the final year. In the first year you take two core modules, Sociological Perspectives and Researching Society and Culture, plus two options available from Sociology or another department in the University. You will also be introduced to our Professional Skills Programme, providing comprehensive instruction in all aspects of scholarly work. In the second year you take a core methods module plus three others, and in the final year three modules plus the dissertation. The range of choices expands considerably in the honours years and whilst options vary, this includes health, food, education, youth, ‘race’ and ethnicity, gender, social theory, the state, research methodologies, developing societies, sexuality, comparative welfare states and power. It is also possible to take your second year abroad as part of one of our exchange programmes.

Sociology with Specialism

Many of our students graduate in BA Sociology but there is also an opportunity to concentrate on substantive areas of inquiry and be awarded a ‘Sociology with Specialism’ degree. This allows you to follow a particular interest that you might develop in your first year and is available in the following areas:

Sociology with Specialism in Social Policy
Sociology with Specialism in Research Methods
Sociology with Specialism in Gender Studies
Sociology with Specialism in Cultural Studies

The structure of this degree follows that of BA Sociology. However, to develop your specialist knowledge, you will select 3 of your optional modules from your dedicated area. You will also write your final year dissertation in that field.

Modules

Modules currently available in the Department of Sociology include International Perspectives on Gender, Media Sociology, Researching Society and Culture, Sociological Perspectives, Social Welfare in Britain, Social Research Methods, Social Theory of Law, Social Welfare in Britain, Transformations and Theoretical Ideas.

Options vary between courses and are subject to change.

For more details about the modules on offer at this time, take a look at the Department of Sociology website.

Assessment

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.

Student Profile: Mikey Davis, 4th year, Sociology

Mikey Davis

'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'.