Sociology, BSc (Hons)

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Sociology

Course Overview

The world is faced with a number of worrying issues. Climate change is leading to increasing ecological instability, resulting in natural disasters and mass migration; deep-rooted economic issues are leading to protectionism and trade wars, deindustrialisation and rapid changes to the world of work; meanwhile precarity and rapid social change has driven the rise of radical populist movements across the globe.

These crises are global in nature but impact on local communities, including here in Wales, where we are faced with difficult social problems including poverty and social inequalities; homelessness, addiction, crime & incarceration; racism and intolerance; and extreme weather conditions such as flooding and forest fires.

Sociology can help us make sense of our rapidly changing world and the social problems we see around us everyday.

Studying for a Sociology degree at Swansea will equip you with the essential theoretical and practical foundations for understanding our rapidly changing world, as well as the tools to try to change it. You will learn about people's behaviour as social beings as well as the wider social, cultural, political and economic factors that structure our society.

On top of developing subject specific expertise in sociological theory, you will learn how to study social problems and people as a social scientist through practical training in research methods. You will learn how to generate new knowledge and information using a variety of qualitative and quantitative social research tools, from large social surveys interpreted through statistics, to in-depth interviews with individuals and small groups, and ethnographic observations.

Throughout the course, you will develop excellent research, communication and presentation skills, together with the ability to analyse and critically evaluate evidence and construct arguments around the complex societal issues that affect us all. 

Why Sociology at Swansea University?

Based in the School of Social Sciences, you will be immersed in dynamic and interdisciplinary research and learning environment with many opportunities to build links with students from related disciplines.

Our flexible degree structure offers a wide range of foundational and specialist modules, giving you the scope to tailor your course to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study. We have particular teaching and research strengths and learning pathways in global and environmental sociology; the sociology of gender; and crime and deviance.

Sociology at Swansea is ranked:

  • Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 8th in the UK for Student Voice*

*based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in The Times Good University Guide.

Your Sociology experience

You will be taught by an academic team who are research active and widely published, giving you the benefit of the most current social science research and debates in the UK and internationally.

We have a strong focus on employability here at Swansea. This entails developing hard, subject specific research skills via our practical research methods teaching; developing the ‘soft skills’ you will need in the workplace through groupwork, innovative formative assessments and social activities; as well as providing practical opportunities to gain insights into the world of work.

Over the course of your degree you will have the opportunity to take part in internships and work placements to build on your skills, experience, and enhance your career prospects. These placements could include local authorities, businesses, healthcare settings, education settings and charities, depending on your interests and career goals.

To enrich your learning, we offer a wide range of activities such as field trips to places of social and political interest, including the Senedd, Big Pit, the Swansea Copperjack Boat, South Wales Police HQ and Swansea Prison. We also regularly welcome guest speakers to share their specialist knowledge in workshops and seminars, giving you the chance to hear directly from professionals across the sector.

You will have the opportunity to undertake either a Year Abroad or a Year in Industry, allowing you to choose the pathway that best suits your interests and future ambitions. The Year in Industry can be spent in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you will need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.

Sociology Careers

A Sociology degree at Swansea equips you with a wide range of practical skills on top of your subject knowledge, facilitating a wide range of further study or career opportunities. Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers in many different fields, including:

  • Youth work
  • Education
  • Housing and homelessness
  • Research and academia
  • Journalism
  • Policy development and campaigning
  • Politics and government (local and national)
  • Legal, police and probation services
  • The third sector
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Ecology and Environmental Planning

The Sociology degree can also be an excellent foundation for further professional and vocational training in fields such as teaching, law and social work.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Sociology, BSc (Hons)

Sociology with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Sociology with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)