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  1. Home
  2. Undergraduate
  3. Undergraduate Courses
  4. School of Social Sciences Undergraduate Courses
  5. Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy Undergraduate Courses
  6. Sociology with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Sociology with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

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Key Course Details

4 Year Full Time With a Classroom based Foundation Year
UCAS Code
L30F
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
CCC
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025 £ 5,760
4 Year Full Time With a Classroom based Foundation Year
UCAS Code
L30F
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
CCC - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025 £ 19,100

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Course Overview

Studying a Sociology degree will equip you with the essential theoretical foundation to understand people's behaviour as social beings, as well as the wider social, cultural, political and economic factors influencing our constantly changing society.

The foundation year of this four-year course will introduce you to the key concepts and knowledge you need to progress to the BSc in Sociology. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress onto Year 1 of the BSc. 

The foundation year (level 3) will be delivered by The College, Swansea University (TCSU). Years 2-4 (levels 4-6) will be delivered by the School of Social Sciences.

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 through to in-depth interviews with individuals and small groups.

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?

Our flexible degree structure with a wide range of specialist modules gives you the scope to tailor your course to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study. 

Sociology at Swansea is ranked:

  • Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • Top 25 in the UK Overall (Complete University Guide 2025)

YOUR SOCIOLOGY EXPERIENCE

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

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 debates in the UK and internationally. Many of our academics write your text books.

You will have the opportunity to take part in 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.

SOCIOLOGY CAREERS

A Sociology degree opens up a wide range of further study or career opportunities. Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in many different fields, including:

  • Youth work
  • Education
  • Research
  • Journalism
  • Policy development
  • Legal, police and probation services
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Ecology and Environmental Planning
  • Human Resources

Depending on the sector, Sociology graduates can expect to earn an average annual salary of £22,000, rising to £50,000 for more senior posts.

The Sociology degree can also be a gateway to further professional and vocational training in fields such as teaching and social work.

Modules

Module summary:

Modules

Year 0 (Level 3)

Entry Level 3 / Foundation Year

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Academic WritingSeptember-January (TB1)15MN-0004
Critical ThinkingSeptember-January (TB1)15MN-0005
Interactive Learning Skills and CommunicationSeptember-January (TB1)15MN-0006
StatisticsSeptember-January (TB1)15MN-0501
Principles of ICTSeptember-January (TB1)0MN-N012
Applied Critical ThinkingJanuary-June (TB2)15MN-0505
Understanding SocietyThe College - Spring Term (Jan - April)15PPS000
Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 30 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select two of the following modules.

Optional Modules 
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
GlobalisationJanuary-June (TB2)15MN-0504
Foundations of PsychologyJanuary-June (TB2)15PSY000
Welfare across the globeThe College - Spring Term (Jan - April)15PPS001
Business and ManagementJanuary-June (TB2)15MN-0002
Biology 1The College - Spring Term (Jan - April)15PPS002

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert
Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Individuals and SocietySeptember-January (TB1)20PPS111
Sociology: The ClassicsSeptember-January (TB1)20PPS112
Discovering SociologySeptember-January (TB1)20PPS124
Economics, Politics and SocietyJanuary-June (TB2)20ASP109
Sociology: Contemporary ControversiesJanuary-June (TB2)20PPS113
Foundations in Social Science ResearchJanuary-June (TB2)20SPC109

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Interrogating Quantitative Social Science MethodsSeptember-January (TB1)20PPS201
Social Problems ISeptember-January (TB1)20PPS213
Interrogating Qualitative Social Science MethodsJanuary-June (TB2)20PPS202
Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules:

Optional Modules - Semester 1 
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Investigating GenderSeptember-January (TB1)20PPS203
Devolution, Policy Making and Social ChangeSeptember-January (TB1)20SPC201
AND

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select two of the following modules:

Optional Modules - Semester 2 
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Poverty and Social JusticeJanuary-June (TB2)20ASP220
Education, Policy and SocietyJanuary-June (TB2)20ASP256
Contemporary Moral Controversies January-June (TB2)20HUP244
Social Problems II: Media, Myths and Moral PanicsJanuary-June (TB2)20PPS214
Culture as DevianceJanuary-June (TB2)20SPC202

Year 3 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

None found.

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 120 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Select 120 credits from the below optional modules. Ensure you select a balance of modules across both teaching blocks

Sociology y3 
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Social and Environmental HarmsSeptember-January (TB1)20ASC319
Gender, Crime and Criminal JusticeSeptember-January (TB1)20ASC337
The Voluntary Sector and Social JusticeSeptember-January (TB1)20ASC338
Philosophy, Mental Health and IllnessSeptember-January (TB1)20HUP308
Capitalism and JusticeSeptember-January (TB1)20PO-3325
DissertationSeptember-June (TB1+2)40PPS315
Society, Science and TechnologySeptember-January (TB1)20SPC304
Risk in Modern SocietySeptember-January (TB1)20SPC305
Understanding the sex industry: Theory, policy and practiceJanuary-June (TB2)20ASC316
Global SociologyJanuary-June (TB2)20CR-300
Social Movements, Social Policy and Social ChangeJanuary-June (TB2)20PPS319
Illegal EconomiesJanuary-June (TB2)20SPC300
Bodies in SocietyJanuary-June (TB2)20SPC302
Race and NationJanuary-June (TB2)20SPC308

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally be required to demonstrate A levels at CCC or 96 UCAS points (or equivalent) although students applying for the programme through clearing may be accepted with CCD or 88 UCAS points.

Once students have been accepted onto this programme, they will automatically continue to level 4 of the BSc (Hons) programme, subject to successful completion of level 3 (the foundation year). The pass mark for level 3 is 40%.

Students who don’t wish to continue may apply to transfer to another undergraduate programme in Swansea University or to exit with a foundation certificate.

Applications

Students will apply to the university through UCAS and will be admitted through the university admission’s process.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0.

How You're Taught

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching.

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study. 

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

Welsh Provision

No Provision

Unfortunately, there is currently no formal Welsh-medium provision on this course. If you would like to let us know that you are interested in pursuing an element of your course through the medium of Welsh, please email astudio@abertawe.ac.uk to indicate your interest along with your year of entry and we will do our best to see what is possible.

Whilst this course does not offer academic content delivered in Welsh, the University can provide you with the following, and Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you:

  • An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
  • The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
  • The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be marked in Welsh.
  • A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
  • One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
  • An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
  • Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

To learn more about the above and all the opportunities available to you through the medium of Welsh, visit Academi Hywel Teifi's undergraduate pages.

Meet Your Lecturers

Our degrees are taught by industry experts, who have real-world experience, providing them with a wealth of knowledge, which can be passed on to you.

You can find out more about our academic expertise on our staff pages.

Tuition Fees

Start Date UK International
September 2024 £ 9,000 £ 18,200
September 2025 £ 5,760 £ 19,100

Fees for full-time undergraduate UK students on classroom based foundation programmes will increase from Year 1, and in subsequent years, to the maximum regulated fee level set by the Welsh Government.

Fees for full time Undergraduate International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

  • Travel to and from campus
  • Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
  • Purchase of books or texts
  • Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

  • Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
  • Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
  • Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
  • Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
  • Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
  • Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • Academic writing
  • Maths and statistics
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management
  • Digital skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Note taking
  • Revision, memory and exam techniques
  • English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all schools. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.

Additional Information

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International students contact our International Team

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