Course overview
This programme focuses on how people experience living within a changing world. The key feature is that students can combine a firm grounding in social science theory, knowledge and analytical techniques with the opportunity to pursue arts-based courses in all three years of their programme. Exciting possibilities open up: developing existing interests or trying something new; constructing a degree that focuses on a set of related issues, or enjoying diversity. Combining skills and knolwedge from the social sciences with methods and materials from the humanities, you will develop your understanding of a range of contemporary issues such as:
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What effect does the media have on society?
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What is the significance of new patterns of religious affiliation?
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Is consumerism a form of genuine self-expression or subtle oppression?
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Is the tabloid press just entertainment or a serious political force?
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Do we live in a celebrity culture?
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What role do social movements play in an Internet based society?
The course attempts to answer these important questions drawing on knowledge from social theory, philosophy, history, linguistics, theology, and politics, as well as sociology and cultural studies.
Year one
In the first year, you will study aspects of cultural sociology through a series of case studies covering topics such as globalisation, the city, contemporary culture, and changing patterns of employment. In tutorials, you will explore significant traditions and ideas in the discipline of cultural sociology.
Year two
Year two will develop your understanding of the theoretical and methodological foundations of your subject. We encourage you to explore these through core modules focusing on the philosophy, politics and design of research, cultural theory and media and popular culture. There is also some space for optional modules for more specialised study.
Year three
Year three provides the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge through researching and writing a dissertation on a topic of your choice. There will then be a choice of elective modules which allow you to specialise in your areas of interest.
Entry requirements
A levels: AAB-ABB
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 (including 6.0 in any element)
TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)
Alternative qualifications
Mature applicants, including those on Access courses and those with alternative qualifications are especially encouraged to apply.
For details of alternative qualifications accepted, please see the alternative qualifications page or contact the School.
Notes for applicants
Studying abroad - under the Erasmus scheme, we have links with English-speaking universities in Europe and under the Universitas 21 programme, you are eligible to apply for a place to study in Australia, Canada or Singapore.
Modules
The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.
Typical year-one modules
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Investigating Social Worlds
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Understanding Contemporary Society
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Social Worlds and the Sociological Imagination
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Social Problems and Policy Responses
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Culture in Contemporary Society
Typical year-two modules
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Introduction to Cultural Theory
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Knowing the Social World: Paradigms and Practices
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Research Design and Practice
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Media and Popular Culture
Typical year-three modules
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Dissertation in Cultural Sociology
Typical optional modules
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Belief, Spirituality and Religion
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The Body, The Self and Others
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Families and Social Divisions
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Sociology of Traditional and Developing Societies
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Culture and Power
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Tourism, Identity and Risk
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Ethnicity and Everyday Life
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Gender and Media
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Urban Life and Social Theory
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Military and Militarization in Western Societies
Skills and careers
When you come to graduate you will have an understanding of cultural theories and concepts and how they apply to the world. This will help you adapt to the changing world around you as you leave university and take up employment or further study.
In addition to the subject-specific knowledge that you will build throughout the programe, you will develop key, transferrable skills that are in high-demand by employers. These include written and oral communication, IT skills, statistical analysis, time management and motivation, critical evaluation and team work.
We support our students' employability through careers talks and events and a dedicated Careers Coordinator. Your academic and personal development will also be facilitated by your Personal Tutor, who will be both your academic tutor and provide pastoral support.
Average starting salary
The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the School of Sociology and Social Policy was £16,991.30.*
*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.