Bachelor of Arts - Sociology (Including Year Abroad) (L301)

In this University of Essex course students explore why individuals, groups, and cultures are the way they are, and examine why they might be different. Essex investigates what connects people with each other, as well as what divides them. Essex considers every aspect of human daily lives, from how they relate to politicians, celebrities and friends, to how they define themselves, their families, and others. Students study topics ranging from digital media and society, to psychiatry and mental illness, to Japanese culture, to the art, film and personal testimony of war. Essex has a large and friendly department, offering a range and diversity of specialisms including: social divisions, inequality, the nature of work and commercial culture, culture, identity, and subjectivity, public policy regarding health, the environment, crime and aging, citizenship, multiculturalism, and human rights.

Education extends beyond the university campus. Essex supports students in expanding their education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of their partner universities. The four-year version of the degree allows students to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course. Studying abroad allows students to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden their degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that they are mature, adaptable, and organized.

Students also have the opportunity to complete a supervised dissertation on the topic that most inspires them, encouraging students to think differently and connect with live issues and debates, and preparing them for their graduate career. Essex's Department of Sociology was rated top 10 in the UK for research quality and ranked 7th in the UK for Sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020.

A good sociology course, especially one from a recognized centre of excellence like Essex, can open many doors.

Sociology students are in demand from a wide range of employers in a host of occupations, including local and central government, NGOs, social work, market research, project management, fundraising, auditing, marketing, case-work, youth and community work, voluntary sector management and lobbying.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including: The Institute of Public Finance, Guardian Professional, United, and Synergy Healthcare Research.