Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Sociology (Placement Year)

The Sociology degree at the University of Derby allows students to build a personalised study pathway tailored to their career aspirations, focusing on themes such as crime and justice, youth cultures, politics and social justice, or security and terrorism, or a combination of these areas. Work placement modules and field trips provide practical experience, enhancing employability and preparing graduates for a wide range of career opportunities across multiple sectors.

The programme offers students fascinating global perspectives, including the option to spend a semester at Charles University in Prague and participate in a final-year study trip. Students are challenged to think critically about key social issues, including race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, class, celebrity culture, and the spread of conspiracy theories. Real-world research projects further enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, supported by an enthusiastic and dedicated teaching team.

Students have the opportunity to undertake a placement year, allowing them to apply the skills they have developed in a real-world professional environment. Support is provided throughout the process, from finding a suitable placement to guidance during the year in industry. These placements offer valuable practical experience, helping students enhance their CVs, build professional networks, and clarify the types of roles they may wish to pursue after graduation.

The BA (Hons) Sociology at the University of Derby enables students to explore how the modern world has developed, where it is heading, and ways to create positive change. The degree provides flexibility and choice, allowing students to focus on areas such as crime and justice, youth cultures, politics and social justice, and security and terrorism, tailoring their studies to match personal interests and career goals. It encourages critical and ethical thinking about social trends, developments, and controversies, with discussion topics including social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, globalisation, digital culture, the sociology of childhood and youth, celebrity culture, social movements, political engagement, marginal beliefs, and the influence of conspiracy theories. Designed to deliver an engaging and inclusive learning experience, the course caters to students progressing directly from A-level Sociology as well as those bringing diverse skills and experiences.

Practical learning is embedded throughout the degree, with optional year-long placements at the end of the second year, opportunities for industry-related placements in the third-year Sociology in the World module, and fieldtrips within several modules that provide hands-on insight into how institutions and organisations operate while helping students develop observational research skills.