Bachelor of Arts - Sociology (Including Placement Year) (L306)

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.

Students can also undertake a placement year in which they gain relevant work experience within an external business, giving them a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing them with key contacts within the industry. Students will be responsible for finding their placement, but with support and guidance provided by both the department and the Employability and Careers Centre.

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.