Overview

Whether the interest lies in understanding individual behaviour or large-scale social change, sociology examines how society is structured and how it develops through critical engagement with the major social and political issues of our time. The BA (Hons) Sociology at Durham University explores the relationship between individual people and the wider cultural and institutional contexts within which they live, joining a dynamic learning community that includes internationally recognised experts working on collaborative local, national and international projects. Drawing on this expertise, the course examines key social issues affecting everyday life, including education, employment, health, criminality, race, gender and digital technologies, alongside the historical and contemporary concepts that define sociological thought. Students learn to design and carry out sociological research through structured projects in the second and final year, with the option of a placement with a local community organisation to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. Teaching combines lectures, small-group seminars, research-based workshops and individual supervision, with increasing responsibility and independence as students progress. The course suits students genuinely curious about the forces shaping society, who want to use their sociological training to contribute to positive social change.

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What You'll Learn

• Classical sociological theory, tracing how foundational ideas developed through refinement and critique

• Social research methods, including how to produce, analyse and interpret different kinds of data

• Cultural processes and identity formation in contemporary, digital societies

• Power, rights and justice in globalising contexts, drawing on sociological and criminological perspectives

• Modern and contemporary sociological theory, grounded in conceptual and empirical analysis

• Applied research skills through a self-designed group research project

• Specialist option modules spanning topics such as sociology of health, crime, education and social policy

• A final-year dissertation project on a topic of your own choosing

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse how societies are structured and how they develop, drawing on classical and contemporary sociological theory. They will be equipped to design, conduct and interpret social research using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, having built these skills progressively across the degree. Through applied research projects and a final-year dissertation, students will develop the ability to investigate real social issues and communicate well-supported, evidence-based conclusions. Graduates will leave with strong analytical, research and communication skills, well suited to careers across social policy, the charity sector, government, education, journalism and a wide range of other people-focused professions.