Overview

Investigating social structures, institutional power dynamics, and the lived experiences of diverse communities is essential to understanding human behavior and driving social change. The BA (Hons) Sociology at University of Leeds provides a critical, research-led exploration of how social forces shape identity, inequality, and everyday life. Delivered by the School of Sociology and Social Policy, the curriculum combines classical and contemporary social theory with rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Students explore fundamental sociological domains—including social class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and global social change—while investigating pressing contemporary issues such as digital technology, health disparities, climate justice, and criminal justice systems. This program is ideally suited for curious, socially conscious thinkers who wish to evaluate the mechanisms of social order and advocate for social policy reform and social justice across global and local contexts.

What You'll Learn

• Fundamental concepts of sociology, classical sociological theory, and contemporary social critique

• Dynamics of social inequality, exploring class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, and age

• Qualitative research methodologies, including interviewing techniques, ethnographic research, and thematic analysis

• Quantitative research design, social data analysis, survey design, and statistical evaluation using software like SPSS

• Global sociology, postcolonial theory, transnational migration, and global development frameworks

• Sociology of media, digital platforms, technology, algorithms, and cultural production in modern society

• Specialist elective pathways covering social policy, criminology, sociology of health, climate justice, and political sociology

• Independent sociological research dissertation involving original empirical data collection, secondary data analysis, or theoretical investigation

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will possess an in-depth understanding of sociological theory, social stratification, and the structural dynamics governing modern societies. They will demonstrate the capability to design empirical social research, collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and evaluate complex socio-economic policy issues. Students build strong technical competencies in analytical writing, data interpretation, critical research design, and ethical inquiry through interactive seminars and research workshops. Furthermore, learners master the ability to articulate social arguments clearly and persuasively across written reports, policy briefs, and oral presentations to diverse audiences. Through flexible module selection and an independent final-year research dissertation, scholars cultivate the analytical precision, empathy, and research capabilities required to excel in social policy, civil service, non-governmental organizations, social research, human resources, public relations, journalism, or postgraduate academic study.