Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Sociology programme develops an informed understanding of how societies, communities and individual lives are shaped by social, cultural, political and technological forces. At Loughborough University, students examine contemporary social challenges while building the theoretical and research skills needed to investigate change, inequality and social relationships.

What You'll Learn:

• Sociological theories and concepts, including classical and contemporary approaches to understanding social life.

• Social research methods, covering qualitative and quantitative approaches, data analysis, research design and ethical considerations.

• Globalisation, migration, postcolonialism and the changing relationships between societies and communities.

• Inequality, polarisation, poverty, living standards, gender and intersectionality, with attention to how social divisions influence opportunities and experiences.

• Digital technologies and their effects on identities, relationships, health, inequalities and everyday life.

• Culture, consumption and public life, including how cultural practices and sociological knowledge develop and influence society.

• Contemporary issues involving health, the body, intoxication, politics, social movements and emerging social challenges.

• Independent sociological research through a final project focused on a topic selected by the student.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply sociological theories to critically examine complex social issues and explain how institutions, structures and processes influence individual and collective experiences. They will be able to select and use appropriate research methods, assess evidence, analyse qualitative and quantitative information, and recognise methodological and ethical considerations. Students will also be able to evaluate competing perspectives on inequality, culture, identity and social change, communicate research findings clearly, and conduct an independent investigation that demonstrates informed sociological reasoning.