Overview:

The Sociology BA (Hons) at the University of Sheffield examines how people, groups and institutions interact within changing societies. The course develops an informed understanding of social structures, inequality, theory and research, helping students examine how wider forces shape everyday experiences and social change.

What You'll Learn:

• Sociological approaches to society, social relationships and major forms of social organisation

• Social divisions and inequality, including the influence of class, race and gender

• Key ideas and debates in classical and contemporary social theory

• Methods for investigating social questions through surveys, interviews, observation and other research approaches

• The relationship between inequality, justice, inclusion, exclusion and social policy

• Contemporary issues such as migration, family and welfare, crime, digital society and decolonisation

• Critical analysis of sociological literature, evidence and competing explanations

• Independent investigation of a sociological topic using appropriate research and analytical methods

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to explain and critically assess major sociological concepts, theories and debates. They will be able to distinguish sociological explanations from common-sense assumptions and apply sociological perspectives to contemporary social issues. Students will also be able to formulate research questions, select suitable methods, consider ethical issues, analyse evidence and communicate findings clearly. Through engagement with theoretical and empirical material, they will develop the ability to compare different interpretations of social life and evaluate their strengths and limitations. The course also supports students in connecting individual experiences with broader patterns of social relations, institutions and inequality, while developing a critical understanding of how societies change and how collective or policy responses can address social problems.w and Sheffield School of Architecture.