Course overview
This three-year degree equips you with the knowledge base and practical skills of a sociologist. You’ll be trained to think about the world with a clarity that employers value.
You will explore cutting-edge sociological theories and research to understand social life, the way the social world works and how it can be changed for the better. You will gain a solid understanding of sociology and learn from leading research that addresses various contemporary societal challenges, such as refugees and displacement, multiculturalism and British identity.
A wide variety of optional modules will allow you to focus on topics that suit your interests and career plans, from childhood, race and ethnicity, class and sexuality, to critical perspectives on policing and security
Your learning will be informed by the latest research from our academic staff, helping you to gain a solid grounding in cutting-edge sociological theories.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 200 for Sociology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Stage 1
You will take a set of core modules in which you will be introduced to the fundamental principles and methods of Sociology. You will learn how to think about the world with a ‘sociological imagination’, explore key social issues, and apply your learning in the field to make sociological sense of everyday life.
The programme includes an introduction to Anthropology which continues in stages 2 and 3 through compulsory and optional modules. You will also choose an additional module within sociology or beyond.
Stage 2
About half of your time will be spent studying core modules on social theory and receiving practical hands-on training in research methods.
You can then choose optional modules – on subjects such as health, childhood, anthropology, refugees and criminology – so that you can begin to shape your degree according to your interests.
Stage 3
You will specialise and shape your final year to your specific interests by only taking modules of your own choice.
You will also undertake original sociological research that you define, design and conduct in the form part of a dissertation.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You will learn through lectures and seminars – and in some modules these are supplemented with short field trips. You will devote around 10 hours a week to large and small group study, and you’ll supplement this with a maximum of 28 hours’ private study.
Skills and experience
Practical skills
Studying sociology will equip you with skills such as critical thinking, and the ability to analyse complex data and conduct social research. You will also gain communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
Throughout your degree, you will be encouraged to work independently and in groups to take on practical assignments, fieldwork challenges, hands-on workshops and problem-solving exercises. This will help you to develop skills that are highly sought after by many employers.
Business skills
In our Stage 2 career development module, you can take an assessed work placement with a local organisation such as FoodCycle or the Great North Children’s Hospital.
You’ll be specifically trained to think in a way that many types of employer are looking for. You will be able to:
- work as part of a team
- breakdown complex problems
- apply a variety of specialist research methods
- analyse data of any kind
- weigh up options
- make evidence-based decisions
- communicate well on paper and in person
Research skills
You will benefit from practical training in research methods such as ethnography, sampling, questionnaire design, statistical analysis, qualitative interviewing and focus groups.
In your final year, you will then conduct independent research into a topic of your choice and present your findings in a dissertation of 10,000 to 13,000 words.
Opportunities
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year, and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. A work placement is not available if you’re spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.
Find out more about work placements
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You may choose to spend either one or two semesters on an international exchange at a partner institution. The exchange usually takes place at Stage 3 with either the first semester (September to January) or the full year being the period of the exchange.
Find out more about study abroad
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You will be based in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology.
This is housed in the newly refurbished Henry Daysh Building, right at the heart of our city-centre campus, where you will attend lectures, take part in seminars, and have access to one of the University’s largest PC clusters.
You will also be given free access to install and use SPSS – the professional-standard software for statistical analysis.
Support
You will join a friendly community where the academics will get to know you as an individual, and there are active student-run societies for Sociology.
You will also have a student mentor to show you the ropes, and a personal tutor to help with any academic and pastoral issues.
Your future
Read what our graduates have to say about studying Sociology at Newcastle University
As a Sociology graduate, you will be specifically trained to think critically and strategically, something that many employers desire. You will be able to break down complex problems, apply a variety of specialist research methods, analyse data of any kind, weigh up options, make evidence-based decisions and communicate well on paper and in person.
Our graduates can be found working across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors – especially in fields that involve a focus on people. These include the Civil Service, education, human resources, information technology, journalism, marketing, public relations and social work.
Others choose to progress to postgraduate master’s-level courses in teaching, media studies, social research, international politics and law.
Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| ABB | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 32 points. | |
