Sociology and Human Resource Management

How can performance in people be increased? How does this have a positive effect on a business? How has the modern world developed, where is it going, and how can we bring about change for the better?   

Develop the skills, insights and ambition to not just understand the complexity of modern societies but to intervene in them and make a positive difference to the lives of others. Alongside this, you’ll gain a contemporary perspective on human resource management and how the management of people is central to the needs of a business. 

At the forefront of change 

The world we live in is changing rapidly and sociology is a dynamic and evolving subject. It is best placed to plot global change and how this impacts nations, communities and individual lives. Sociology at the University of Derby offers you a fantastic opportunity to develop the skills, insights and ambition to not just understand the complexity of modern societies but to intervene in them and make a positive difference to the lives of others. 

Putting theory into practice 

You’ll have the opportunity to take a year-long placement in a Human Resource Management setting to put the skills you’ve learned into practice in a real-world environment. Alternatively, you can choose to study a semester abroad to explore Sociology on a global scale.

What is a Joint Honours degree?

A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.

A Joint Honours degree is a great option if:

• You want to study two subjects you’re passionate about
• You’ve got a specific career in mind and want to create a tailored degree to prepare you for the future
• You want to study a new subject alongside one you’re already familiar with

The modules below indicate the range of modules you may study as part of this combination, however prescribed and optional modules will vary depending on whether you choose to study both subjects equally, or choose to major or minor in a subject. To find out exactly which modules you would study as part of your chosen combination please contact jhs@derby.ac.uk.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

For your Sociology modules, you’ll learn through a range of methods such as: 

• lectures 
• seminars 
• multimedia presentations 
• online collaboration 
• guest lectures 
• class debates. 

For your Human Resource Management modules, you’ll learn through a range of method such as: 

• formal lectures which will at times include expert speakers 
• seminars which can be tutor-led or student-led and can include discussions critical analysis of reading, presentations, group work, debates and general problem solving, interaction with real businesses, case study analysis, computer lab work, practical analysis and formative assessment 
• tutorials which are one-to-one sessions with a tutor to discuss the development of assignments 
• work experience projects 
• self-directed study 
• video discussions with overseas partner institutions. 

We place great emphasis on real-world learning. We will use our academic expertise to make the links between theoretical Human Resource Management frameworks and the practicalities of the real business world. We have developed extensive links with the business community to enhance the practical focus. 

How you are assessed

You will be assessed through a broad range of methods which allows you to demonstrate your individual strengths and abilities. These include: 

• essays 
• case studies 
• project work 
• group work presentations 
• computer-based assessments. 

You'll develop the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in fields such as: 

• Business and Consultancy
• Human Resource Management
• Personnel
• Individual and Organisational Development
• Corporate careers that involve developing performance in people
• Social work
• Probation
• The Civil Service
• Charity work
• Social research

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional information about your studies

You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Other courses you might like

• Sociology BA (Hons)
• Business Management and Human Resource Management BA (Hons)
• Human Resource Management and Entrepreneurship BA (Hons)
• International Relations and Sociology BA (Hons)
• Business Management BA (Hons)

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.