Sociology with Foundation Year

• Build your own study pathway to match your career aspirations, focusing on themes like crime and justice, youth cultures, politics and social justice, or security and terrorism – or a combination of these
• Work placement modules and inspirational fieldtrips will boost your employability: studying Sociology opens up exciting career opportunities in many different sectors
• This degree offers fascinating global insights with the chance to spend a semester at Charles University in Prague and to undertake a final-year study trip
• We will challenge your thinking about subjects such as race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, class, the cult of celebrity and the spread of conspiracy theories
• Real-world research projects enable you to translate theory into practice, supported by our enthusiastic and supportive teaching team

Sociology course video

Dr Andrew Fergus Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, talks about what our Sociology degree and how students will benefit from studying this course.

“I loved the idea that I could get a degree that covers many areas of interest and not restrict me to one subject. It has opened up so many opportunities for me; I have been to Berlin and Geneva as well as having chances to work with valuable companies and organisations which have cemented my future career decisions”. Chloe Bradbury, BA (Hons) Sociology.

Would you like to explore how the modern world has developed, where it’s going, and ways to bring about change for the better?  While we all have our own ideas about society, our BA (Hons) Sociology helps you build a more accurate picture of the dramatic and diverse changes influencing our lives today.

With flexibility and choice at its core, this degree is structured around the key avenues of crime and justice, youth cultures, politics and social justice, and security and terrorism. It means you can choose to focus on the combination of topics which match your personal interests and career aspirations.

We encourage you to think critically and ethically about social trends, developments and controversies. You will find yourself discussing highly topical issues such as social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, globalisation, the impact of the digital era, the sociology of childhood and youth, the cult of celebrity, social movements and political engagement, marginal beliefs and the influence of conspiracy theories.

The degree is designed to deliver an engaging and enjoyable learning experience for all students from the outset – for those progressing directly from A-level Sociology and for those who bring other skills, knowledge and experiences to their studies.

Hands-on learning

At the end of your second year, there is an option for you to take a year placement in industry, in an occupation of your choice. Our Sociology in the World module in your third year also provides you with an opportunity to underake a placement alongside your studies. 

Fieldtrips also feature in a number of modules so that you can see how institutions and organisations work ‘on the ground’, developing observational research skills to use in your own projects.

Expert teaching

The BA (Hons) Sociology is taught by a team which includes experienced researchers whose work is shedding new light on some of the most pressing issues facing our society.

They are recognised for their expertise in research areas such as social policy, childhood and war, extremism and counter terrorism, conspiracy theory, humour and society, politics and social movements, Marxism and social theory. They regularly publish their research findings, and deliver conference papers internationally.

As a Sociology student, you can take part in regular guest lectures and departmental research seminars delivered by leading professionals and eminent academics from other institutions.

Real-world research

We give you a thorough grounding in research methods, fieldwork, data collection and the analysis of statistics. Through your independent study module, you will have the chance to conduct in-depth research into the sociological themes that have most captured your interest.

By the end of your degree, you will have developed skills in applying research findings to practical uses, together with the ability to analyse arguments and the confidence to justify your opinions.

Study overseas

The focus of the BA (Hons) Sociology is international in scope and you will have every opportunity to look at the key sociological questions facing communities worldwide. This includes the chance to challenge your perspectives by studying overseas.

We offer you the opportunity to spend a semester in the lively Czech capital of Prague as part of our partnership with Charles University. You may also have opportunities to go on field trips to bring your learning to life. Such experiences make an impressive addition to your CV, showcasing your resourcefulness, confidence and willingness to embrace global outlooks.

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

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.

As a BA (Hons) Sociology student, you’ll learn through:

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

We are determined to keep things fresh and interesting, and involve projects that include the close reading of music videos, the design of your own conspiracy theory, the production of wikis and an extended final year piece of research in which you showcase your sociological interest in a topic of your choice.

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
• online discussions

Who you’ll meet

We pride ourselves on being approachable, welcoming and supportive. A personal tutor will help and advise you throughout your degree, providing an exceptional level of support which has been commended by external examiners.

The teaching team is made up of specialists with expertise in a wide range of modern social issues including economic inequalities, religion, the family, culture, gender, media, crime, politics, ethnicity, terrorism, childhood, health, social policy, extremism and alternative beliefs.

They include:

• Dr Helen Brocklehurst - Programme Leader Senior Lecturer in Sociology
• Dr Phil Burton-Cartledge - Lecturer in Sociology
• Dr Sung-Hee Lee - Lecturer in Sociology
• Dr Andrew Wilson - Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology
• Dr Rachel Rafferty - Lecturer in Sociology

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2025/26

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

Additional costs and optional extras

Because the BA (Hons) Sociology delivers such a broad spectrum of skills and insights, it is no surprise to find our graduates excelling in a wide variety of careers where critical thinking, analytical know-how and research abilities are valued. 

Our graduates have used their degree to become teachers, lecturers, social workers, probation officers, civil servants, social researchers, business owners, marketeers, counsellors, charity workers, and community officers – to name but a few roles. They have also found work in retail management, public relations, banking, welfare advice, accountancy and systems analysis.

A growing number of our graduates secure competitively funded places on postgraduate courses too, especially in the fields of social work and teaching.

Further study

You could consider taking your studies to the next level, and if you have a particular interest in research, our MRes Social Sciences and Humanities enables you to undertake an original research project in a specialist area of your choice.

As a graduate of the University of Derby, you can benefit from a 25% Alumni discount on your postgraduate course fees. Terms and conditions apply

“I have been able to immerse myself into a world of research and study in areas that I am passionate about. I really respect every academic who has taught me. They are very approachable and have a great sense of humor which is so important when doing a course as intense as a Masters.” Danielle Roe, MA Social and Political Studies.

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.

Additional information about your studies

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.