Sociology BA (Hons)

This module considers the relationships we have with ourselves (selfhood, identity), with others (families, romantic relationships, childhood), drawing on insights and research from sociology, history and cultural studies. You will explore interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives on gender, sexual orientation and identity and examine how embodiment is understood and debated from multiple perspectives.

Compulsory

Ever wondered why the chanting of 'Black Lives Matter' became a global movement? How social media became a main source of movement impacting political activism? Why activists resort to blocking motorways in England as a form of protest? Why some activists hide their identities, while others practise classic civil disobedience? This module aims to develop your understanding of social movements within historical and contemporary global contexts.

Compulsory

If a modern nation-state government had one job, it would be keeping people alive and well. This module examines health through a social justice lens, addressing global health inequalities, socio-economic divisions and the super-rich's impact on resources. It explores health patterns and determinants. Using social research tools, it critically examines health vulnerabilities, resilience, and social, political, cultural and economic contexts.

You should learn to:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of social perspectives on health and health
• critically employ a social justice lens to consider the changing nature of health and healthcare systems in national and global societies
• critically reflect on research and debates about health, illness and medicine in the context of wider social processes and their own lived experience
• demonstrate advanced skills in the ability to communicate evidence-based ideas in visual and written form.

Compulsory

Uncover the relationship between music and society, exploring social, political and economic dimensions across cultures and histories. Moving beyond a Western perspective, you will examine music as a social product and practice across diverse societies, considering identity, resistance, media influence and music’s therapeutic roles. Using interdisciplinary theories, you’ll analyse diverse global musical traditions.

You should learn to:

• analyse the role of music in shaping identity, culture and political movements
• evaluate how social divisions such as class, race and gender influence musical production and consumption
• examine the impact of media, technology and economic structures on music and society
• apply interdisciplinary approaches to critically assess music’s role in social change and resistance.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes. 

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes. 

Optional

This module critically examines how sex and sexuality are shaped, regulated and contested within society, focusing on power dynamics in public and private spheres. Rather than personal sexual practices, this module evaluates the social, legal and political forces that control and regulate sexuality. Module content also considers interdisciplinary perspectives on mechanisms of control (domestic violence) and resistance (LGBTQ and sex work activism, reproductive justice).

Compulsory

This module offers a critical exploration of social media spaces and other digital sites, focusing on how they continue to reshape societies. Trace the early history of the internet and examine contemporary social networks typified by platforms like Instagram, Reddit, X, YouTube, TikTok and Twitch. Finally, we look forward to potential futures.

Compulsory

In this module, you will consider complex questions about fan cultures and the impact they have in shaping identity, social bonds and global popular culture. Critically examine how audience communities emerge, grow and challenge—or reinforce—existing social structures, from consumerism to systems of oppression. You will analyse real-world fandom case studies using key multidisciplinary perspectives including audience theories, feminist and queer theories, and critical race theory.

You should learn to:

• critically evaluate major debates and key issues shaping the study of fandom and subcultures
• develop knowledge in theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches used to investigate fandoms and subcultures
• analyse the intersectional dynamics of access and engagement with fandoms and subcultures in today’s digital landscape
• design and conduct informed research on fandoms and subcultures, using appropriate evidence to address complex questions.

Compulsory

Discover key sociological perspectives on education, focusing on how education interacts with society, the state and the individual. You will critically engage with issues such as educational inequality, globalisation and marketisation, while examining the roles of class, race, gender, migration and citizenship. Develop analytical tools to evaluate pressing issues in education through theoretical discussions and case studies.

You should learn to:

• critically analyse the historical, philosophical and sociological foundations of education, evaluating their influence on contemporary pedagogical practices
• assess the impact of key educational policies and legislative frameworks on curriculum design, teaching methodologies and student outcomes
• examine the role of technology in education, evaluating its implications for pedagogy, learning environments and student engagement
• evaluate the relationship between education and social inequalities
• develop a critical understanding of pedagogical theories and instructional strategies, applying them to diverse educational contexts.

Compulsory