Semesters 1 & 2

Compulsory

Sociology Project Dissertation

Through this module students undertake a project of sociological research on a topic of their own choosing. With the support of an academic supervisor and a programme of dissertation workshops, they show a detailed understanding of their chosen topic through the application of relevant knowledge, theories and concepts acquired throughout the course and through their own independent study. Students will demonstrate their ability to conduct social research with rigour and to communicate their ideas with clarity and precision.

Optional modules

Contemporary Issues in Sporting Cultures

The aims of the module are for students to develop a critical understanding of the practice and policy of contemporary sport cultures. There is an explicit link with the multi-disciplinary approach to social sciences taken at part A and the more sociologically driven modules in part B.

Semester 1

Compulsory

Sociological Futures

The module aims to introduce students to how futures are studied through sociological perspectives and encourages students to consider their own futures as social scientists. Students will apply the latest developments in sociological thinking and research to understanding and explaining emergent challenges and risks facing global society in regards to `futures in diverse fields such as science, technology, politics, art and activism.

Drawing on contemporary case studies and topics, the module addresses emergent challenges and risks facing global society, looking at the roles that `futures play in science, technology, politics, art and activism. In addition, the module will prepare students for the ongoing use of a range of sociological skills in their future careers. In the course of the module, students will develop research and analytical skills through encouragement to draw on a diverse range of resources, including film and TV, print and social media, as well as academic texts.

Consumption, Culture and Everyday Life

The aim of the module is to allow students to develop knowledge and understanding of key theoretical perspectives and empirical approaches to the sociology of consumption and culture. Emphasis is given to the diverse ways in which culture and consumption are experienced in everyday social life. As such, particular prominence is given to how social divisions such as gender, class and ethnicity shape consumption preferences and cultural practices.

Optional

Forensic Psychology

The aim of this module is for students to understand and evaluate critically the contribution made by psychologists within criminal, legal, and forensic settings.

Youth Justice

The aims of this module are to develop a critical understanding of definitions, explanations and responses related to youth crime and youth justice.

Languages

Two 10-credit modules from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications.  Languages offered are:  French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and must carry on from a language taken in the second year.

Semester 2

Compulsory

Gender, Sex and Society

This module introduces students to main themes and perspectives within the sociology of gender, with an emphasis on contemporary feminist and intersectional analyses of how societies, groups and individual lived experiences are gendered within different social contexts. Students will engage with theoretical perspectives and empirical analyses.

Optional

Race and Racism in Modern Society

The aim of this module is to enable students to examine concepts of 'race' and racism from a sociological-historical perspective and to critically reflect on 'race' as a major category of social inequality and identity in our Contemporary World. The module encourages students to explore the social construction and applications of the idea of race in the development of Western society, and identify intersectionalities between race and other categories of social inclusion and exclusion in Modern Society.

Poverty, Pay and Living Standards

This module offers an overview of possible ways to understand poverty, pay, and living standards as well as the conceptual and empirical associations between them.

This module aims to:

  • Introduce some of the main approaches to conceptualise and measure poverty and living standards.
  • Assess the relationship between income, salary, wages, and poverty.
  • Consider the role of social policy in addressing poverty and improving living standards.

University-wide Language Programme

This is a 10 credit module from the University-wide language programme.