School of Government and Society
BA Sociology – Frequently Asked Questions
Course name: Sociology BA
Department: School of Government and Society
UCAS Code: L300
Admissions Tutor: Justin Cruickshank
We live in a dynamic, diverse and ever changing world. Sociology at
Birmingham is an excellent place to develop a sociological
imagination to understand the challenges and opportunities we face.
1) What can I expect to learn about
whilst studying for this course?
The key theoretical traditions and empirical
research tools used in sociology, plus
knowledge of a host of key contemporary
issues such as the increasing importance of
information technology in everyday lives and
the development of identities in a multicultural
society.
2) What A-level/BTEC subjects do I
need to have in order to study this
course?
Any A levels (except for General Studies). A
level in Sociology is not required. The
required entry grades are ABB.
3) How is the course delivered? How
many hours of contact can I expect to
have in a week, in each year of study?
There are six modules to study each year in
the first and second years. Each module has
one 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour seminar
each week. In between the lecture and
seminar, students research a topic that will
be discussed in group work in the seminar. In
the third year there are four modules, each
with a lecture and seminar . Additionally, you
will complete a 10,000 word dissertation
which contributes towards two modules.
Students have an individual supervisor to
guide them through the dissertation.
Each tutor has three Feedback and
Consultation hours per week where students
may seek one-to-one advice on study related
matters.
4) What are the career destinations of
graduates from this course?
Students go into a wide range of careers
where their analytic and problem-solving
skills are of use. These include:
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Investment analyst
Business assistant
School teaching (following a PGCE)
Manager in the entertainment industry
Event manager
Social Worker (following an MA in Social
Work)
Self employed sole trader of a green
cleaning company
Banking advisor in the graduate training
scheme of a bank
Lecturer at RMIT (the Royal Melbourne
Institute of Technology) University
Managing director of a teacher training
company
5) Why should I study Sociology at
Birmingham?
By undertaking a Sociology BA at
Birmingham, you will benefit from:
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A carefully designed programme,
developing in complexity and choice as it
progresses, with a strong theory and
methods core plus specialist options.
A programme small enough that staff get to
know you as an individual (and with a
sense of community) but also part of a
much wider School with the resources to
provide activities such as:
An active Staff-Student Committee
Visiting high profile speakers (academic
and public figures) chosen by students
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Student Conference
Research Assistant Scheme
Internships
Tailored careers support
1-1 Dissertation supervision
Three hours dedicated office hours for
each staff member
Detailed electronic essay feedback
6) What other activities does the
department offer (outside of my
degree) in order to enhance my
experience of studying at
Birmingham?
As a student at Birmingham, whether
undergraduate or postgraduate, you have the
opportunity to take part in a wide range of
events, with some or all of the costs paid for
by the department. Some of these are
targeted to help you build skills and
experience for your CV, others are more
open events designed to expose you to highlevel speakers on current debates relevant to
all Sociology students.
Recent events have included high-profile
speakers visits (such as David Miliband, John
Bercow and Alistair Darling); an annual
Undergraduate Conference, organised by
students and the chance to take part in trips
abroad .
For further information please visit:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/
government-society/teaching/
enhancing-student-experience/
www.birmingham.ac.uk/sociology