HE INDIGO SERVICE
Interested in Sociology?
Introduction
Academics claim that sociology is more than a subject – it’s a whole way of seeing
the world. They may just be right!!
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the analytical study of how societies interact both internally and with
each other. It looks at how societies have developed and how peoples’ beliefs,
behaviour and identity are shaped by the society in which they live. It looks at the
elements that drive society and analyses such things as the family and marriage and
the role they play in western society when compared with other third world
countries. You may study such things as industrialisation, urbanisation, inequality
and globalisation, their causes and effects. Closer to home, you may research into
such things as consumerism and whether we live in a “shop till you drop” society.
Because sociology deals with issues that the person in the street is part of and may
have an opinion about, some may see some topics covered as “obvious” – but
Sociology looks at these issues from an empirical or objective perspective rather
than an opinionated or subjective one. In so doing, statistical evidence is frequently
drawn upon.
There are also more applied but related degree courses in Social Policy or Social
Administration or Public Administration which concern themselves with the
development and role of the welfare state and alternative provision and how policies
are formed and implemented. Topics covered might be housing, health, social
security, employment policy etc
Further or alternative study is necessary to become a qualified Social Worker.
What can you do with a Sociology degree?
Graduates from a degree in sociology will not have developed specifically vocational
skills along the way (as may be the case with e.g. business management, law or
media studies but will have developed the underpinning attributes to these. These
skills will include those of research, analytical thought, formulation and defence of
an argument, effective verbal and written communication and logical thinking.
Broadly, the roles that Sociology graduates play when in relevant employment are as
administrators and managers or in research. These roles can be found in a variety of
sectors – in education, in criminal justice, local and central government in various
departments or in the voluntary sector. With additional training they may become
lecturers, teachers, social workers, counsellors or go into human resources
(personnel), journalism or law. Additionally, Sociology graduates are in a position to
apply for graduate vacancies in that 40 to 50% of posts which specify no particular
degree course subject. These posts may be in retail and sales, marketing, publishing
and consultancy, the service industries or in finance, for example.
Qualifications required for entry
Please note that the comments about grade and subject requirements below are
indicative only and may well change over time. You therefore need to check the
details about requirements thoroughly yourself for each course at each place that
interests you.
A levels
Grades and subjects needed
Amongst the more popular institutions grade requirements vary from A*AA at the
highest extreme to, more typically, between ABB and BBB. Less popular institutions
may require less e.g. CCD.
No particular subjects are specified as a requirement for entry for Sociology. English
and Maths at GCSE grade C are commonly required – but no specific A level or IB
subjects are named. A few courses loosely suggest that “a relevant subject” would
be useful.
International Baccalaureate
Points and subjects needed
40/41 points are required at the extreme highest end – but the more typical range
for more popular universities is between 30 and 36 points. Some less popular
institutions may require less e.g. 25 points
It is rare for any particular subjects to be stipulated from IB applicants for Sociology.
The range of subjects automatically covered (whichever subjects you choose) are
normally seen as sufficiently appropriate for entry to a sociology degree – and to
have studied sociology as an IB subject is not necessary.
* Note that Social Work degrees are d different from Sociology degrees in that they
involve an actual training in Social Work. Although no particular subjects are
required and grades needed are similar to those for Sociology, a CRB clearance is
also required because the practical elements of a Social Work degree will bring you
into contact with young people.
Questions to ask about studying Social Sciences
What is the value of studying a social science?
Do you have a clear idea of what sociology is about?
Have you read background material around the subject of your choice?
What central issues do you think the subject addresses?
What skills will I develop by studying a sociology degree?
Are you intellectually curious?
Do you enjoy researching, gathering and analysing relevant information?
Do you enjoy intellectual debate?
Are you aware of how social science graduates are positioned for entry to the
graduate job market?
Do I understand that a sociology degree is not a training for any particular job?
Do you enjoy communicating verbally and on paper?
What are the grade and subject requirements to enter the specific courses I am
considering?
Top 25 ranked institutions for Sociology (Guardian 2014 entry)
Rating Name of institution
Guardian
score /100
Satisfied with Career after
course (%)
6 mths
1
Cambridge
100
92
2
Glasgow
88.6
96
3
Lancaster
87.8
93
66
4
Durham
85.9
83
67
5
Warwick
85.4
92
57
6
Bristol
84.7
80
58
6
Surrey
84.7
90
65
8
Birmingham
84.1
79
73
8
Leicester
84.1
92
50
10
Sussex
81.6
95
56
11
Edinburgh
78.1
73
12
Exeter
78
92
13
Anglia Ruskin
77.5
89
54
13
York
77.5
84
57
15
Strathclyde
77.3
84
16
Newcastle
76.9
91
66
17
Nottingham
76.2
89
56
18
UEA
75.7
89
19
Loughborough
75.6
92
20
Manchester
74.6
76
21
London School of Economics
74.4
79
22
Bath
74.2
88
22
Oxford Brookes
74.2
100
24
Leeds
72.5
89
25
Aston
72
92
47
67
56
Criteria for rankings were based on student satisfaction with teaching and feedback / spend
per student / student: staff ratio/ career prospects/ value added score.
You like Sociology – but what are the alternatives
Direct links
Philosophy
Social Policy
Social Work
Social Administration
Social Science
Social Studies
Cultural Studies
Development Studies
Anthropology
Women’s Studies
Gender Studies
Population Studies
Urban Studies
Counselling
Housing Management
Health Administration
Criminology
Alternatives
Psychology
Economics
Social Geography
Geography
Politics
Government Science / Studies
International Relations
History
Heritage Studies
Population Studies
Religious Studies
Law
Business Management
Economics
Town Planning
Useful websites:
http://www.ucas.com – for applying to and to research degree and other higher
level courses
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/university guide - for full subject rankings
http://www.britsoc.co.uk – British Sociological Association
http://www.therai.org.uk – The Royal Anthropological Institute
http://www.socialworkcareers.co.uk – Social Care website
The information in this leaflet is derived from various sources. Some is original - other parts
from COA, CRAC and the Guardian newspaper