BSc (Hons) Sociology
- UCAS code: L300
- Mode of study: Full time
- Duration: 3 years
- Entry requirements 2013: 240-300 points from 3 A levels or equivalent.
- Please see details of the range of other qualifications that will also be considered on the 'Entry Requirements' tab below. Please do contact us for advice on other qualifications that aren't listed here.
Find out more:
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 8299
Email: humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
Department: School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies
Course overview
The popular BSc (Hons) Sociology pathway begins with core units that provide a solid foundation in the subject. At this initial stage and further on in your studies you will focus on core aspects such as major theoretical perspectives in sociology, including classical theories and other more recent ways of theorising, ways of researching the social world, and areas of major concern in sociology such as risk and society and social inequalities and social change.
As your studies develop into your second and third year you'll have the chance to study further options from areas such as food, animals, or violence in society, as well as more specific sociology-based topics such as sociology of culture, urban sociology or consumer society. The course can be taken in a full-time mode of attendance, during the day.
We expect to recruit a variety of students who may offer different sorts of qualifications or demonstrate evidence of competence or ability to succeed on the programme.
Placements
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work / research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies. The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to learn to express this to potential employers.
Course content
This honours degree course in Sociology is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the theory and methodology of the discipline and its application to the analysis of social phenomena. The course facilitates the development of both students' independent study and collaborative work. It offers students the chance to make real choices in the balance of their studies through the option programme and the dissertation.
Stage 1
You will study topics such as sociological analysis, social research, theories of social life and families in society. You will also study subjects that Portsmouth considers essential to your future learning and career such as study skills and employability skills.
Stage 2
You will study core units such as classical sociology, risk, social research, work, employment and society and globalisation.. You will also be able to choose from a range of options such as Deviance and social problems, urban sociology, emotions and social life and a foreign language. Much of the knowledge and skills gained in studying these topics are transferable to post-University careers.
We prepare students for their final year dissertation through a Research Management programme which introduces students to a range of research methods and skills. This is complemented by a Careers programme orienting students towards considering their future careers.
Study abroad
It is possible to take part in an exchange programme during stage 2 at Moorhead State University in the USA.
Stage 3
In the final year of your course you will study core units such as the transformation of modern societies and the sociology of culture You can also choose from a range of options such as animals in society, food and culture, Young people and society, Consumer society and War and violence. You will also undertake a dissertation which is a major piece of individual work where you have the opportunity to research in detail part of the course that has interested you most.
Teaching and assessment
Our teaching approach involves lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Students will be expected to participate fully in group discussions and group projects. They will also have hands on experience in Computing.
The learning experience for undergraduates is different from pre-degree study and we address this issue by teaching the skills necessary for degree level work through study skills tutorials in the first year. Tutorial support continues in following years, focusing on careers and employability and the production of a dissertation.
A wide range of assessment methods are employed, including seminar participation, essays, tests, projects (both individual and collective) examinations and a 10,000 word dissertation. The final degree award is determined by the overall performance of students in units at in years Two and Three.
Career prospects
Throughout the Sociology degree the student develops key transferable skills that can enhance employability. Graduates from this degree programme pursue careers in a wide variety of professions including: teaching and lecturing; advertising and marketing; the media; banking and financial services; local government; business administration; personnel management.
The course provides a sound academic basis for careers in commerce, industry and the service sector. Honours degrees also enable students to undertake postgraduate research or to complete specialised professional training. Sociology students have the opportunity to develop both various skills relevant for future employment and also transferable social and life skills.
Facilities and features
Over the last four years, the University has invested substantially in its teaching facilities. Our teaching rooms at Milldam are equipped with multimedia and audio-visual facilities. In addition, we provide quiet rooms, a dedicated IT teaching room and IT facilities.
The School has a large archive of documentary films in its multimedia resources area and the University library is currently undergoing significant investment and expansion to further enhance the range of resources available to you there.