Why study Sociology? Why Newcastle?
Widen your horizons, challenge yourself and the world around you
Studying Sociology is a transformative experience. We offer:
- an established and well-regarded degree that will help you to progress academically, cultivate your passion for understanding the social world, and gain valuable skills for life
- dedicated teaching that will challenge you to widen your horizons and expand your creativity, empowering you to see the real world in a more critical light
- a solid foundation for whatever future path you choose – even those you haven’t yet imagined
Understanding the real world
Sociology...
- ...means thinking critically about the world around us, looking beneath the surface to explore the social and political context that shapes our lives
- ...is for students who are curious and open-minded, willing to critically examine the collective ideas, shared behaviours and social forces that shape our everyday lives, and explore societies and cultures different from our own
- ...stimulates the 'sociological imagination', cultivating the intellectual, moral and creative capacities that make for active and engaged citizens
Taking teaching seriously
Teaching staff at Newcastle are open, approachable and passionate about our specialist subjects. We pride ourselves on our diverse staff group, our excellent teaching and support, and the high quality of our internationally recognised research.
Our expertise and commitment will give you a firm foundation in the subject and enable you to pursue a wide range of subjects that spark your interest.
At Newcastle you don't simply learn Sociology, you do sociology - in your third year you will work on an independent research project with hands-on support from an experienced supervisor.
We rank 8th nationally for our teaching in the National Student Survey, helping to put Newcastle University 12th in the Sunday Times League Table. Sociology at Newcastle ranked 1st nationally for the organisation and management of our degree programmes.
Achieving the perfect balance
Our subject area is just the right size – big enough to provide a stimulating and varied learning environment, small enough for us to know our students individually.
You will become part of a supportive academic community that will nurture your talents and help you balance study, social life and personal development.
In recent NSS surveys students praise staff for their enthusiasm. Staff have received high scores for their availability when students needed support and for making the subject interesting for several years running.
Taking you where you want to go
Our degrees in sociology will prepare you not only for the world of work, but for the rest of your life.
As well as excellent teaching, our degrees offer you opportunities to study abroad, tailor your studies to meet your needs, take a work placement module and really decide where you want to go next.
We can help you develop the skills that make a difference in the changing world of work, including analytical thinking, communication skills and independent enquiry.
Our graduates work in a wide range of fascinating and worthwhile professions and jobs all over the world.
What our students say
"As a graduate in Sociology at Newcastle University, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the best and most inspiring academics one would hope to come across. The content of the course challenged the very perceptions I had of society and the basis on which I held my beliefs." (Kirsty Morrin, BA Sociology 2010). To read testimonials from our current students, see the student profiles feature.