Newcastle University

Sociology BA Honours
UCAS Code: L300 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

If you are curious about the social forces that shape people’s everyday lives and keen to learn about cultures and societies very different from your own, this is the degree for you.

Sociology means thinking critically about the world around us, exploring social institutions, social change, and the social dynamics that shape identities and interactions.

With support from expert and enthusiastic staff, you can:

• gain a solid grounding in sociological theories and research methods
• develop expertise in areas of interest to you
• develop transferable skills including critical thinking, analysing complex data, and oral and written presentation skills

Quality and ranking

Sociology at Newcastle ranks in the top 200 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Teaching and assessment

Research shapes the content of our degrees and makes sure that your study programme covers the most up-to-date theories in sociology. Some of our research areas include:

• the changing nature of identities and cultures in contemporary society in relation to a range of social relationships and issues
• the social and ethical implications of the life sciences, such as public understanding of science (including genetics and food modification) and living with a chronic illness
• contemporary social change

Your work is divided between lectures and seminars, with around 10 hours a week devoted to large and small group study. You will be expected to supplement this with a maximum of 28 hours’ private study. In Stage 3, you undertake a dissertation on your topic of choice that accounts for a third of your time. 

Assessment methods vary but generally include a combination of essays, examinations, projects, dossiers, presentations and poster presentations. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module; more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the opportunity to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study exchange abroad in Stage 3 in places such as:

• Denmark
• Germany
• Italy
• Norway

Many of our partner institutions teach in English, so fluency in the language of your host institution is not essential.

School of Geography, Politics and Sociology

As a sociology student at Newcastle, you will be based in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology in the Daysh Building.

You will become part of a lively and diverse academic community. Our subject area is just the right size – big enough to provide a stimulating learning environment, small enough for us to know our students individually. Our student-led Sociology Society also organises a busy programme of events throughout the year to help you get to know people from all years.

Visit the School's website to find out more about:

• our current students by reading about why they chose Newcastle and how they're finding studying here
• the Sociology department at Newcastle
• what it’s like to be a sociology student at Newcastle from one of our current students who recorded her activities over a couple of days