Sociology BA

Course overview

Understand how society shapes human behaviour and how we live, giving you the power to challenge social injustice and inequality.

Sociology is all about making sense of society’s inner workings and how people respond to social institutions like family, education, and government. Unlocking this knowledge can empower those with the skills and empathy to make life easier for others, particularly those from marginalised or less privileged communities.

With our BA Sociology degree, you’ll delve into the deep-rooted links between people and society. You’ll explore the ever-changing social, cultural, economic and political drivers that shape our lives and make us who we are.

As you design innovative ideas to deeply layered problems, you’ll consider how classical, contemporary and emerging social ideals can shed light on issues such as crime, disability, family and gender issues, racism, and climate change. You’ll also examine social inequalities, protest and struggles over power, and explore the importance of sociology today. 

With a wide variety of optional modules to choose from, you can focus on topics that’ll suit your interests and career path, including decolonial theory, gender studies, the climate crisis and culture. By the end of your course, you’ll be able to confront the social issues holding people back and fight for a better future for all.

I chose Leeds predominantly for two reasons: its strong focus on research-led teaching and its unique position as both a city and campus-based university.

Abigail Holland, BA Sociology

Why study at Leeds?

• Excellent career prospects: 85% of students surveyed on this course are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Discover Uni).
• Join challenging, rewarding and in-demand careers: Equip yourself to work in teaching, youth work, children’s services and social work, where you’ll help safeguard vulnerable individuals.
• A world-ranked School: Build your sociology expertise in our highly-regarded School of Sociology and Social Policy alongside staff and students from across the globe. 
• Engage with expert tutors: Learn from influential academics who are helping to shape policy and hear from inspiring guest speakers.
• Study abroad: Enhance your skillset and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with a year studying abroad.
• Gain real-world experience: Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate by applying for a paid industrial work placement year.  Previous placements have included The Walt Disney Company, Just Rights for Children Nepal, and Volkswagen Group UK.
• Learning for all: Benefit from inclusive learning spaces, aligned with the themes of our research centres in gender, racism and disability.

Course details and modules

Year 1

Year 1 encourages you to think sociologically, discovering key concepts and debates within the subject and using them to question standard explanations of social issues. Core modules will introduce you to the methods and techniques of social research, and you’ll examine the processes which led to the formation and emergence of modern societies. 

Year 2

This provides the foundation for the following year, when you’ll explore the important thinkers and traditions in the history of sociology, examining social integration, power, social change, the individual, society and forms of culture, belief and consciousness. From there you’ll start to gain specialist knowledge in your chosen areas through a selection of optional modules, focusing on topics from disability studies to culture, crime and the sociology of gender. 

Year 3

In your final year, you’ll research a topic of your choice in depth to complete your dissertation, showcasing the skills you’ve gained throughout the course. Around this you’ll choose further optional modules examining issues such as interpersonal violence, class divisions and protest movements. 

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information, please read Sociology BA in the course catalogue.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Exploring the City: Local and Global Contexts (20 credits)

In this module, you’ll look at cities and urban cities from a sociological point of view. This will help you to think critically about everyday urban life. You’ll learn about the issues faced by different social groups within cities, and how local communities reflect global issues. You’ll also have the chance to develop your interests and research skills.

Understanding Contemporary Society (20 credits)

This module will give you the tools you need to study at undergraduate level. We’ll teach you about the basic concepts of social research and how to undertake it in the real world. You’ll learn how to think critically about the world around you, as well as your everyday life.

Identities and Inequalities (20 credits)

Here, you’ll examine identities and social inequalities as key subjects in sociology and social policy. You’ll also take part in contemporary debates throughout the module, and explore other important ideas in sociology.

Making Sense of Society: Reading Social Theory (20 credits)

In this module, you’ll be introduced to several core concepts and theoretical approaches in sociology. While many of us know a lot about society (because we’re an important part of it) the module will give you the ideas and perspectives to turn your knowledge into a useful critical tool.

Formations of Coloniality and Modernity (20 credits) ​​​​​​

This module sees you exploring coloniality and modernity including their key themes, how these ideas came to be formed and both classic and contemporary debates surrounding them. You’ll use decolonial thought and social theory to explore where modern societies came from, and challenge the narratives around them as well.

Year 1 discovery modules 

You will also choose 20 credits of discovery modules. 

Year 2 compulsory modules 

Sociology and Social Policy Research Methods (20 credits) ​​​​​

In this module you’ll learn more about different approaches to social research. Topics include research design, ethical issues, creating questionnaires, conducting interviews and observing participants. You’ll also have the chance to attend a series of research seminars.

Central Problems in Sociology (20 credits) ​​​​​​

This module focuses on some of sociology’s key thinkers, sharing their ideas and how they have influenced one another. You’ll also look at several ideas related to social integration including the individual and society, power and social change, and the social basis of culture, beliefs and consciousness. These are applied to more familiar topics like religion, power, authority and sexuality, among others.

Year 2 optional modules

You will choose up to 60 credits of optional modules. In previous years this has included the areas of disability studies, public policy and childhood.

Year 2 discovery modules 

You will also choose 20 credits of discovery modules.

Year 3 compulsory modules 

Dissertation (40 credits) ​​​​​

Your dissertation is an extensive piece of written work that involves research into a topic of your choice. It’s an opportunity to pursue an area you’re interested in or explore a theme from your second and third-year modules in greater detail.

Research Skills for your Dissertation (20 credits) ​​​​​​

This module will show you how to find a topic for your dissertation, and turn that into a question you can research. You’ll then choose one of five pathways through the module (based on a particular methodological approach) while helping you develop the skills to carry it out. You’ll undertake a variety of different online tasks including quizzes, guided reading, short videos and participating in moderated discussion.

Year 3 optional modules

You will choose up to 40 credits of optional modules. In previous years this has included the areas of gender, global terrorism and disability.

Year 3 discovery modules 

You will also choose 20 credits of discovery modules. 

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you gain diverse skills. These will include seminars and workshops where you can discuss in more depth the topics set out in traditional lectures. We emphasise the importance of participation, presentation skills and group work.

Independent study is also a vital element of the course, as it allows you to develop your research and critical skills while preparing for taught sessions.

You’ll also have a personal tutor. They will be on hand to offer you guidance and support on academic issues such as module choices, as well as career and personal matters.

Why choose Leeds for Sociology?

• Join a diverse and welcoming global learning community, where you’ll share cultural insights and living experiences with your peers, making you a better practitioner.
• Work together with our students and staff as we grapple with the grand challenges faced by human societies now and in the decades ahead.
• Benefit from inclusive learning spaces, aligned with the themes of our research centres in gender, racism and disability.
• Explore different ways to present your knowledge through our alternative methods of assessment, which include video ministerial briefings, research reports and assessments conducted beyond the university.

Programme team

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Modules will use a variety of assessment methods. As well as traditional exams, you could also be asked to complete essays, case study-based projects, policy briefs, group presentations, video presentations, work logs, research briefs or project proposals. In your final year you’ll also submit a dissertation project.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

We do not require A-level Sociology for this course. We welcome applicants with a broad range of A-level subjects, including non-traditional subjects.

When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be BBB at A -level and grade A in the EPQ.

GCSE: grade 4/C or above in Mathematics or equivalent.

Alternative qualifications

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer:

• BBC at A level. Applicants must also meet the University’s GCSE matriculation standard and pass the Access to Leeds module.
• For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information. lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk

BA Social Science (foundation year)

BA Social Science is a foundation year course for students who don’t meet the standard admissions requirements for an undergraduate degree.

If you feel you missed out on education and want to realise your potential, this course will give you a firm grounding in the social sciences and prepare you for one of our social science degree courses.

The course lasts four years. Your first-year acts as a ‘Level 0’ foundation year, which gives you the skills for studying social sciences at undergraduate level. It’ll also introduce you to key ideas in sociology, politics, crime, education and law.

You’ll need to pass this year to progress onto one of our three-year undergraduate degree courses in a related subject. These include BA Childhood Studies, BA Sociology, BA Social Policy, Sociology and Crime, BA Politics, LLB Law, BA Social Work, BA Criminal Justice and Criminology and many others.

Find out more about BA Social Science.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Sociology and Social Policy Undergraduate Admissions Team.

International foundation year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study a foundation year. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses. 

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £10,050

International: £27,300 (per year)

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2027/28 are £10,050.  

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement years on our tuition fees page.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about undergraduate funding.  

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

 

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our admissions guidance for common queries, information on how we will process your application, and advice on personal statements.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027

This course is taught by

School of Sociology and Social Policy

Contact us

School of Sociology and Social Policy Admissions Team

Email: ugssp@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

As a graduate, you’ll be ideally equipped to work in the public and third sector, including in the Civil Service, teaching, youth work, children’s services, probation services, social work, prison service, housing and homelessness prevention.

Many other graduates have also secured employment with some of the biggest international companies in human resources, communications management, broadcasting and advertising.

They are also well prepared for postgraduate study across a range of disciplines. These graduates have gone on to study within fields such as:

• social research
• gender studies
• disability studies
• social policy
• teacher training
• journalism
• occupational therapy
• human resources
• marketing
• social work
• criminal justice studies

My placement gave me a steer for what I want to undertake my undergraduate research on, the career path I want to pursue and, importantly, the kind of person I should aspire to be.

Abigail Holland, BA Sociology

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go well beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change. 

• Dedicated Employability Team: Meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.  
• Employability and networking events: Get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional. 
• Skills training: We embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis. 
• MyCareer system: Access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us. 
• Exclusive opportunities: Bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies. 

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title upon completion which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Work placements

Make connections, practice skills and build confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.

A work placement can be a great investment in your future:

• Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field.
• Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
• Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
• Improve your employability.
• All placements sourced by the University are paid positions
• We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.

Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.

If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.

If your application is successful, during placement, you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout.

On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Students in the Faculty of Social Sciences have recently completed placements at:

• The Walt Disney Company
• Just Rights for Children Nepal
• UK Parliament
• Volkswagen Group UK
• EDF
• Department for Work and Pensions
• Disney/National Geographic
• Pfizer UK

We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.