University Course Information - Social Sciences - Sociology

Entry requirements

Undergraduate: grade requirements vary between universities but most require BCC or higher.

Postgraduate: most universities require a good honours degree in a social science discipline.

PhD: You should normally have a Master’s degree in a relevant subject area.

Skills gained

The ability to study the behaviour of people and their relationships and linking them to academic concepts and theories already develops important skills. Sociology will also give you the chance to enhance and gain skills such as:

• The ability to investigate
• Research and problem solving skills
• Communication skills
• Carry out preliminary sociological research
• The ability to compose and analyse sociologically informed questions

Career Options

Completing a degree in sociology opens doors for you in such diverse sectors such as:

• Health services
• General administration and management
• Media
• Further & higher education institutions
• Retail and leisure industries

For many graduates, their first employment position is a ‘stepping stone’ job to gain relevant experience that may be necessary to enter career areas such as social work. Others decide to work in positions that are a grade lower than those on a graduate programme. Either way there are plenty of opportunities whether you work in the social field or if you decide to branch out. Many sociology graduates also decide to take up postgraduate study in qualifications including sociology, social work, counselling, community education and law. It is also possible to study towards a PhD once you have finished your Masters degree.