Sociology

The world is faced with a number of worrying issues. Climate change is leading to increasing ecological instability, resulting in natural disasters and mass migration; deep-rooted economic issues are leading to protectionism and trade wars, deindustrialisation and rapid changes to the world of work; meanwhile precarity and rapid social change has driven the rise of radical populist movements across the globe.

These crises are global in nature but impact on local communities, including here in Wales, where we are faced with difficult social problems including poverty and social inequalities; homelessness, addiction, crime & incarceration; racism and intolerance; and extreme weather conditions such as flooding and forest fires.

Sociology can help us make sense of our rapidly changing world and the social problems we see around us everyday.

Studying for a Sociology degree at Swansea will equip you with the essential theoretical and practical foundations for understanding our rapidly changing world, as well as the tools to try to change it. You will learn about people's behaviour as social beings as well as the wider social, cultural, political and economic factors that structure our society.

On top of developing subject specific expertise in sociological theory, you will learn how to study social problems and people as a social scientist through practical training in research methods. You will learn how to generate new knowledge and information using a variety of qualitative and quantitative social research tools, from large social surveys interpreted through statistics to in-depth interviews with individuals and small groups, to ethnographic observations.
Throughout the course, you will develop excellent research, communication and presentation skills, together with the ability to analyse and critically evaluate evidence and construct arguments around the complex societal issues that affect us all.

Why Sociology at Swansea?

Based in the School of Social Sciences, you will be immersed in dynamic and interdisciplinary research and learning environment with many opportunities to build links with students from related disciplines.

Our flexible degree structure offers a wide range of foundational and specialist modules, giving you the scope to tailor your course to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study. We have particular teaching and research strengths and learning pathways in global and environmental sociology; the sociology of gender; and crime and deviance.

You will have the opportunity to undertake either a Year Abroad or a Year in Industry, allowing you to choose the pathway that best suits your interests and future ambitions. The Year in Industry can be spent in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you will need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.

Kickstart a bright future at Swansea University.

With around 300,000 residents, Swansea isn’t the biggest city this side of the Severn, but she’s got a big personality with a cost of living that’s refreshingly affordable compared to most other UK cities. Whether you like to explore the outdoors, take in a bit of culture, or anything in between, Swansea has something for everyone.

As a student at Swansea University, you'll benefit from a friendly, inclusive community and opportunities to gain skills that last a lifetime. Alongside first-class resources that include a mock court room, indoor athletics centre & virtual reality lab, you'll learn from leading academics, in a supportive and nurturing environment.

With 120 societies, 50 sports clubs and 12 months of must-see events, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy between lectures.

Whoever you are and whoever you want to be, you'll find yourself right at home in Swansea.