Sociology - BSc (Hons)

The BSc (Hons) in Sociology is a four-year full-time course that provides ideal preparation for a wide range of careers in which students can contribute to improving people's lives. This course is unique in Scotland, with public sociology as its underpinning ethos and practice, emphasizing engagement and collaboration with non-academic groups to address real-world issues.

Course Overview

• Duration: 4 years full-time
• Start Date: September 2027
• Location: On campus at Queen Margaret University
• Study Abroad: Yes
• School: School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management
• Division: Psychology, Sociology and Education
• Subject Area: Psychology and Sociology
• Fees & Funding: 2027/28 Undergraduate fees
• UCAS Code: L400
• SCQF Level: 10

Course Structure

The course is structured to provide students with a broad range of stimulating and empowering topics, opportunities for work- or volunteer-based learning, and participation in community-engagement projects. Students will examine how social processes and institutions shape people's everyday lives, considering ways to challenge, understand, and overcome social problems and ethical dilemmas through public policy and social action.

Year One

In the first year, students will:

• Establish a basic grounding in academic studies of humanity and society via a focus on sociology, with psychology and education.
• Develop an appreciation of the sociological imagination and introduce core aspects of sociological theory, research, and social relevance.
• Focus on enhancing a wide range of transferable skills, including interpersonal and presentation skills, effective reading and writing, analytical thinking, and critical reflection.

Students will study the following modules:

• Humans in the World
• Introduction to Sociology
• Developing your Academic Voice
• Being Human
• Classical & Contemporary Sociology
• Methods of Social Enquiry

Year Two

In the second year, students will:

• Continue to develop their in-depth understanding of a broad range of substantive debates within the discipline of sociology.
• Gain an understanding of the relevance of sociology to public discourse and contemporary social issues.
• Broaden their understanding of, and foundational skills in, social research design and the ethical generation of knowledge.

Students will study the following modules:

• Responding to the World
• Engaged Sociology
• Exploring Research
• Race, Colonialism and Decolonisation
• Culture and Society
• Professional Challenge

Students may have the opportunity (subject to availability) to study for one semester at an overseas university.

Year Three

In the third year, students will:

• Encounter, evaluate, and utilise different philosophical and political perspectives that underpin progress and constraint in society today.
• Develop critical sociological analytical approaches and an understanding of public sociology as a distinctive approach.
• Meet the challenges of an increased workload with a greater emphasis on self-directed learning, time-management, interpreting and presenting different forms of data, and becoming familiar with a range of qualitative research approaches.

Students will study the following modules:

• Sociology of Work and Organisation
• Current Debates in Sociology
• Class, Poverty and Inequality
• Interaction and Social Order
• The Organic Intellectual
• Qualitative Research Skills

Year Four

In the fourth year, students will:

• Work closely with a member of academic staff to design and carry out their own original, independent research project.
• Put their specialist sociological knowledge into context and practice and reflect upon community engagement and/or social impact informed by the sociological imagination and the sociological knowledge and skills developed over the course of the programme.

Students will study the following modules:

• Dissertation
• Sociology of Scotland
• Social Policy in Comparative Practice

Options may include: Sociology Now; Gender Justice: Feminist Approaches; Sociology of Education; Sociology and Environmental Justice; Queer Feminist Sociology in Action; Applied Reflective Professional Practice; Disability and Society; Radical Film.

Entry Requirements

• Scottish Higher: Standard BBBB, Minimum BCCC
• A Level: BCC
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H3 H3
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points
• International: IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5
• Required subjects: A literary subject such as English, Psychology, RMPS or History is required at Higher. English is required and Maths is preferred at Nat 5/GCSE level at grade C/4 or above.

Careers

Graduates will leave with a deep and varied understanding of sociological theory, research, and application, as well as the social sciences more broadly. They will have an appreciation of local, national, and global social issues and be empowered and equipped to contribute to addressing such issues. QMU alumni who studied sociology have gone on to work in academia, activism, advocacy, charities and third sector organisations, community work, creative writing, education, journalism, local government, marketing, NHS management, research, policy development, social enterprise, and social work.

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Students will be taught in lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, as well as having opportunities for work-based learning and community engagement opportunities. Outside timetabled sessions, students will be required to continue learning through self-study. Students will be assessed in a variety of ways, including essays, written reports, podcasts, presentations, research papers, reflective diaries, and group work.

Placement

Although there is no formal requirement to participate in a placement as part of this degree, the university provides students with opportunities to experience work-based learning and participate in community-engagement projects as part of their studies. The university has strong links with a wide range of voluntary sector organisations with whom they collaborate in providing students with work-based learning experiences.

Exchange Opportunities

In Year Two, students have the opportunity (subject to availability) to study for one semester at a university overseas.

Queen Margaret University

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Overview:

Queen Margaret University (QMU) is a public university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is known for its person-centered and career-focused approach to education and teaching, with a commitment to shaping a better world. QMU boasts widely recognized expertise in various fields, including business, creative industries, education, health and rehabilitation, and social sciences.

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Services Offered:

QMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Learning Facilities:

Library, IT services, remote access, Canvas, QMU Portal, ePortfolio

Student Support:

Careers and Employability, Students' Union, QMU Sports Centre, Clinics, Accommodation, Finance Office

Campus Life:

Eat and Drink on Campus, QMU Online Shop, Blogs, Ask a Student a Question

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

QMU provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can expect:

Community Feel:

An airy and bright campus with a strong sense of community.

Student Services:

Ready access to student services, food outlets, accommodation, sports facilities, and social spaces.

Beautiful Grounds:

A beautiful campus with plenty of outdoor spaces for relaxation and socializing.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Person-Centered Approach:

QMU focuses on individual student needs and career development.

Career-Focused Education:

The university emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience.

Renowned Expertise:

QMU has a strong reputation for research and innovation in various fields.

Supportive Campus Environment:

Students are provided with a welcoming and supportive community.

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Academic Programs:

QMU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Study:

Various undergraduate degrees across different disciplines.

Postgraduate Study:

Master's degrees and postgraduate research opportunities.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD):

Short courses and online programs for professional development.

Online Learning:

100% online master's courses for flexible learning.

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Other:

• QMU is committed to social justice and nurturing individuals while promoting collective support.
• The university actively engages with the community through outreach programs and events.
• QMU has a strong international presence with a diverse student body and partnerships with institutions worldwide.
• The university is undergoing a transformation of its teaching and learning spaces to enhance the student experience.