Program Overview

Sociology and Education (BSc)

Overview

The Sociology and Education (BSc) program is a three-year, full-time course that explores sociology in various contexts, including globalization, education, social media, culture, and consumption. This interdisciplinary social sciences context allows students to develop a deep understanding of the social, historical, political, economic, and developmental contexts of education.

Subject Area

• Subject area: Social sciences
• UCAS code: 8J46
• Next intake: September 2026
• Duration: 3 years
• Mode: Full time

Why Study This Course

• A year abroad or on placement to gain experience and expand horizons.
• Research-led, with support from research-active staff and the opportunity to apply skills in a dissertation project.
• Exploration of sociology in context, including globalization, education, social media, culture, and consumption.
• Examination of debates around classroom practice and their relation to wider societal issues.
• Placement opportunities with the help of a dedicated Employability and Placement manager.

Course Structure

This course consists of 120 credits per year. The final degree classification is based on grades achieved in years two and three.

Year One

• Six compulsory 20-credit modules introducing key ideas, research, and skills needed for success at university.
• Modules include:
  • Understanding and Solving Educational Problems
  • An Introduction to Education
  • Introduction to Social Science Research
  • Key Ideas in Social Science
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Becoming a Social Scientist

Year Two

• Five core modules, with the option to choose an additional module from across the disciplines, including a credit-bearing placement module.
• Core modules include:
  • Social Research Methods
  • Sociology of Education
  • What Happens in Schools: Assessing Policy in Practice
• Optional modules cover a range of topics, including children and childhood, contemporary inequalities, and social practice, policy, and innovation.

Year Three

• Consolidation of knowledge, with the opportunity to explore topics relevant to future career aspirations.
• 40 credits from the Sociology portfolio, 40 credits from the Education portfolio, and a 40-credit dissertation project.
• Optional modules include:
  • Radical Education
  • Work and Skills in the 21st Century: an international perspective
  • International and Comparative Social and Public Policy
  • Equality and Social Justice in a Globalised World

Entry Requirements

• A level: BBB-BCC, with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ typically receiving an offer one grade lower than the standard offer.
• International Baccalaureate: 31-29 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.
• Baccalaureate Wales: Accepted in lieu of one A-Level, excluding specified subjects.
• GCSE and other essential requirements: English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent.
• English language requirements: IELTS (academic) at least 6.5 overall, TOEFL iBT at least 90 overall, PTE Academic at least 69 overall, or Trinity ISE II/III with at least two Distinctions and two Merits.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

• Fees for home status:
  • Year one: Ł9,535
  • Year two: Ł9,535
  • Year three: Ł9,535
• Fees for overseas status:
  • Year one: Ł24,700
  • Year two: Ł24,700
  • Year three: Ł24,700

Additional Costs

• Investment in key textbooks and basic printing/photocopying costs.
• Potential costs for study abroad or placement, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses.

Learning and Assessment

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, independent study, and self-directed learning.
• Assessment formats include individual and group assignments, coursework, presentations, and exams.
• Feedback is provided on assessments and learning, with opportunities for formative and summative feedback.

Careers and Placements

• The program encourages thinking about life beyond university, with modules and support to give students a competitive advantage.
• Placement or study abroad opportunities are available, with the option to extend studies to a four-year program.
• A dedicated Employability and Placement Manager offers advice on work placements, internships, and enhancing CVs.

Studying in Welsh

• Up to 33% of the course is available through the medium of Welsh.
• Contact the Admissions tutor for more information.