Program Overview

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Sociology with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

Studying a Sociology degree will equip you with the essential theoretical foundation to understand people's behaviour as social beings, as well as the wider social, cultural, political and economic factors influencing our constantly changing society.

The foundation year of this four-year course will introduce you to the key concepts and knowledge you need to progress to the BSc in Sociology. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress onto Year 1 of the BSc.

The foundation year (level 3) will be delivered by The College, Swansea University (TCSU). Years 2-4 (levels 4-6) will be delivered by the School of Social Sciences.

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 through to in-depth interviews with individuals and small groups.

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 University?

Our flexible degree structure with a wide range of specialist modules gives you the scope to tailor your course to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

Sociology at Swansea is ranked:

• Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
• 8th in the UK for Student Voice

Course Structure

The course is divided into four years, with the foundation year providing a comprehensive introduction to the key concepts and knowledge required for the BSc in Sociology.

Year 0 (Level 3)

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Academic Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
  • Statistics
  • Principles of ICT
  • Applied Critical Thinking
  • Understanding Society
• Optional Modules:
  • Choose exactly 30 credits from:
    • Globalisation
    • Foundations of Psychology
    • Welfare across the globe
    • Business and Management
    • Biology 1

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Individuals and Society
  • Sociology: The Classics
  • Discovering Sociology
  • Economics, Politics and Society
  • Sociology: Contemporary Controversies
  • Foundations in Social Science Research

Year 2 (Level 5)

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Interrogating Quantitative Social Science Methods
  • Social Problems I
  • Interrogating Qualitative Social Science Methods
• Optional Modules:
  • Choose exactly 20 credits from:
    • Investigating Gender
    • Devolution, Policy Making and Social Change
  • Choose exactly 40 credits from:
    • Poverty and Social Justice
    • Education, Policy and Society
    • Contemporary Moral Controversies
    • Social Problems II: Media, Myths and Moral Panics
    • Culture as Deviance

Year 3 (Level 6)

• Optional Modules:
  • Choose exactly 120 credits from:
    • Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
    • Philosophy, Mental Health and Illness
    • Capitalism and Justice
    • Dissertation
    • Black Mirror Sociology: Technology and Society
    • Risk in Modern Society
    • Understanding the sex industry: Theory, policy and practice
    • Social and Environmental Harms
    • Global Sociology
    • Social Movements, Social Policy and Social Change
    • Illegal Economies
    • Bodies in Society
    • Race and Nation

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

• A level (or equivalent) typical offer: CCC
• BTEC: MMM
• UK Access: minimum of 45 Merits from Level 3 subjects
• T Levels: Pass
• Mixed Qualifications: 96 UCAS tariff points from 3 highest qualifications
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points

How You're Taught

At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods, carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course.

Welsh Provision

Unfortunately, there is currently no formal Welsh-medium provision on this course. However, the University can provide support for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh.

Meet Your Lecturers

Our degrees are taught by industry experts, who have real-world experience, providing them with a wealth of knowledge, which can be passed on to you.

Tuition Fees

• Start Date: September 2025
  • UK: ｣5,760
  • International: ｣19,100
• Start Date: September 2026
  • UK: ｣5,760
  • International: ｣20,050

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme.

Careers and Employability

The Careers and Employability Team will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as academic writing, maths and statistics, critical thinking, time management, digital skills, presentation skills, note taking, revision, memory and exam techniques, and English language skills.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now UK, EU and international students.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled.