Program Overview

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BSc Sociology with Placement Year

The BSc Sociology with Placement Year degree at the University of Reading is designed to explore the social processes that shape modern societies. This program investigates the social dynamics that influence and drive social order and transformation in today's world.

Overview

Throughout this degree, students will engage with current issues, challenging both their own and others' ideas, while gaining valuable paid work experience to enhance their CV. The first year critically explores how sociological approaches can be used to explain contemporary societies, social order, and change, focusing on social difference, stratification, and recent shifts in British society.

Engage with Current Issues

In the second and third years, students will have the opportunity to explore topics that interest them the most, such as:

• Gender
• Race
• Class
• Inequality
• Criminal justice
• Social policy
• Religion
• Crime

Gain a Multi-Subject Perspective

At Reading, students will use diverse perspectives to analyze the complex dynamics of today's world. Modules cover a range of topics, including:

• Criminology
• Psychology
• History
• Law
• Politics

Professional Placement

The program includes an integrated professional placement between the second and third years, enhancing employability and building a network. The successful placement program provides hands-on experiences and transferable skills, helping students stand out in job applications.

Learn from Experts

Students will learn from active researchers whose work has real-world impact and directly informs their teaching. For example:

• Prof. Vicki Harman researches the changing nature of family life, social identities, and food consumption in women's prisons.
• Prof. Harmonie Toros investigates the feasibility of nonviolent responses to terrorism and political violence.

Supportive and Empowering Teaching

Learning takes place in lectures and small, interactive seminar groups, fostering a supportive environment to develop students' own ideas, discussions, and debates. Students will build skills in evaluating different perspectives and gain confidence in presenting ideas persuasively.

Real-World Modules

Optional modules bring studies to life, relating to what is happening outside the classroom, such as:

• Global Justice
• Modern America Culture and Counter-Culture
• The Media, Society, and Politics
• Gender and Politics
• Green Criminology: Environmental Crime and Climate Justice

Entry Requirements

• A Level: BBB
• International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Structure

The program is structured over four years, with compulsory and optional modules each year. Compulsory modules include:

• Contemporary Social Problems
• Thinking Sociologically
• Gender, Race, and Class: Social Differentiation and Stratification
• British Society

Optional modules vary by year and may include topics such as inequality, global justice, introduction to political ideas, and crime and the media.

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: Ł9,790 for 2026 entry
• New international students: Ł25,850 for 2026/27
• Placement year fees: 15% of the usual tuition fee for that year

Careers

The program prepares students for a wide variety of careers or further study, building strong research, analytical, and communication skills. Careers support is available, including help with CV writing, placement applications, and interview techniques. Graduates can pursue careers in civil service, teaching, social work, social research, journalism, and media.