Sociology

For a long time sociology suffered from the accusation of being "Mickey Mouse" - the degree most mocked by those who didn't actually know what it was. In fact sociology was once determinedly trendy; but now, recovering after years of decline, the course is appealing once again to those who are coming to appreciate the benefits of this social science.

Sociology's resurgence is, in part, due to its ability to re-invent itself and broaden its scope of study. The degree is still, essentially, concerned with the way society works, and the way social behaviour and relations and social structures and institutions affect and define people's lives, but more attention is now being paid to what you can study on the fringes of the course.

There isn't really a set nationwide syllabus, but, rest assured, you'll be introduced to a range of conceptual frameworks (and Marxist models are increasingly diffused by the introduction of other influences), as well as studying issues of social theory, key themes of social change (urbanisation, industrialisation, modernity, postmodernity, globalisation) and social identities and structures. Chances are, you'll also cover the so-called canon of social theory - the birth of sociology and famous historical works of social analysis. It is important and interesting to look at how people started to formalise social enquiry - to think about what kind of thing "society" is, to ask whether it has coherent rules of organisation, and to consider how we can learn about it.

Some degrees will introduce discussion under the broad area of inequalities - probably analysing the formation and impact of class, race, and gender. A few places will add consideration of sexuality and sexual identity, religion or youth culture. Related to these debates, there may be consideration of changing local, regional and national identities - and a larger discussion of how we place ourselves in the world. You may also cover social activity - areas such as work, leisure and family; consumption; technology; media; culture. All things that fill up a lot of contemporary life and, therefore, merit analysis.

Sociology graduates tend to go into social work, teaching, local government, or the civil service, but their analytical skills also come in useful for careers in personnel, marketing and journalism.

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