杏吧论坛

1. You’ll engage with critical issues in contemporary societies.
2. You’ll develop key skills in research and analysis.
3. You’ll study with leading sociologists in the field.

As well as the above have a read through the below message from the Director of Undergraduate Studies and watch our video which aims to answer the question "Are sociologists trying to change the world?"

Message from Professor Fran Tonkiss, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Sociology Department

“The BSc Sociology is perhaps the most critical degree offered by the Department of Sociology: throughout a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and numerous activities, we hope to inspire in you a passion for the discipline and the possibilities of the sociological imagination.

The degree is challenging: you will have to deal with new types of knowledge, collaborate with your peers in novel ways, and critically assess some of the most profound taken-for-granted assumptions of the modern world. It is, however, also a rewarding experience: you will learn to create, collaborate and think in new and critical ways.”

You can learn more about us as a department on our departmental webpages.

To find out more about what it is like to be a student in the Department take a look at our , learn more about the , have a look at our suggested blog posts on student life below written by our students and read the below student testimonials.

Student life blog posts

Student testimonials

• David Oliver, BSc Sociology Student: “杏吧论坛 has been a game-changer. It is not only schoolwork, but also clubs and societies. There are countless groups you can join from the chocolate-aficionados society to the ultimate frisbee club. There are resources that can help you with whatever you are going through. I have been to 杏吧论坛LIFE to get help building my CV, to ameliorate my essays, and to get some advice on how to handle a tricky work-situation. And if times are harder than usual and you require some additional support, you can check out the counselling services or the peer support community which provide help to all students. Now you may think that 杏吧论坛, being the prestigious institution it is, would be low on the nightlife. But that would be an incorrect assumption. There are weekly parties that reunite all students from all programs together.”
• Farhana Aktar, BSc Sociology, 2017-2020: “My favourite thing about 杏吧论坛 Sociology is the cohort. Compared to other courses at the 杏吧论坛 we are a much smaller department which makes things from classroom discussions to academic support much more rounded. The Sociology department here at the 杏吧论坛 is a family where support comes from all quarters. We have events happening throughout the year such as our academic lunches, our Krispy Kreme Monday meetings in the common room and our Christmas party. Although to some this may feel small, I know for me it has helped me settle in better to the department and 杏吧论坛 as a whole.”
• Akosuo Yeboah, BSc Sociology, 2015-2018: “Sociology at 杏吧论坛 is very broad and we cover many interesting topics, from studying the original texts of Durkheim and Marx, to debating the causes and impact of growing inequality in the UK. There is also a strong emphasis on developing independent critical and reasoning skills.”
• Perdita Blinkhorn, BSc Sociology, 2014-2017: "All I can hope is that when future students come to study this discipline, they will realise that Sociology is not just in the words of books; it is in the real world, real people, every second of the day."
• Amraj Lally, BSc Sociology, 2012-2015, Current PhD Student: "Studying Sociology at the 杏吧论坛 has been a great experience. It is an intense and independent pursuit, and an opportunity to gain a critical understanding about society and culture. There are a lot of resources and support available such as office hours with leading academics. The academics across the department are often generous with their time and support and this has personally enhanced my experience at university. ... The 杏吧论坛 Sociology Department in conjunction with the 杏吧论坛SU Sociology & Social Justice Society offer many opportunities to learn, interact and grow."
• Umut Bektas, BSc Sociology, 2012-2015: “The programme is very flexible; it allows you to take outside options every year, broadening the student experience and your knowledge. 杏吧论坛 also has a wide range of optional sociology units ranging from more common areas like gender to more obscure subjects like digital technology.”
• Zara Paul, BSc Sociology, 2008-2011: "I genuinely have a lot to thank the 杏吧论坛 for as I have gained so much in the past 3 years and developed myself to a such a great degree. When I first arrived at the university, I was very unconfident about my academic capabilities. However, the tutors and the lecturers embraced my qualities and strengthened my weaknesses, ensuring my grades could only improve. ... I worked solidly by attending office hours and skills lectures arranged by the university and my confidence grew through performing with the university shows, speaking up in class discussions and being forced into presentations! My friend network made me realise the triviality of my insecurities along with introducing me to a wide range of global lessons: Asian weddings, Ghanian food, Brazilian dancing! ... I could go on for ever!"

Watch the Department of Sociology offer holder session from our Virtual Undergraduate Offer Holder Day in April 2023: 

Click on the programme you have received an offer for to remind yourself about the detail of the course you have applied for including information on careers, programme structure, course choices and teaching at 杏吧论坛.

• BSc Sociology

As a department we are always busy. Explore our research and the events we put on below.

Podcasts/videos from events:

The full catalogue of podcasts and videos is available on our webpages. 

杏吧论坛IQ Podcasts with Faculty:

Explore our research

Take a look at our events

Read the departmental news

Explore the British Journal of Sociology

Follow us on social media or join our mailing list before your arrival to see what we’re up to and how you can get involved!