Sociology [with Foundation Year]

Discover how humans shape and are shaped by the world they live in, and prepare for careers in policymaking, community development or social change.

Explore what shapes societies and individual lives, the relations that connect individuals, groups and institutions within societies and the ones that divide them. You’ll look at the work of classical sociologists, and discover how sociology is changing in response to contemporary global issues like race, media and the digital age.

You’ll also study social research methods and learn to apply them to your own work, researching, pitching and evaluating an idea that could make a positive contribution to society.


• Join a course that scored 93% for ‘Freedom of students to express ideas, opinions and beliefs’ in the National Student Survey 2024



• Specialise with optional modules including intoxicants and society, global feminisms, cybercrime, ‘woke’ wars, and digital methods



• Conduct your own research, gaining practical experience and insight into different approaches



• Learn from expert sociologists - our sociology research was awarded 'world-leading' impact in the Research Excellence Framework 2021



• Take an optional placement year in a governmental organisation, NGO, charity or social enterprise – wherever suits your career aims



Careers

Our Sociology degree will equip you with transferable skills in independent, creative, critical and analytical thinking, and research methods like interviewing, group discussions, and statistical analysis.

You’ll have the chance to conduct your own community or workplace research, gaining valuable practical experience and insight into different approaches to social issues.

Our optional modules will allow you to focus on your own career goals, with topics including cybercrime, ‘woke’ wars, the impact of alcohol on society, modern media, violence, and feminism.

Teaching

In Year 1 you’ll learn about foundational and current knowledge and research in sociology, including what connects and divides individuals, groups and institutions, and how sociology helps us understand the past and predict the future.

In Year 2 you’ll explore theories from key sociological thinkers and what they tell us about modern societies, as well as looking at how migration and schooling systems affect society and individuals.

Finally, you’ll complete a major research project on a topic of your choice and learn methods to communicate your research, as well as examining science’s relationship to sociology, and the issues of racism and global feminism.

At ARU, you’ll be supported from day one with wellbeing services, money advice and careers guidance to help you through university and beyond.

Their courses are built around the skills and experience employers value. ARU are proud to be in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (TEF 2023), and ranked #1 in the East of England, and #8 in the UK, for UG graduates in senior roles 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). You'll have access to fantastic facilities thanks to £95m of investment - think SuperLabs, TV studios, law courts, mock hospital wards, gaming studios and more.

Wherever you're heading, ARU will help you get there.