Sociology and Human Resource Management

BA (Hons) Sociology and Human Resource Management
Develop the skills, insights and ambition to not just understand the complexity of modern societies but to intervene in them and make a positive difference to the lives of others. Alongside this you’ll gain a contemporary perspective on human resource management and how the management of people is central to the needs of a business.

Why choose this course?

By studying this course you’ll develop the skills, insights and ambition to not just understand the complexity of modern societies but to intervene in them and make a positive difference to the lives of others. Alongside this you’ll gain a contemporary perspective on human resource management and how the management of people is central to the needs of a business.

The world we live is changing rapidly and sociology is a dynamic and evolving subject that is best placed to plot global change and how this impacts nations, communities and individual lives. Sociology at the University of Derby offers you a fantastic opportunity to develop the skills, insights and ambition to not just understand the complexity of modern societies but to intervene in them and make a positive difference to the lives of others.

How you will learn

For your Sociology modules, you’ll learn through a range of methods such as:


- lectures


- seminars


- multimedia presentations


- online collaboration


- guest lectures


- class debates.


For your Human Resource Management modules, you’ll learn through a range of method such as:


- formal lectures which will at times include expert speakers


- seminars which can be tutor-led or student-led and can include discussions critical analysis of reading, presentations, group work, debates and general problem solving, interaction with real businesses, case study analysis, computer lab work, practical analysis and formative assessment


- tutorials which are one-to-one sessions with a tutor to discuss the development of assignments


- work experience projects


- self-directed study


- video discussions with overseas partner institutions.


We place great emphasis on real world learning. We will use our academic expertise to make the links between theoretical Human Resource Management frameworks and the practicalities of the real business world. We have developed extensive links with the business community to enhance the practical focus.

Opportunities and experiences

You’ll have the opportunity to take a year long placement in a Human Resource Management setting to put the skills you’ve learned into practice in a real -world environment. Alternatively, you can choose to study a semester abroad to explore Sociology on a global scale.

Careers and employability

You'll develop the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in fields such as:


- business and consultancy


- human resource management


- personnel


- individual and organisational development


- corporate careers that involve developing performance in people


- social work


- probation


- the Civil Service


- charity work


- social research.

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, we were named Uni Compare's University of the Year 2027, and voted 1st in the UK for employability and 2nd in the UK for course quality. Not only that, but 97% of students would recommend the University of Derby*, which we can offer you industry-relevant teaching, state-of-the-art study spaces, multi-award-winning accommodation, and a welcoming, inclusive community.

*Uni Compare 2027