BSc/BSc (Hons)
Public Sociology
What is the nature of society and
how can we change it for the
better? This is the kind of
sceptical question that you’ll
learn how to ask – and answer
– on this course. You’ll learn how
to critique preconceptions about
social equality and justice. You’ll
embrace new ideas and schools
of thought on this intellectually
stimulating and personally
empowering course. You’ll
graduate ready to make a real
difference to people’s lives.
What are the root causes of social
injustice and inequality? How could we
change society’s perception of them, and
make the actual changes themselves?
On this course you’ll reflect upon the
ways in which sociological knowledge
can effect real change in people’s
everyday lives.
If you have an enquiring, questioning
mind and you want to understand more
about human societies, social problems,
interactions and experiences, you will
thrive here. You’ll engage with a diversity
of communities and develop a sense of
the ways in which a public sociological
imagination can meaningfully intervene in
real-world political and social events.
Many of our staff are actively involved in
social justice, and so you’ll see first-hand
how we can bring what we study to life.
This was Scotland’s first public sociology
course and we continue to be pioneering
in the way we think. Our students have
chosen fascinating and original topics to
research for their dissertations — from
womens’ reception as scout leaders to
how newspapers reported on human
rights during Brexit.
This course encourages rigorous critical
thinking on complex and challenging social
issues, opening the door to a wide range of
careers. This is the first undergraduate
public sociology degree in Scotland, in a
university ranked top in Scotland for
Sociology in the Guardian University League
Table 2019.
In Year One and half of Year Two you will
study a range of modules which will
provide you with a thorough grounding in
the key concepts, theories and schools
of thought in sociology, as well as some
modules in psychology. You will develop
a sound understanding of the historical
development and contemporary
applications of sociological knowledge.
Specifically this will include how
sociological knowledge can help us to
make sense of the public issues and
concerns which affect the communities
within which we live, as well as
understanding the philosophical debates
that underpin sociological interpretations
of the world around us. In addition,
considerable emphasis is placed on
enhancing a wide range of transferable
skills, paying particular attention to
improving your interpersonal and
presentation skills, effective reading and
writing, analytical thinking and critical
reflection, as well as a sustained focus
on the development of your research
skills.
From mid-way through Year Two until
you graduate, you’ll develop in-depth
understanding of a broad range of
substantive debates within the discipline
of sociology. You will refine your
knowledge of sociological theory,
research design and implementation,
social movements and global change,
sociologies of gender and sexuality,
sociologies of liberation, and social policy
and politics. Working closely with a
member of academic staff, you will
conduct your own independent research
project in Year Four, in which you will be
encouraged to bring together your
knowledge of sociological theories and
concepts, as well as refining your
research skills. You will develop an ability
to understand the relationship between
complex sociological theory, practical
research and contemporary public issues
and concerns. Our graduates find that
they are well qualified for a range of jobs,
further study and other life choices.
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Structure
You can opt to study for an honours
degree over four years or an ordinary
degree over three years. You will
complete a range of modules each year
as outlined.
Teaching, learning and assessment
You will be taught in lectures, seminars
and practical workshops. Outside these
timetabled sessions you will be expected
to continue learning through self-study.
You will be assessed by essays and a
variety of other ways including written
reports, presentations and groupwork.
For full details see the course entry on
our website.
Modules
Year One
Introduction to Academia & the
Sociological Imagination/ Foundations of
Psychology/ Introduction to Psychology/
Diversity, Identity & Wellbeing/ Methods
of Investigation
Year Two
Social Inquiry – Philosophy & Design/
Social & Developmental Psychology/
Psychological Literacy/ Production &
Consumption of Culture/ Engaged
Sociology
Year Three
Current Debates in Sociology/ Sociology
of Liberation/ Interaction & Social Order/
Poverty and Social Exclusion/ Social
Research – Theory & Practice/ Changing
World: Social Movement & Global
Change