Introduction to the Sociology BA (Hons) Program

The Sociology BA (Hons) program at the University of Liverpool offers a comprehensive and critical study of society, enabling students to understand the drivers of social change and the potential directions this change may take. This program is designed to provide students with a thorough grasp of the sociological imagination and its application to real-world issues.

Course Content

The course content is divided into three years, with each year building on the previous one to provide a solid foundation in sociological theory, research methods, and social policy.

• Year one introduces students to the classic works of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, as well as 20th-century social theorists. Practical modules, such as Social Change and Social Policy in Contemporary Society I and II, examine issues like family, social class, gender, and race. An introductory module, Studying Society, covers social science research methods and ensures students are proficient in utilizing online resources by the second year.
• Year two deepens students' understanding of social theory and research methods, broadening their knowledge of society through a range of optional modules.
• Year three offers the choice to study specialist subjects in depth and develop independent learning. Students may opt for a dissertation, pursuing a topic of their choice, or choose the social policy project, combining work experience with academic rigor.

Modules

The program includes a variety of compulsory and optional modules across the three years, such as:

• Compulsory modules in year one: CONTROLLING CRIME - AN INTRODUCTION, INTRODUCTION TO CRIME AND SOCIETY, SOCIAL CHANGE AND SOCIAL POLICY IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY 1 and 2, BECOMING A SOCIAL RESEARCHER, and SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY.
• Compulsory modules in year two: QUANTITATIVE SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS, QUALITATIVE SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS, and THINKING SOCIOLOGICALLY: APPROACHES TO SOCIAL INQUIRY.
• Optional modules in year two and three cover a wide range of topics, including deviance, youth and culture, critical perspectives on social policy, and environmental destruction.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching methods include face-to-face lectures, small class sessions, tutorials, seminars, and one-to-one guidance from academic staff. Assessment takes many forms, including essays, examinations, projects, and presentations. The final degree class is based on year two and three marks, weighted in favor of year three marks.

Course Options

The program offers various options to tailor the degree, including:

• Global opportunities: Students can choose from study placements at partner universities worldwide, including a year in China or a semester abroad in countries like Australia, Canada, and the USA.
• Combined degree: Students can study Sociology as part of a combined degree, choosing from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations.
• Language study: Every student can study a language as part of or alongside their degree.

Your Experience

The Department of Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology is based in the state-of-the-art School of Law and Social Justice Building, providing a home for departmental support and student life. The university offers a range of support services, including careers and employability support, a dedicated student services team, and confidential counseling.

Careers and Employability

The program enables students to develop a range of social scientific, analytic, and communication skills, as well as transferable skills valued by employers. Graduates have gone on to successful careers in public and private sectors, social welfare and criminal justice agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the program vary depending on the student's residency status. UK students pay ｣9,790 per year, while international students pay ｣27,000 per year. The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help with tuition and living expenses.

Entry Requirements

The program has specific entry requirements, including:

• A levels: BBB, with applicants only allowed to offer one of General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or Critical Thinking.
• T levels: Considered in relevant subjects.
• GCSE: 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics.
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD in specific subjects.
• International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall, with no score less than 4.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, or equivalent.

Alternative Entry Requirements

The university considers alternative qualifications and experiences, including:

• Access to HE Diploma (Humanities/Social Science).
• International qualifications.
• Pre-Master's courses for those who don't meet the standard entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

Students must demonstrate competence in English language, with requirements including IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, Pearson PTE Academic, and LanguageCert Academic. Pre-sessional English courses are available for those who need to improve their English language skills.

University of Liverpool