Join a vibrant community of staff and students who enjoy focussing on crucial and fast-developing areas such as the impact of new technologies, environmental crises and health inequalities.
for Teaching Quality in the UK, within Sociology
for Student Experience in the UK, within Sociology
First for jobs
The University of Worcester is first in the UK for sustained employment, further study or both, five years after graduation (excluding specialist institutions) - Longitudinal Educational Outcomes Survey 2024.
Overview
What shapes the world we live in and how do we influence it in return? On the University of Worcester sociology degree you’ll critically explore these big questions, examining how societies function, evolve and adapt. This course invites you to question assumptions, uncover hidden inequalities and imagine solutions to today’s most pressing social challenges.
From issues like gender, race and class to contemporary debates about the environment, technology and social justice, this degree tackles the complexities of modern life. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how power and inequality shape everyday experiences and global systems alike.
As you study, you’ll develop practical skills in research and analysis, exploring qualitative and quantitative methods to make sense of the world around you. You'll work closely with a supportive teaching team who bring a wealth of expertise and real-world insight to your learning.
This course is more than just an academic journey—it’s an opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills that prepare you for a meaningful career. Whether you aspire to make a difference in your community, influence policy, or lead in your chosen field, Sociology at Worcester provides the foundation to make it happen.
Our blog post 'What is Sociology?' highlights the exciting and original research done by our students.
"Best decision of my life so far was choosing to study Sociology at the University of Worcester. Thank you to the whole department for being so inspiring and caring and preparing me for the next challenge."
Course content
In your second and third year you can choose optional modules to match your interests and career ambitions.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and developments in the field, as well as feedback from students and employers. Therefore, modules do occasionally change to keep the course up-to-date and relevant. Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest and it is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Careers
We help you plan for your future career from the first year, with our Sociology in Practice module. You’ll also gain practical experience through placements and hands-on projects, to ensure you graduate with real-world insights and a competitive edge.
This sociology degree could be the first step toward your career as a:
- Social researcher
- Community development worker
- Teacher
- Police Officer
- Civil servant
- Youth Worker
- Charity officer
- HR officer
- Journalist
- Marketing manager
- PR officer
If you do choose to become a teacher you can train to teach with a one-year Primary or Secondary PGCE at Worcester.
If you’d like to learn more about the study of sociology and the careers it can lead to, please read the British Sociological Association’s Discover Sociology leaflet.
Course highlights
Teaching and assessment
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of guided lectures, independent study and one-to-one tutoring sessions.
There are no exams in sociology-coded modules, instead we focus on building your research and communication skills through essays, book reviews, case study analyses and presentations.
Teaching and assessment contents
In Sociology you will be taught through a combination of interactive lectures, student-led seminars, and workshops which focus on fostering independent research, assessment writing skills, graduate employability, and lifelong learning. The Sociology team places specific emphasis on providing close tutor support in encouraging you to become an independent learner.
Case studies
Melissa Higley
After finishing her degree in Sociology and discovering issues she was passionate about throughout her studies, Melissa Higley now hopes to take that further and make a difference with a career in law. Melissa is staying on at the University to do a Masters in Law.
“I think it was Sociology that made me want to go into Law,” said Melissa. “It was a great stepping stone because it showed me the problems with issues of inequality, poverty, feminism, education and political issues, and then I decided I wanted to be in a position to help people affected by these issues. So, providing legal representation seemed a good fit for me. It's a great access course for students who want to go into law but don't have an undergraduate Law degree.
Katy Small
“My time at the University was engaging and inspiring; it allowed me to decide what I hope to do for a career and to develop as an individual both academically and personally,” she said. “The support from tutors and staff was great, especially big thanks to the Sociology staff who often went above and beyond.”
Katy is now about to start a part-time MRes in Sociology, focussing on the creation of an ideological ‘Other’ using language within 21st Century US political discourse. “I very much hope to continue this research into a PhD and continue my academic career into further research and teaching,”
Marcus Garner
Marcus, age 24, is now continuing his studies at the University to complete a Research Masters degree in Sociology (MRes) towards a career in academia.
“I felt both sad to finish my course and proud to graduate,” Marcus said. “I worked hard, and I am excited to continue my studies in Sociology and conduct my own in-depth research into masculinity and men’s health.”
I loved my time at university, the staff on the Sociology course are all exceptional, they made the course so enjoyable, current, relevant and instilled an enthusiasm in me for the subject which helped me push myself as far as I could.
Thea Harrhy
Sociology at the University of Worcester was an incredible and personal experience. There was an exciting range of module options that I could choose to engage with. My experience was well rounded as a result and I felt like I could pursue my interests through these modules. I felt supported every step of the way by all of the lecturers that taught me. The course has given me plenty of opportunities to develop the skills that I have required in my current Primary Teaching Degree. We were given opportunities to work with others, develop our presentation skills and our communication skills. The lectures and seminars alike, called for our input and this created a welcoming atmosphere throughout the cohort.
I am very grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way.
Melissa Higley
After finishing her degree in Sociology and discovering issues she was passionate about throughout her studies, Melissa Higley now hopes to take that further and make a difference with a career in law. Melissa is staying on at the University to do a Masters in Law.
“I think it was Sociology that made me want to go into Law,” said Melissa. “It was a great stepping stone because it showed me the problems with issues of inequality, poverty, feminism, education and political issues, and then I decided I wanted to be in a position to help people affected by these issues. So, providing legal representation seemed a good fit for me. It's a great access course for students who want to go into law but don't have an undergraduate Law degree.
Katy Small
“My time at the University was engaging and inspiring; it allowed me to decide what I hope to do for a career and to develop as an individual both academically and personally,” she said. “The support from tutors and staff was great, especially big thanks to the Sociology staff who often went above and beyond.”
Katy is now about to start a part-time MRes in Sociology, focussing on the creation of an ideological ‘Other’ using language within 21st Century US political discourse. “I very much hope to continue this research into a PhD and continue my academic career into further research and teaching,”
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff points required: 104
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|---|
| A-level | BCC |
| BTEC National Extended Diploma | DMM |
| T-level | Merit |
We do accept Access to HE Diplomas and other qualifications which may not exactly match the combinations above. Work out your estimated points with the UCAS tariff calculator.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.
Fees
Fees contents
UK and EU students
The Government has announced that it will increase tuition fees and maintenance loans by 3.1% from the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 the standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees will be £9,535 per year for new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
International students
The standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the 2025/26 academic year is £16,700 per year.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
How to apply
How to apply contents
Applying through UCAS
UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK.
Read our how to apply pages for more information on the application process, or if you’d like to apply for part-time study.
Sociology BA (Hons) - L300
Contact
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Admissions Office
admissions@worc.ac.uk01905 855111More to explore
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The City of Worcester
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Accommodation
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