Business and Sociology BSc - Undergraduate degrees

Understand the world and how to change it. Whether you want to run your own business, succeed in a global organisation, or make a difference in society through social enterprise,Business andSociology could be for you.

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

What youll learn

You will establish foundations in sociological approaches to gender, race, class and sexuality before more complex issues between science and race, reproductive politics, corporate power, climate change, aging, religion and media power.

Youll study the theories, principles and underlying concepts of the main functions of management, equipped with a strong understanding of business models and processes, all brought to life with real-world examples and case studies. Youll examine how strategic decision-making within organisations takes place, and develop the ability to recognise and analyse the economic, technical, financial, social and organisational parameters within which modern managers make decisions.

The sociology strand of the course is about real-life experiences and how they relate to bigger social problems. We explore the social constraints we encounter in our everyday lives and how they are reinforced by class, race, religion and gender. To understand how these issues perpetuate existing inequalities and unequal life chances, we analyse what impact official politics has on such processes, how politics is intertwined with the profit-making aims pursued by big corporations and how their combined interests dominate our social imaginations. We assess public policy responses and where they are problematic.

Our teaching is informed by our research. When learning about contemporary topics such as inequality, racism, health, migration, sexuality, identity, education, the media, crime and climate change, you will be taught by experts in these fields. Our teaching is constantly updated in the light of our research findings.

Our programme will equip you with the knowledge and analytical skills that will enable you to think critically and work independently. This includes how to design a research project, collect empirical data, handle complex datasets (e.g., through applying coding techniques) and, most importantly, develop an advanced analytical mindset. This training will be essential for your final-year dissertation during which you will carry out your own individual research project. This experience will provide you with a skillset that is highly desired in a wide range of industries and areas of work.

Real-world experience

Your integrated placement in your third year will give you the opportunity to apply your key skills and competencies within a real work-based environment. Youll also get opportunities to bring your learning to life in a real-world setting, from discussing current issues in the media to undertaking your own research in Birmingham.

Careers

Our graduates have gone on to work in a diverse range of roles across the public and private sector, from advertising and human resource management, to social care, teaching and public services. Recent employers have included British Gas, RBS, Airbus and Hays.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, its also a great place to live.

Astons professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and as an Aston student, youll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability and our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Choosing to start your Aston journeywith our foundation programme in social sciencewill help you develop specialist knowledge to ensure that you are fully prepared to study your chosen undergraduate course. During your foundation year, youll have excellent support from academics and group projects will give you the chance to meet new people, make new friends and build a network of peers who will share your university journey. We also have a Learning Development Centre that can provide additional support and offer pre-sessional English language programmes.

For International Students intending to do a foundation year, visit ONCAMPUS.

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new immigration route which will enable international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. The new post-study work visa will apply to international students starting undergraduate and postgraduate courses from 2020 at universities with a track record of compliance with immigration policy. Click here for more information on post-work visas.

Modules

Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

BBB (standard offer)

BBC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B)

BBC (contextual offer*)

To be accepted onto our programmes, you must be able to satisfy the University's English language requirements. The level required will depend on the programme you are applying for. We strive to make your application process as easy as possible, however in all cases we reserve the right to request an English language qualification and / or conduct an interview.

We accept a wide range of English language qualifications including:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• Password
• Duolingo English Test (for entry onto Pre-Sessional English programmes, and direct entry courses starting in January 2022 and September 2022, excluding Aston Medical School, OSPAP, and Postgraduate Research degree programmes).
• Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE) 

Our business and sociology graduates are in demand from a wide range of employers where a sound understanding of organisations, management, teamwork and communication skills are essential.

From this course youll have developed insight into the motivations and behaviours of people, relationships and community dynamics as well as a breadth of business knowledge, skills and applied experience. Youll understand people and community dynamics, have excellent communication and teamwork skills, fantastic problem solving, critical and analytical skills, including being able to design, conduct and evaluate research.

Recent graduates 

You can pursue a wide range of career paths including business, commercial, social, teaching and local government with the public and private sectors. Recent graduates have gone on to work in advertising, management consultancy, caring and social careers, human resource management and teaching for employers including:

• Hays 
• Bosch 
• British Gas 
• The Royal Bank of Scotland (TBS) 
• Interserve 
• Airbus 
• Solihull Care Housing Association 
• Imperial College London 
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
   

Graduate roles have included Business Analyst, Corporate Engagement Executive, Insurance Broker, Mental Health Support Worker, National Project Coordinator, Person Centred Support Worker and Procurement Manager.  

Aston University was recognised as the 'Best University Careers/Employability Service'.

The Careers and Placements team at Aston University won the 'Best University Careers/Employability Service' category at the National Undergraduate Employability (NUE) Awards 2020 for its use of innovative ideas to engage a high number of students with the service in order to support them with their career planning.

Aston University has strong links with national and international organisations with over 200 employers interacting with students on campus each year.