Sociology with Politics and International Studies - BSc (Hons)

Overview

Sociology at Ulster has a record of excellence in teaching and learning, achieving 100% satisfaction rates in the National Student Survey.

Summary

Sociology is concerned with developing theories and concepts to explain the origins and nature of the contemporary social world and seeks to justify such theories through systematically collected evidence. A central aim is to provide students with explanatory frameworks relevant to both the wider society in which they will live and the employment settings in which they will work.

Through the Sociology curriculum, you can explore in depth a range of social issues in contemporary Ireland and the world, and understandings of advanced industrial societies, the information society, global development, education, work, conflict, and diversity.

Our curriculum draws on the research strengths of our staff, ensuring you learn cutting-edge Sociological theory with the opportunity to explore real case studies. The Ulster University Sociology degrees provide a strong element of research training, giving our graduates access to the best research skills available, and access to a wide range of careers.

The Politics minor degree provides a detailed knowledge and understanding of contemporary political analysis, an excellent training in social research methods, the ability to apply theoretical perspectives and concepts to real-life problems, and an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of political problems in society. The degree equips graduates for employment in a range of careers in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors. We give our students the opportunity to gain the skills and ability to carry out independent research, to assess the merits of competing theories and explanations, to work as part of a team, and to effectively engage in policy debate with sensitivity to the views of others all skills that are highly attractive to employers.

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There are three key emphases in the Sociology degree: an emphasis on the theories and explanatory frameworks found in Sociology; an emphasis on examining the social features of contemporary society within a global context; and an emphasis on developing student skills in the collection and assessment of evidence and the development of arguments.

During your degree, you will have an opportunity to apply your sociological knowledge through a range of projects and placements, as well as in in-depth discussions with teaching staff. Our approach to teaching and learning gives you a range of opportunities through the degree to reflect on and shape your developing areas of interest in Sociology.

Sociology at Ulster has a history of receiving very high approval ratings in the National Student Survey (which is completed by final year students). It has scored overall satisfaction ratings of 100% in three of the last five years.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• PwC
• PSNI
• Deloitte
• NI Civil Service
• Health & Social Care Trusts
• Start 360
• NI Assembly

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Social Researcher
• Police Officer
• Policy Officer
• Civil Servant
• Community Development Worker
• Assembly Researcher
• Public Affairs Consultant

Career options

The course provides the opportunity for you to acquire a valuable combination of skills and opens up a wide range of postgraduate educational and career opportunities. The detailed knowledge and understanding of society and social life that you will gain from the degree equips you with core skills to work in a rich variety of settings. Over the past two years our graduates have found employment in areas including: human resource management, health administration, PSNI, the Civil Service, market research, industrial relations, health administration and private sector consultancy. Many others have gone on to take postgraduate courses in Sociology, Media Studies, Social Work and Education.

Our graduates stay in touch with us, offering advice and support to current students, and sharing knowledge from each of their industries. In addition, employability skills sessions are built into our curriculum, ensuring that you can demonstrate excellence in a wide range of skills on graduation.

Work placement / study abroad

All Sociology students have the opportunity to undertake a professional work placement during their degree. The Professional Placement module is offered to final year students and enables them to gain professional employment experience as part of the sociology degree programme.

Study Abroad options are available to all students in Europe, the USA and the rest of the world.

Apply directly

Next steps if you are applying directly:

1. find your course
2. check you meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements
3. If your first language is not English, check you meet the English language requirements for your given course