Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: L301 BSc/Soc
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
This course provides you with the opportunity to explore key sociological issues and debates including those on the changing nature of modern society, the media, work, identity and nationhood, social movements, environment, politics and the regulation of gender and sexuality.
This degree will also enable you to engage with contemporary social and cultural theories that are essential for making sense of a rapidly changing world.
Sociology is the study of how people think, act and organise themselves in society. Through each year of this degree you will progressively build an understanding of theoretical frameworks and practical research methods which can be used to analyse the formation, development and possible future of modern society. You will develop critical reasoning skills and an ability to collect, interpret and communicate social research data.
In the fourth year there is the opportunity to do an extended original piece of research on a sociological topic of your choice that is written up in the form of an Honours dissertation. Students in fourth year are also eligible to apply for the Community Links module which offers the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and employability skills through part-time placements with locally-based voluntary, public sector and social enterprise organisations.
This course shares a common first two years with both the Behavioural Science and Psychology degrees, which enables flexible transfer between courses. There is an exclusive Sociology focus in the third and fourth years.
How you learn
You will learn in a variety of different ways that reflect the diverse knowledge and wide skills which are essential to being a successful Sociology graduate. Class contact time will on average be 10-12 hours per week made up of lectures, seminars and laboratories where there is an emphasis on active enquiry-based learning.
You will be expected to attend lectures which offer an overview of the key aspects of each module topic and provide guidance for further independent study. You will also participate in laboratory classes that encourage the development of practical research and experimentation skills, and you will take part in seminars and tutorials that give the opportunity to engage in discussion groups and develop communication and presentation skills.
On completion of the course you will have attained the attributes which will enable confident thinking, determined creation, flexible collaboration and the ability to challenge complexity.
How you are assessed
A variety of assessment methods are used throughout the programme of study including formal examinations using seen and unseen papers; class tests; essays; laboratory reports; poster presentations and formal oral presentations. All Sociology students will be expected to undertake a research project in Sociology during their fourth year culminating in a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic chosen by the student.
Higher BBC; A Level CC; ILC (H) BBC; UCAS Tariff 168 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: English or a literate subject (e.g. History).
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language. The University's minimum requirements are IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.0), TOEFL CBT 223, TOEFL 563, TOEFL IBT 85 or a suitable equivalent qualification.
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Career
A sociology degree provides graduates with the practical skills and necessary knowledge which many employers demand.
Abertay sociology graduates are well suited to types of employment that require a good understanding of people and society, for example, social research; marketing; social work; youth and community work; personnel management; public relations; journalism; policing; teaching (at primary, secondary and FE levels) and the probation service.
Our degree also provides a strong foundation for further academic study at postgraduate level and the taking of professional qualifications for all the above jobs and professions.
BSc (Hons) Sociology - Further Information
