Sociology provides a framework for the study of human behaviour, examining how societies are organised, how social identities are constructed, and the issues facing some of society's most marginalised people.
On Lincoln's BA (Hons) Sociology degree, students are encouraged to examine the fabric of different societies, the group dynamics of belonging and exclusion, and the workings of political structures. Amongst the wide range of topics covered, students will look at the changing nature and role of the family unit, how technological advances have transformed the way we interact, what subcultures can teach us about mainstream society, how 'the global' and 'the local' jointly shape everyday lives in the twenty-first century; how inequalities are experienced and differences created.
The curriculum draws on the expertise of staff from across Lincoln's School of Social and Political Sciences, whose research actively informs contemporary academic and public policy debates.
How You Study
The first year covers key concepts and introduces influential thinkers from the social sciences. Alongside this theoretical grounding, students can develop their understanding of the value and methodologies of academic research. Current core modules include Sociological Imagination; Social Issues and Social Justice; Applying Research; and Key Social Science Concepts.
In the second year, we refine their research skills and data analysis techniques and explore key areas of research including the sociological study of cities, or inter-generational dynamics and politics. Students can also shape their learning around their own interests by choosing from a range of optional modules.
The third year explores topics from sociological perspectives, contemporary sociological approaches, and theories. Students will work on a topic of their own choosing and pursue an independent research project, enabling them to draw on thematic and conceptual knowledge and methodological skills acquired during their studies.
Students are taught through a range of different pedagogical methods, including lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars. The assessments vary from theoretical essays and critical paper reviews to policy briefs, portfolios and podcasts, which aim to provide our students with both theoretical and practical sociological skills.
Students will be assigned their own personal tutor to assist in their studies as they progress through their degrees.
Modules
First Year
Applying Research (Social Sciences) (Core)
Key Social Science Concepts (Core)
Social Issues and Social Justice (Core)
Sociological Imagination (Core)
Second Year
(Re)Reading the Sociological Canon I (Core)
(Re)reading the Sociological Canon II (Core)
Researching in Social Science (Core)
Understanding the City (Core)
Work and Society (Core)
Youth, Culture and Resistance (Core)
Comparative Politics and Policy (Option)†
Conceptualising Sex Work (Option)†
Crime in Literature (Option)†
Criminology in the Professions (Option)†
Debating Welfare States (Option)†
Ideology into Practice (Option)†
Model United Nations (Option)†
Nations and Nationalism (Option)†
Policing Crime and Deviance (Option)†
Political Parties (Option)†
Social Engagement (Option)†
Sociology of Education (Option)†
The Vigilant State: intelligence and national security (Option)†
Thinking Politics (Option)†
Transnational Security Studies (Option)†
Understanding Domestic Abuse (Option)†
Welfare Policy and Work (Option)†
Youth Justice (Option)†
Third Year
Contemporary Social Theories and Approaches (Core)
Independent Study (Core)
Analysing the Policy Process (Option)†
Body Politics (Option)†
Care or control? Welfare institutions in Britain before the welfare state (Option)†
Children, Families and the State (Option)†
Counselling and Guidance Skills (Option)†
Counter-Terrorism Studies (Option)†
Crimes of the Powerful (Option)†
Emotions in Everyday Social Life (Option)†
Family Law (Option)†
Gender and Violence (Option)†
Human Rights (Social Sciences) (Option)†
Multiculturalism and Britishness (Option)†
Police Studies (Option)†
Race and Racism (Option)†
Terrorism and Extremism in the United Kingdom (Option)†
The Politics of Masculinity (Option)†
Understanding the Policy Process (Option)†
War Crimes and Genocide (Option)†
Working in Education and Children's Services (Option)†
Working With People in Adult Social Care Settings (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
United Kingdom
A Level: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
How You Are Assessed
Assessments currently include coursework, practical exams, and written exams.
The aim of module assessments is to provide a measure of a student's skills, knowledge and understanding of the course under study. Sociology will be assessed using a range of methods across the three levels, and may include, for example group-based and individual research projects, group and individual presentations, poster presentations, podcasts, reports, as well as traditional essay and report writing, and examinations.
The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
Field Trips
Students undertaking the optional module Social Engagement may have the opportunity to take part in a field trip. This module encourages students to undertake one or more external activities relevant to the course, and to engage in a critical reflection of the nature of this activity, how it relates to society, and how it contributes to their personal development. This may involve undertaking voluntary work or mentoring within a service-providing organisation.
Students are expected to play a significant role in arranging their programme of experience. All travel, accommodation, and general living expenses associated with the experience will need to be covered by the student. The experience is required to consist of a minimum of 30 hours.
Career Opportunities
Sociology students can develop skills that are relevant to a range of employment sectors, including the local and national government, education, research, and the media. Some graduates may choose to pursue careers in policy development, social work, or campaigning, while others may opt to study further at the postgraduate level.
Placements
Students have the opportunity to undertake voluntary, competitive work placements with a local council, providing the chance to gain experience in a professional policy environment. All travel, accommodation, and general living expenses associated with the placement will need to be covered by the student.
Facilities
Students also make the most of the University's Great Central Warehouse Library, which is home to more than 260,000 printed books and approximately 750,000 electronic books and journals, alongside databases and specialist collections. The Library has a range of different spaces for shared and individual learning.
"Sociology at the University of Lincoln provides the best insight into the organisation of our world and why we interact in the ways we do."
Elliot Kennedy, BA (Hons) Sociology student
Study Abroad
The University’s partner institutions in the USA, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands offer students the chance to study abroad after the second year of their degree. The initiative enables students to experience their subject from a new perspective and explore different societies and cultures. Places are limited and are allocated competitively, subject to academic criteria.
During the year abroad students will not pay a tuition fee to either the University of Lincoln or their host university, but they will be responsible for their travel, accommodation, and general living costs. Please visit our website for further information.
