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Sociology (with Foundation Year)

BA (Hons)

Clearing places are available on this course

UCAS code: L30F

Start dates: September 2026 / September 2027

Full time: 4 years, or 5 with a work placement

Part time: Up to 11 years

Location: Headington

School(s): School of Social Sciences

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Overview

Race and migration, health inequalities, and technology—the world of sociology explores so many aspects of our lives and the challenges we face in the 21st century. Study with us to join the debate on hot topics and learn to carry out research that provides societal insights.

Our BA Sociology with a Foundation Year starts with essential humanities-focused study, preparing you for degree-level learning. Passing this foundation year leads to our BA Sociology programme, where you'll develop confidence in conducting research, digesting and interpreting data, and understanding different forms of evidence.

Becoming confident in your own research is a key part of the course. We’ll show you how to conduct interviews, design surveys, interpret different forms of data, and more.

We want to help you achieve your goals. That’s why we assess your learning in a range of ways. You’ll complete portfolios, write research reports in the form of podcasts on topics such as lyric analysis, and deliver presentations in front of classmates.

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Sociology

Why Oxford Brookes University?

  • Boost your CV

    We encourage you to apply your learning through volunteering, work placement modules, and activism.

  • Leaders in sociology

    Your lecturers use their voice and expertise to take part in public debate and discussions on the latest research and issues through media appearances, social media, podcast, and blogs.

  • Joint honours

    Study sociology with anthropology, communication, media and culture, criminology, education studies, history of art, international relations, or philosophy and politics.

  • Unbeatable location

    From NGOs offering work placements to social and political events, there’s plenty happening on our doorstep for you to get involved with.

  • Perfect preparation

    Build essential study skills with an integrated foundation year. Gain academic confidence, improve critical thinking, and strengthen subject knowledge for your degree journey.

  • Additional language modules

    Our university-wide language programme is available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

  • Study abroad

    You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Oxford Brookes. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.

Course details

Course structure

In your foundation year, you’ll study a foundation in humanities, building confidence and essential academic skills to prepare for degree-level study.

In the first year of your degree, we'll introduce you to the differences and divisions sociologists study and how they use research to understand the social world. You’ll look at classical sociologists' views on social institutions such as family and education.

Understanding change is important too. We’ll explore how transformations in media, urban space, religion and political movements influence society.

In your second year, you’ll study some areas more closely. You’ll explore gender through different lenses and investigate the changing world of work, 'race' and ethnicity, global social change, and everyday culture.

You can shape your study with optional modules. These cover everything from youth and young adulthood to changing intimate relationships.

In your final year, we’ll help you apply research skills and learn how to handle different types of data. You’ll use this in your dissertation on any topic that inspires you.

Sociology students sitting at a table

Learning and teaching

You’ll learn through a mix of group discussion, independent research and hands-on practical work.

You’ll participate in:

  • lectures
  • small seminars
  • tutorials
  • practicals.

Your learning will be led by expert researchers and practitioners, some of whom have international standing. For example, you’ll learn directly from Professor Tina Miller, who is a regular on TV and radio, and part of the BBC Expert Women initiative. All your learning will be directly informed by the latest developments in Sociology.

Assessment

You'll experience a range of different assessment types - to help you showcase your best work. These could include:

  • portfolios
  • field projects
  • group work
  • essays
  • presentations
  • statistical analysis
  • in-class tests.

Study modules

Teaching for this course takes place face to face and you can expect around 9 hours of contact time per week. In addition to this, you should also anticipate a workload of 1,200 hours per year. Teaching usually takes place Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 6.00pm.

Contact hours involve activities such as lectures, seminars, practicals, assessments, and academic advising sessions. These hours differ by year of study and typically increase significantly during placements or other types of work-based learning.

Foundation Year

Compulsory modules

  • Being Human: Love, Sex and Death

    Love, sex and death - how do these make us human? In this module, you’ll gain core analytical skills, key to studying Humanities at university, as you explore human bodies and emotions through time. 

    You’ll understand the ideas, practices and experiences that we have around bodies and feelings. You’ll also explore how bodies and emotions are shaped by: 

    You’ll analyse texts, images and artefacts to understand the core role of human emotions and bodies in our world. 

    • politics
    • religion
    • science
    • medicine
    • literary and artistic fashion.

  • Cultural Moments

    How do genres - styles or categories of literature - grow from major events in history and culture? In this module, you’ll explore how drama and literary studies relate to genre. You’ll get to grips with genres as categories that have evolved historically to become key influences on culture, taste and fashion. You’ll investigate real life cases of key movements across a range of disciplines. You’ll also consider how art responds to life and life to art. 

  • Language, Vision and Representation

    In this module, you’ll learn about basic theories of meaning-making. You’ll begin to undertake a critical analysis of systems of representation - which could be spoken or written language, and virtual or physical texts. You’ll come to understand how meaning is made, but also challenged, through acts of interpretation which often we’re not conscious of making. You’ll also be encouraged to reflect on your own role in producing ‘meanings’. 

  • Nation and Identity

    What is a nation? Do nations develop through shared language or the history of a people? Are they about laws and governance, or habits and customs? In this module, you’ll get to grips with core themes from Humanities subjects, including: 

    You’ll develop a strong understanding of the concepts of a nation (including elements such as borders and national identity) and its challenges.

    • Philosophy
    • Religious Studies
    • History
    • English Literature 
    • English Language.

  • Research Project

    This module gives you the chance to do independent research on a topic that fascinates you. You’ll gain the key skills you need to succeed as a university student, as you create, manage and complete your own research project. You’ll have one-to-one guidance from an expert academic supervisor in your chosen subject area who will support you to shape your research from your initial ideas through to your completed project. 

  • The Reflective Learner

    Do you dream of studying a Humanities subject at university? In this module, you’ll gain the core skills and strategies you need to succeed as a university student. You’ll build up knowledge of each of the subjects within our Foundation in Humanities course and learn how to turn critical reading into clear and successful undergraduate assignments. You’ll also learn effective study strategies, including: 

    • learning from lecture content 
    • taking part in seminars 
    • working and studying in groups.

Optional modules

  • Creating Criminology 2

    In this module, you'll build on the contemporary issues covered in the Creating Criminology 1 module. You'll have the opportunity to grow your understanding of a criminology community through planning a group-led Criminology newsletter. You'll foster ownership over your studies, while interacting with guest speakers from Careers, and Criminology alumni, who will act as 'interviewees' for your newsletters. All this will inspire your future goals about where you feel your degree may lead you after your studies. 

  • Customs, Icons and Symbols

    Explore the study and understanding of Culture and Society by looking at relevant Customs, Icons and Symbols with a particular emphasis on communicative practice of reading and written language in contexts.

  • Development Studies

    This is your opportunity to explore some of the key issues (e.g.urbanisation, poverty and social exclusion, environmental concerns and gender issues) within the field of Development Studies. You’ll also look at the factors causing poverty in countries defined as less developed. 

    Exploring the fundamentals of how sociology, human geography and economics interact in the process of development. You’ll study key topics that will teach you to draw on your own knowledge and experience where possible to evaluate the policies in pursuit of development, and to address the problems faced by least developed countries. You’ll build your skills in identifying and reflecting on some of the key social, economic and environmental issues that challenge sustainable development.

  • French Beginners 2

    As someone with a beginner’s knowledge of French, you’ll develop stronger skills in French speaking and writing, translating and interpreting. You’ll be able to express yourself effectively in French, and gain a critical sensitivity to the intercultural differences between France and other countries.

  • Global Issues

    What is ‘global politics’? What do we mean by ‘international relations’? and how do our personal values affect our understanding of politics and historical events? In this module you’ll explore the global challenges we face, and how they are understood by different groups. You’ll examine issues like power structures and global conflict and  come to understand how these issues impact societies and the environment we live in.

  • Modern British Art

    In this module, you’ll dive into art and artists through the century - from the Camden Town Group, to Modernists like Barbara Hepworth and Pop Artists like Peter Blake. You’ll examine paintings, sculptures and films as you discuss how British artists tried to create modern forms of expression. You’ll also investigate the ways they promoted their work, like:

    • exhibitions
    • manifestos
    • books
    • little magazines.

    You’ll enjoy on-site visits, where you’ll examine works of art firsthand. You’ll also attend exciting lectures and seminars where you’ll explore your ideas and enrich your understanding of modern British art.

  • Origins of the Climate Crisis: A Global History of the Environment

    You will engage with the ways in which the environment and the climate have changed over the past six centuries. Looking at:

    • sustainability
    • climate change
    • conservation.

    Which are pressing issues with a rich and compelling history. You will investigate environmental changes and how they were contested and experienced at communal, national and international levels. You'll think about the political, economic, social and cultural contexts of resource management, energy use and food production. Including a focus on future policy solutions.

  • Political Philosophy

    How is political opinion, authority and democracy shaped and influenced? In this module, you’ll explore foundational issues in political philosophy through exploring the main political ideologies.

    You’ll start your journey with Liberalism as the default position in the West since the English, American and French Revolutions. Your focus then shifts to the ideologies that arose in response to Liberalism, including:

    • Conservatism
    • Communism
    • Fascism
    • Communitarianism
    • Anarchism
    • and Feminism. 

    You’ll also consider questions linked to the theory of knowledge, such as can any ideology be rationally justified?

  • Spanish Beginners 2

    As someone with a beginner’s knowledge of Spanish, you’ll develop stronger skills in Spanish speaking and writing, translating and interpreting. You’ll be able to express yourself effectively in Spanish, and gain a critical sensitivity to the intercultural differences between Spain and other countries.

  • Pedagogies to Promote STEAM

    You'll start an exploration of how educators can support and encourage curiosity and exploration in children, through the use of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

    You'll focus on understanding and developing teaching methods that can enhance childrens' learning, incorporating STEAM concepts into each of these areas. You will have the chance to:

    • investigate
    • observe
    • create opportunities for hands-on experiments and problem-based learning.

    You'll also join discussions on the challenges and difficulties that may arise when implementing STEAM in different educational settings.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Social Differences and Divisions

    Race, class, gender and sexuality - how do these things affect us and our social relations today? In this module, you’ll explore the factors which divide human societies, and how sociologists make sense of the world. 

    You’ll explore the connections between individuals, groups and social institutions. You’ll dive into pressing debates. And you’ll engage with core areas of social analysis, such as:

    • gender relations
    • class divisions
    • race/ethnicity
    • sexuality

    You'll explore the urgent issues facing society, including diversity and inequality. You’ll understand social context and processes. And you’ll develop a strong awareness of our world today.

  • Foundations of Social Theory

    In this module, you’ll explore the key themes of social theory. You’ll investigate the works of  influential sociological theorists, including Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber. And you'll investigate how their work has shaped sociology and its different traditions.

    You'll immerse yourself in current debates, developments and approaches to social theory. And you'll explore how these affect our social relations today.

  • Contemporary Societies: Structure and Change

    In this module, you’ll investigate the changing face of society. You’ll explore how markets and welfare states have transformed over time. You’ll discover how states, economies and societies interact with each other. And you’ll dig into key questions on politics and power, exploring different political systems. 

    We’ll explore pressing global topics, including

    • international migration patterns
    • the formation of ethnic minorities
    • religion in modern society
    • the challenges of climate change

    You’ll explore a wide range of social issues, taking place all over the world. And you’ll develop a strong understanding of how these issues impact individuals and groups.

  • Political Socialisation and Ideology

    Why do we vote the way we do? What affects our actions, and our political decisions? In this module, we’ll investigate politics through human behaviour. You’ll explore political culture, and how we participate in a democratic society. We’ll also look at how humans are socialised to hold various political views. You’ll gain a key insight into how ideas and ideologies affect our behaviour individually and as a group.

Optional modules

  • Politics in Comparative Perspective

    In this module, you’ll investigate politics - and the struggle for power - across the nations. You’ll gain a clear introduction to how and why political systems differ in our world today. You’ll examine case studies from a wide range of states, and gain a strong insight into how different regimes function – from the democratic to the totalitarian.

  • Understanding Culture

    What do we mean when we talk about ‘culture’? How do human ideas, customs and behaviours become a way of life? In this module, we’ll investigate the key theories and concepts of culture. You’ll gain invaluable critical skills as you reflect on different aspects of culture. And you’ll explore the impact of modern culture on individuals and society today. 

    You’ll explore cultural artefacts and activities. And you’ll look at how culture relates to identity, power and representation.

    This module is the foundation of the culture pathway through the Communication, Media and Culture programme. This will be fantastic preparation for many of your level 5 modules.

  • Criminal Justice in Action

    In this module, you’ll explore some key concerns around crime. You’ll examine the current problems and policies in:

    • criminal justice
    • law enforcement
    • punishment.

    You’ll gain core critical skills, as you dive into debates on the control and management of crime. You’ll examine the relationship between the theory of crime and criminal behaviour. And you’ll explore the practical workings of the criminal justice system.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Gender and Society

    In this module, you’ll look at gender and its central role in society. You’ll explore the social processes that affect the lives and roles of people in society. We’ll consider the centrality of gender in everyday life, and how society reflects and reproduces gender relations.

  • 'Race', Ethnicity and Inequality

    Why do we exclude some ethnic groups from society? In this module, we’ll explore race, ethnicity and racism through:

    • employment
    • education
    • housing
    • migration
    • policing
    • the impact of anti-discrimination legislation.. 

    You’ll engage with pressing debates on race, ethnicity and racism. You’ll explore the experiences of minority ethnic groups and you’ll explore the factors which exclude them from mainstream society. We’ll focus on the UK, but also consider ethnic minorities in other cultures. We’ll highlight the complexities of social constructions of race and other social inequalities.

Optional modules

  • Ritual and Society

    What are rituals, and why do we perform them? In this module, you’ll explore the key role of rituals in society. You’ll look at various human communities as you consider the origins of ritual, and its different definitions. You’ll gain valuable critical skills as you explore key anthropological concepts, including:

    • rites of passage
    • liminality
    • anti-structure
    • communities

    We often stereotype ritual as exotic, and about religion. However, you’ll enrich your perspective as you explore ritual in non-religious contexts. You’ll look at ritual within:

    • politics and power relations
    • social identities
    • social traditions

  • Cities: Geographies of the Urban Experience

    In this module, you’ll examine the human relationships and layouts of the world’s great cities - from the nineteenth century to today. You’ll gain valuable critical skills as you analyse the trends likely to shape such cities in the future. And you’ll consider people and place as inseparable, exploring the relationship between human societies and the physical cities they live in.

  • Work Based Learning in Sociology

    In this module, you’ll have the chance to carry out a work placement closely linked to your Sociology course.

    You’ll have help from your module leader to find a placement that meets your needs, and which will support your learning. With a carefully chosen placement, you’ll build on the skills and knowledge you’ve already gained in Year 1, and you’ll also gain vital skills for the workplace, like time management, communication and team-working.

    During and after your placement, you’ll:

    • create a placement portfolio, including a learning journal
    • craft a CV showing your experience
    • produce a policy brief or policy analysis paper.

Optional Year Abroad

Optional modules

  • Year Abroad

    This module offers the opportunity to study abroad, experience a new culture, and apply your skills in different contexts to enhance your employability. It will help you develop self-management, cross-cultural communication, and interpersonal skills.

    You’ll receive support to secure a place at a partner institution abroad, where you can choose modules related to your degree or explore new areas that complement your studies.

    Studying at an international university will help you enhance your interpersonal skills through cross-cultural communication with students and tutors, allowing you to build lasting relationships. You'll also improve your study skills by focusing on your chosen areas of interest, gaining valuable international experience that will strengthen your CV.

    This year abroad module lasts for one academic year and is taken after the conclusion of your second year of study, once you’ve completed all your level 5 studies. Your year abroad is not credit-bearing.

Final Year

Optional modules

  • Racialised Identities in Super-Diverse Societies

    What shapes our racial identities? How do they play out in everyday life, alongside gender, class and age?

    In this module, you’ll gain a strong understanding of identities and differences in current western societies. You’ll explore postcolonial theories of Self and Otherness. And you’ll gain key analytical skills, as you investigate the relevance of these theories to diverse societies today.

  • Gendering Intimate Relationships

    In this module, we’ll investigate intimacy today. We’ll explore:

    • gender
    • identities
    • relationships
    • family lives.

    Social changes have transformed our intimate relationships and arrangements in the home. However, tensions and contradictions still affect gender roles, and what we see as ‘appropriate’. In this module, you’ll gain key knowledge of the complexity and diversity of intimacy today. 

  • Development and Humanitarianism

    In this module, you’ll explore the changing relationship between anthropology, and international development (the idea that different countries have different levels of development). You’ll gain a strong grounding in international development. You’ll gain key analytical skills as you dive into debates on the relationship between anthropology and development. You’ll explore key issues for anthropologists working in international development, including:

    • gender relations
    • environmental issues
    • health
    • youth
    • religion.

    You’ll compare ideas and practices in international development. You’ll look at approaches to social policy, inequality and well-being in the UK. And you disrupt the lines we draw between North and South, developed and underdeveloped, or advanced and emerging economies and societies.

  • Independent Study

    This module gives you a great chance to do self-directed study on a topic in Sociology that fascinates you. You’ll have guidance from a tutor, but the direction you take is up to you. Your study could involve fieldwork investigations, or analysis of fieldwork investigations. If you’d like to gain work experience linked to the topic you’re interested in, you could try a work placement. Or you could carry out independent, library-based research.

    Whatever kind of study you choose, you’ll gain excellent project management skills from planning and setting goals to working independently and managing your time.

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Careers

Employers love seeing sociology degrees on graduates’ CVs. Your broad range of research skills and experience, such as ability to collect and analyse data, will make you stand out too, making you an invaluable asset to any sector you choose to work in.

A sociology degree also highlights a founded understanding of social and cultural diversity and an awareness of issues around equality and discrimination. You’ll also be able to show creative approaches to organisational change.

Our sociology graduates find careers in a wide range of employment areas:

  • local and national government 
  • the Civil Service
  • social services
  • health promotion and public health
  • teaching
  • marketing and advertising
  • human resources management
  • international development
  • think tanks
  • policy development
  • NGOs and charities.

Where will your sociology degree take you?

Entry requirements

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 48

A Level: DD

IB Points: 24

BTEC: PPP or MP

Further offer details

Applications are also welcomed for consideration from applicants with European qualifications, international qualifications or recognised foundation courses. For advice on eligibility please contact Admissions: admissions@brookes.ac.uk

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply

Application process


Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCAS


Part time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the University


International applicants
Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) full time
£5,760 (Foundation); £9,790 (Degree)
Home (UK) part time
£720 per single module (Foundation); £1,220 per single module (Degree)
International full time
£17,250
Home (UK) full time
£5,760 (Foundation); £10,050 (Degree)
Home (UK) part time
£720 per single module (Foundation); £1,255 per single module (Degree)
International full time
£18,500

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2026 / 27
Home (UK) full time
£5,760 (Foundation); £9,790 (Degree)
Home (UK) part time
£720 per single module (Foundation); £1,220 per single module (Degree)
International full time
£17,250
2027 / 28
Home (UK) full time
£5,760 (Foundation); £10,050 (Degree)
Home (UK) part time
£720 per single module (Foundation); £1,255 per single module (Degree)
International full time
£18,500

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

For further information please see our tuition fees FAQs.

Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

£2,000 International Student Scholarship September entry Oxford Brookes Bursary for students starting 2024-25 or earlier Undergraduate maintenance loans for part-time UK students Undergraduate maintenance loans for full-time UK students Undergraduate tuition fee loans for UK students Oxford Brookes Bursary for Students starting 2025/26 or later 20% Alumni Discount Scheme

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study

Part-time study

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.