School of Social Sciences and Humanities

BA (Hons) Sociology with Foundation Year

BA (Hons) Full-time 4 years, Part-time 8 years

This degree offers you the chance to analyse and understand the complexities of the global world in which we live.

This degree offers you the chance to analyse and understand the complexities of the global world in which we live.

Award
BA (Hons)
Start date(s)
16 September 2024
UCAS Code
L305
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (4 years),Part-time (8 years)
Campus location
Wolverhampton City Campus
School
School of Social Sciences and Humanities
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

This degree offers you the chance to analyse and understand the complexities of the global world in which we live.

During your studies, you will learn about the concepts, theories and methods essential to what we call a ‘sociological imagination’ – that special way of identifying, describing and understanding the nature of social life.

Over the course of your studies, you will develop critical understanding of a range of institutional conditions, cultural processes and social relations, within and across societies.  In the course of learning selected ‘social facts’ of society, you will be able to apply those concepts, theories and methods that are unique to this exciting discipline.

Students are encouraged to share knowledge and be enterprising with their ideas in self-directed and cooperative learning activities. You will acquire the skills necessary to gather evidence and apply theories to a range of social issues, and to communicate your ideas through interpersonal and digitally literate ways.  At each level of study you are given the opportunity to undertake accredited voluntary work in the local community or a work placement – an experience that broadens your sociological knowledge, deepens your appreciation of civic responsibility and enhances your opportunities for graduate employment. 

  • Our teaching team are experts in their fields, publishing in internationally recognised journals and with internationally recognised publishers, who bring real experience to their teaching
  • We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse course, drawing on students’ lived experience and expertise
  • Our course covers a wide range of contemporary issues including the power of celebrity, environmental movements, nationality and globalization
  • We will support you, as learners, to engage with community-based learning (LINK TO NEW PAGE), whether that is a school, a voluntary sector organisation, or the local council. These opportunities to gain experience in the ‘real’ world will not only embed your learning, through engaging with the lived experiences of people living with disadvantage and discrimination, but it will also support you to develop skills for the workplace

What's unique about this course?

  • At each level of study you are given the opportunity to undertake accredited voluntary work in the local community or a work placement. 
  • In the course of learning selected ‘social facts’ of society, you will be able to apply those concepts, theories and methods that are unique to this exciting discipline.
  • Through placements, visits and guest speakers, you will have opportunities to engage with voluntary and public sector organisations, and the wider community, to embed your learning.

What happens on the course?

Our exciting new course offers you the opportunity to study the social world we inhabit and apply that knowledge to understand and address social issues through public sociology.  What causes inequality, and what can be done to reduce it?  How much power does the media have to shape public opinion and is this problematic?  What is the importance of nations and nationalities in a global world?  Why is the environment a topic that should be at the forefront of sociological thinking?  How important is the body in the construction of our identity?  How can we understand health and illness outcomes by ethnicity, gender, and even geographical location?  A Sociology degree at The University of Wolverhampton enables us to consider these questions, and more, by examining the role of theory in empowering us to understand contemporary concerns at local, national, and international levels.

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Sociology graduates are employed in a wide range of careers but with a definite inclination towards work in the public sector and voluntary sectors:  in teaching, social research in the civil service and local government, or with think tanks; public sector management; as professional practitioners or working on projects in areas concerning, for example social inequalities and social exclusion.  Recent graduates have been employed, for example, as neighbourhood development officers, volunteer management, family support workers, social care workers, housing officers, social inclusion workers and care managers. Graduates are also well equipped to continue their post-graduate studies in Sociology, Education, Teacher Training, Social Care, Social Work.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Taught by experts in their field, you will develop your knowledge and skills through the study of sociological theories and methods, and through application of these important sociological tools to a range of contemporary topics. The teaching team are all active researchers who are eager to share their ideas and practical experiences of ‘doing Sociology,’ which means that you will benefit from a highly relevant and topical programme. To equip you with the practical skills needed for the workplace, you can also undertake community-based learning through placements in voluntary agencies and organisations.

Graduate employability is embedded throughout the degree programme at The University of Wolverhampton, developing students’ expertise in a range of key employer-identified skills that prepare our students for the workforce of the future. Through placements, visits and guest speakers, you will have opportunities to engage with voluntary and public sector organisations, and the wider community, to embed your learning.

Through learning activities such as planning a campaign, analysing policy briefs, analysing data and participating in group activities, you will develop important skills to support your ability to become an inclusive and reflective practitioner in the workplace.

In addition, an array of assignment types, such as poster presentations, writing reports and planning a campaign, will support the development of essential skills for the workplace, such as communication skills, presentation skills, teamworking, IT skills, research skills and critical thinking.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
Home Part-time £3120 per year# 2022-23
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2023-24
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2023-24
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2024-25
International Full-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14950 per year 2024-25

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Prepare for Foundation Pathway: - We will consider mature applicants (age 21 or over) who have not achieved 48 UCAS points (equivalence) from prior level 3 qualifications, if you have a keen interest in this subject area or hold relevant experience.  You will be required to attend a compulsory Prepare for foundation assessment day where you will take part in a variety of activities which will assess your suitability for the course.  If you would like more advice and guidance about this admissions pathway, please contact Gateway to discuss and support you making an application to us.

Academic Pathway: - 48+ UCAS tariff points

Either

  • A-levels: Grade profile of DD
  • Access to HE Diploma: (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (48 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at pass)
  • BTEC: Grade profile of PPP
  • T-Level: Pass grade with a core component profile less than C.
  • Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
  • International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Other Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years old or above at the start of the course.

'I consistently challenged myself during my studies on the University of Wolverhampton’s BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics. I reached personal landmarks and worked hard to overcome difficulties. My decision to remain at Wolverhampton for postgraduate study for the MA Applied Social Sciences has been marked by the unsurpassed support the department has provided me during my academic journey.  I will be championing this further by continuing my education at PhD level at the University, having been offered a studentship by the Institute for Community Research and Development (ICRD). Since I started university in 2018, my capabilities have been recognised by the department, who have inspired me to be consistent and confident.  I have managed to secure employment because of my graduate achievements and volunteering opportunities offered by the university. Eventually, I want to teach, support, and encourage students to achieve their ambitions, and give back the value that the department places on student support and empowerment.' – Christiane Jenkins, BA (Hons) Sociology and Politics

'As someone who was unsure whether university was for me, my time at the University of Wolverhampton confirmed that I had made the right decision. The staff were all supportive, friendly, welcoming and easily accessible for meetings to help with assignments and other tasks. All of the staff ensured that lectures were engaging and interesting and provided new knowledge and opportunities to research further. The wide range of module choices available across the Sociology course meant that the topics were diverse and engaging. The assignments that were given were also varied and this approach meant that different skills could be learnt and developed. The course allowed me to develop my knowledge and grow a deeper passion for researching in Sociology' – Sophie Cole BA (Hons) Sociology

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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