Learning and teaching
We aim to convey sociology as a dynamic and reflexive mode of social scientific inquiry, in order to impart knowledge and understanding of the nature, development and structure of contemporary societies, and give an in-depth focus on their core features. We encourage independent study and assist the development of sociologically informed critical judgement.
You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and practical exercises, with an increasing emphasis on seminar discussion and project work in the second and third years. You should expect around 10 contact hours per week and will need to plan additional hours of private study per module. Your total workload should average about 40 hours per week during term time.
You’ll have regular tutorials where you’ll meet to discuss oral and written assignments with your tutor, together with a small group of other students. These personal contacts are very important in developing staff-student relations and for getting to know your fellow students. Our programmes help to develop skills and understanding so that you can take increasing responsibility for your learning in more specialised seminar-based modules.
We’re actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. You can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and interact through activities such as the discussion forums.
The Student-Staff Liaison Committee gives you the chance to discuss and review the degree programmes, including existing and planned module content, through regular meetings with departmental staff.
Research-inspired teaching
Our programmes are based on teaching that is inspired by research and are designed to offer expertise within a framework that brings out the skills of communication, analysis, information handling and interpretation of evidence, which will successfully make you both a desirable employee and an informed and critical citizen. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with academic staff who are at the cutting edge of research and academic debate and you’ll benefit from an innovative curriculum inspired by leading research. All staff teach third year options which are linked to their own interests which include the study of culture, religion, consumption, music, science and technology, sport and the armed forces.
