| UCAS code | L300 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Sociology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | L302 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Sociology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| UCAS code | L305 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Sociology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
Overview
- Gain an insight into culture and society and explore the nature and complexity of human social life and the key challenges faced by diverse human societies
- You’ll learn how to use qualitative research methods, how to design your own research projects and get an overview of the use and interpretation of quantitative data
- Our diverse range of modules cover everything from addiction and consumption to race and cyborg studies meaning you can tailor your degree to your own interests and career aspirations
- You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with and be inspired by academic staff who are at the cutting edge of research and academic debate
- We’ll provide you with a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers across a wide range of careers from social research to teaching or management
Top 15 in the UK for Sociology
Joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
100% of our Sociology research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021. Our research in Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology and Criminology was returned to this UoA
Distinctive emphasis on cultural sociology
Top 15 in the UK for Sociology
Joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
100% of our Sociology research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021. Our research in Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology and Criminology was returned to this UoA
Distinctive emphasis on cultural sociology
My lecturers and teaching staff have encouraged me to take a critical perspective of everything in the social world, which has opened my eyes not only academically but also has enriched the way I see the world more generally!
My favourite thing about the course has been learning the skills to do my own social research, which I will ultimately put into practice in my dissertation project. I found research methods daunting before coming to university, but at Exeter I have developed the skills and confidence to apply these methods to research topics I genuinely care about.
That's why I love sociology - it feels like you can study whatever you are passionate about through a sociological lens, and by doing so you can go on to make a positive difference in the world.
Nina
BA Sociology
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB | n/a |
| IB | 34/665 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDD | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The Sociology degree programme is made up of compulsory (core) and optional modules, which are worth 15 or 30 credits each. Full-time undergraduate students need to complete modules worth a total of 120 credits each year.
Depending on your programme you can take up to 30 credits each year in another subject, for instance a language or business module, to develop career-related skills or just widen your intellectual horizons.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
The first year gives you a foundational knowledge of sociological theory and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
Compulsory modules
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPA1000 | Imagining Social Worlds | 30 |
| SOC1000 | Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies | 30 |
| SOC1001 | Social Analysis | 30 |
Optional modules
View option modules here (PHL1xxx)
View option modules here (SOC1xxx)
View option modules here (ANT1xxx)
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
In the second year you will advance your grasp of sociological knowledge and methods through a set of compulsory modules. Optional modules enable you to develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPA2000 | Knowing the Social World | 30 |
| SOC2005 | Theoretical Sociology | 30 |
Optional modules
View option modules here (PHL2xxx)
View option modules here (SOC2xxx)
View option modules here (ANT2xxx)
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
The centre-point of the final year is the dissertation. This provides you with the opportunity to explore an area of interest and to demonstrate what you have learned over the previous years of your degree. You will also take up to three other specialist modules to create a programme of work fully reflecting your interests.
30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC3040 | Dissertation | 30 |
Optional modules
View option modules here (PHL3xxx)
View option modules here (SOC3xxx)
View option modules here (ANT3xxx)
Please note that modules are subject to change and not all modules are available across all programmes, this is due to timetable, module size constraints and availability
Course variants
UCAS code: L302
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your College Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.
UCAS code: L305
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn
We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods and also ensure that you have regular tutorials with your tutor, together with a small group of students to discuss oral and written assignments. Teaching includes:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work
- Practical exercises
- Small group tutorials
- Independent study
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
How will I be assessed?
- Exams
- Essays
- Projects
- Field work notebooks
- Dissertation in your final year
You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification
ExeTalks
ExeTalks are a chance to discover some of the fascinating research undertaken at the University of Exeter delivered by the academics who teach on our programmes.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
As a Sociology graduate you will be well prepared for a number of careers including teaching, the media, business, social research, work in the public and charity sectors, and the legal profession. Throughout your studies you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Problem solving
- Discussion and group work
- Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and constructing arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
Career paths
The wealth of transferable skills gained on a Sociology degree enables graduate to pursue further study or employment in a wide range of careers including:
- Actuaries, economists and statisticians
- Archivists and curators
- Information technology professionals
- Insurance underwriters
- Legal associate professionals
- Management consultants and business analysts
- Police officers
- Prison service officers
- Teaching professionals
- Youth and community workers
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
