BA Sociology and Anthropology
| UCAS code | L3L6 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC-BCC |
Why study BA Sociology and Anthropology at Exeter?
- 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 examine social, political, historical, cultural and economic issues and social groups such as families, companies, churches, crowds and political parties
- 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 10 in the UK for Sociology
10th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Top 10 in the UK for Anthropology
9th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
92% of graduates employed or in further study 15 months after graduating
Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology: based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates in/due to start employment/further study. HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2022/23 (published 2025)
Doing Sociology and Anthropology meant that there were so many modules to choose from. I found all of my lecturers and tutorial leaders to be engaging and they helped to make the course even more interesting. It’s given me a new world-view on a number of topics I wouldn’t necessarily have considered.
I have also met so many people through the flexibility of the course being mixed with criminology, politics, anthropology, psychology (and more) students which has meant that I have also been able to see how different disciplines think academically compared to my main discipline of sociology. It is really interesting to have friends who think very differently to you but on the same thing!
Genevieve
Undergraduate student, BA Sociology and Anthropology
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB-BBB | N/A |
| IB | 32/655-30/555 | N/A |
| BTEC | DDM | N/A |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC-BCC |
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 B1. 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 and Anthropology 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. In combined honours degrees like this you will take an equal amount of credits from each subject.
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.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
The modules below 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.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
60 credits of compulsory Sociology modules, and 60 credits of compulsory Anthropology modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Introduction to Social Anthropology | 30 | |
| Contemporary Society: Themes, Perspectives and Case Studies | 30 | |
| Social Analysis | 30 | |
| Imagining Social Worlds | 30 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
60 credits of compulsory Sociology modules, and 30 credits of compulsory Anthropology modules. 30 optional credits.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Current Debates in Anthropology | 30 | |
| Theoretical Sociology | 30 | |
| Knowing the Social World | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Honours 2026/27 Options | ||
| Deviance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives | 15 | |
| Power and Domination | 15 | |
| Pharmaceutical Cultures | 15 | |
| Sociology of Family and Gender | 15 | |
| Disability and Society | 15 | |
| Contemporary Capitalism, Critique and Resistance | 15 | |
| Deception | 15 | |
| Digital Society | 15 | |
| Optional 1 | ||
| Living Cities: Migration, Place and the Politics of Identities | 15 | |
| Cultures: Food | 15 | |
| Anthropology of the State | 15 | |
| Anthropology of Islam | 15 | |
| Theory and Methods of Food Preservation | 15 | |
| Gardening, Wellbeing and Community | 15 | |
| Anthropology of Forced Migration | 15 | |
| The Anthropology of Prisons | 15 | |
| Animals and Society | 15 | |
| Dogs and Cats: Anthropological Subjects | 15 | |
| Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 | |
| On Violence | 15 | |
| Data Science in Society | 15 | |
| Aging, Health and Society | 15 | |
| Science, Technology and Society | 15 | |
| Politics of Food and Farming | 15 | |
| Emotions, the Body and the Social | 15 | |
| Addiction | 15 | |
| Bodies and Society | 15 | |
| BioSocieties | 15 | |
| Data Justice and Surveillance Capitalism | 15 | |
| Social Networks | 15 | |
| Cyborg Studies | 15 | |
| Environments and Societies | 15 | |
| Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Find out more about placement options
With Study Abroad
120 credit compulsory placement module.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Study Abroad | 120 | |
With Employment Experience
120 credit compulsory placement module.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 2 | ||
| Employment Experience | 120 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Students must choose one of the two dissertation modules.
If taking Sociology Dissertation, select a further 30 credits of Sociology options and 60 credits Anthropology options.
If taking Anthropology Dissertation, select a further 30 credits of Anthropology options and 60 credits Sociology options.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation Choice | ||
| Anthropology Dissertation | 30 | |
| Dissertation | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology Optional | ||
| Living Cities: Migration, Place and the Politics of Identities | 15 | |
| Anthropology of the State | 15 | |
| Anthropology of Forced Migration | 15 | |
| Animals and Society | 15 | |
| Forensic Science, Conflict and Justice | 15 | |
| On Violence | 15 | |
| Surveys and Experiments: Design Implementation and Analysis | 15 | |
| Deviance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives | 15 | |
| Pharmaceutical Cultures | 15 | |
| Disability and Society | 15 | |
| Sociology of Family and Gender | 15 | |
| Contemporary Capitalism, Critique and Resistance | 15 | |
| Deception | 15 | |
| Digital Society | 15 | |
| Power and Domination | 15 | |
| Data Justice and Surveillance Capitalism | 15 | |
| Data Science in Society | 15 | |
| Aging, Health and Society | 15 | |
| Science, Technology and Society | 15 | |
| Politics of Food and Farming | 15 | |
| Emotions, the Body and the Social | 15 | |
| Addiction | 15 | |
| Bodies and Society | 15 | |
| BioSocieties | 15 | |
| Social Networks | 15 | |
| Cyborg Studies | 15 | |
| Environments and Societies | 15 | |
| Data Analysis in Social Science 3 | 15 | |
| Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences | 15 | |
Course variants
BA Sociology and Anthropology with Study Abroad
UCAS code: L3L7
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.
Are there any academic requirements to study abroad?
Yes. If you wish to study abroad as part of this degree course, you must achieve an overall grade of at least 60% (a 2:1) for your first year of study. This applies to all students, even if you are registered on the 'with Study Abroad' variant from the start of your degree.
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.
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.
BA Sociology and Anthropology with Employment Experience
UCAS code: L3L8
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree offers you the option of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements, within the UK or abroad, 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 and country you choose to work in 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.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is 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, including deadlines, apply. See our website 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.
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.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
Your future
As a Sociology and Anthropology graduate you will have the ability to understand human culture, society and behaviour which will be attractive to employers across a wide spectrum of employers. Alongside this you will also develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills including:
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Qualitative research
- Interview techniques and running of focus groups
- Sensory analysis and interpretation and use of data
- Independent research
- Discussion and group work
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and 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.
