Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
4/5 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
C005
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
Where will I study?
1. Course summary
- Gain an understanding of deviance, order, protest, inequality, identity and religion.
- Take on real-world projects with hospitals, the police, schools, councils, charities, and community associations.
- Develop an expert approach to producing life-changing research in the future.
- Tailor your course to your interests with elective modules, live projects and work placements.
- Gain membership of the Social Research Association (SRA).
Human social behaviour and our society is becoming more diverse and intricate. Join us to delve into the challenges of privilege and disadvantage, investigate ethnicity, class, sexuality, age, disability, gender, and religion, and explore social movements for equality in a global context.
By studying Sociology at Sheffield Hallam University you will learn, you will become independent, and you will build a career that affects the world around you.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) courses – or if you’re not quite ready for studying at degree-level – we recommend you take our foundation course. You’ll share the foundation year with other Social Science students before moving onto your degree.
Come to an open day
Visit us to learn more about our gold-rated teaching and why we were awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
2. How you learn
Our staff are experts in their fields – bringing their research-based knowledge to all the teaching and learning activities on the course. With their support you’ll develop confidence, champion diversity and make a difference in communities – all in a safe, green and affordable city. You’ll challenge your understanding of the social world through lectures, seminars, workshops,and tutorials.
You’ll also discover new knowledge and ideas through a variety of field trips, events and guest speakers arranged throughout the year. You’ll develop your skills by working with others in small groups, as well as by creating your own independent learning style.
You learn through:
- Workshops
- Tutorials
- Field trips
- Events
- Guest speakers
- Group learning
Key Themes
From day one, you’ll learn how to research, gain independence, benefit from invaluable work placements, and become a confident, competent professional. You’ll explore core sociological knowledge and skills before progressing onto specialised interests and employability skills – working on live projects and putting your skills to the test in real-world situations.
You will develop your knowledge and skills in a range of modules on topics such as Education, Health and Disability, Drugs, Crime and Society, and Gender, Sexuality, and Culture.
Course Support
Community is a huge part of this course – both in and out of the classroom. You’re part of a large, safe academic community that helps you thrive. You’ll help to champion diversity in an accepting environment, with societies, charities and other extracurricular activities to help you along the way.
You will be supported in your learning journey towards highly-skilled, graduate-level employment through:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development.
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-one, webinars, and online resources.
- Industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities.
Course leaders and tutors
Ian Woolsey
Senior Lecturer In SociologyFormer Faculty Research Fellow: College of Social Sciences and Arts. Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Applied learning
On this industry-focused course, you’ll learn things you can apply to the real world. For example, previously our students have undertaken research with various charities. They have also worked collaboratively online with students from the University of Dallas. There are always opportunities outside of the classroom – we’ve even recently seen a level 4 student deliver a speech to the United Nations.
Live Projects
You’ll undertake live projects as part of your degree, getting a taste of how to use the skills you learn on the course in the real world. For example, working on a project brief for a local charity – undertaking desk-based research, helping them while also forming the basis for your assessment.
You’ll further boost your CV by undertaking more demanding commissioned projects – working in a team to meet the needs of local organisations. These could include research and development departments, charities, human resources, community-based support, businesses and service providers.
Field Trips
During the course, you can take a field trip at no additional cost. In recent years these have included a visit to Liverpool, Edinburgh, Dublin and Belfast. You get to immerse yourself in places and contexts of sociological importance and interest. For example, previously students have visited the Slavery museum in Liverpool/the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh.
There are also additional away days and conferences to help build more external knowledge.
Work Placements
In the third year, many students opt to go on an eight-week work placement. This gives you real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. Previous students have worked on projects under the direction of a supervisor in workplaces such as hospitals, police service, schools, council departments and community associations.
Alternatively, you can study abroad for 12 weeks at a university in Europe, Australia, USA or Canada. This is a brilliant chance to learn about different cultures and learning styles and travel to new places and meet new people.
Networking Opportunities
As a Sociology student, you’ll be enrolled as a member of the Social Research Association (SRA) – funded by the university. The SRA is a membership organisation for social researchers working on poverty, health, crime and other social issues you’ll encounter on your course. You’re able to access extensive networks that can support your studies and career development – with amazing networking and research opportunities during your studies and beyond. It also provides access to a wealth of past and present research for you to refer to.
The Sociology society is also a great chance to meet with your fellow students. You can network and socialise with students from your course or different courses – anyone who shares an interest in social issues and the development of society.
3. Future careers
The skills you’ll develop during this flexible degree will enable you to successfully transition into a much more comprehensive range of potential career paths.
This course prepares you for a career in:
- Health and related areas
- Education
- Police, prison, and probation
- Local and national government
- Drug and alcohol services
- Social and policy research
- Human resources
- Civil service
- Trade unionism
- Business management
- Victim support work
- International consultancy
- Journalism
4. Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn more5. Equipment and facilities
The university is investing £250 million in new facilities over the next five years. This means students have access to new, innovative, and flexible spaces to study and relax in, making their student experience even better.
6. Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 64
This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications excluding general studies For example:
- CC at A Level
- MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Pass overall from a T level qualification with D or E from core
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent
ACCESS
- Access to HE Diploma, with at least 45 level 3 credits.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Compulsory modules
This module examines a number of contemporary themes and issues relevant to the study of psychology, sociology, social policy, politics and international relations, geography, and sustainable environmental management. You’ll expand your knowledge of these disciplines and develop the academic skills you’ll need in your successful progression into higher education.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Different research approaches and using data to investigate a problem
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Key perspectives, ideas and theories
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Key themes in natural science, and society’s relationship with our changing world
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Citing and referencing information
This module examines a number of contemporary themes and issues relevant to the study of psychology, sociology, social policy, politics and international relations, geography and sustainable environmental management. You’ll expand your knowledge of these disciplines and develop the academic skills you’ll need in your successful progression into higher education.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Different research approaches and using data to investigate a problem
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Key perspectives, ideas and theories
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Key themes in natural science, and society’s relationship with our changing world
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Citing and referencing information
Compulsory modules
This module critically explores how deviance, order and protest are produced and reproduced in different socio-historical, cultural and institutional settings. You’ll learn through a combination of online and classroom-based, face-to-face lectures and seminars.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Policing public disorder
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Social movement theories
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Criminalisation and resistance
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Mechanisms of social control
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Gangs and youth subcultures
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Terrorism and political violence
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Revolution
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Policing the marginalised
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Capitalism and the 'new police'
This module critically engages you with the main methodological approaches to undertaking and interpreting social research. You’ll be challenged to take part in cutting-edge research projects and thrive as researchers working with dynamic outside agencies.
You’ll apply learning and skills such as:
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Quantitative and qualitative research methods
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The work of a local charity
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Research design
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Epistemological and ontological foundation of quantitative/qualitative research,
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Ethics, methodology, methods and analysis
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Participation in, and gathering data on, a local charity
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Data collation, manipulation and analysis
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A relevant qualitative method
This module explores a wide range of topics which shape the nature of contemporary UK society – from questions of poverty, inequality and social justice to issues around personal lives in light of racism and sexual and identity politics in a pandemic. You’ll learn through a combination of online and classroom-based, face-to-face lectures, workshops and seminars.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Patterns of consumption in relation to market production
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Impact on climate change
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Intersections of citizenship, migration and globalisation
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Changing ideas about power, politics and populism in the aftermath of Brexit
This module interprets the relationship between biography and history, self and society, which are at the heart of the sociological imagination. You’ll learn through a combination of online and classroom-based, face-to-face lectures and seminars.
You’ll study topics such as:
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The social, cultural and historical construction of self
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Identity and difference
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The stigmatised self
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The disabled self
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The racialised self
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The embodied self
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The gendered self
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The racialised self
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The sexualised self
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Behaviourist and symbolic interactionist understandings of the self
Compulsory modules
This module provides an applied sociological research project that closely reflects real-life practice, building on the level 4 research module. You’ll consolidate your understanding of ethical issues, methodological and sociological theories, and how these are applied in research – preparing you for your final year dissertation, further study and employment.
You’ll apply your learning and skills to:
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A mixed-methods research project
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Secondary quantitative research
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Primary qualitative research
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Contextualised research
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Methodological, empirical and theoretical literatures
This module challenges, collaborates and develops a deep understanding of sociological perspectives on identity and representation, as well as equality and diversity, in contemporary society.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Theories of social inequality
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Theories of equality and intersectionality
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Theories of identity politics and representation
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Theories of postcoloniality and decoloniality
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Social movements, equality activists and champions
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Economic equality: the workplace and occupations
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Affective equality: the family and households
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Democratic equality: citizenship and communities
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Cultural equality: education and religion
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Policy, practice and legislative developments
This module challenges you to engage with explanations of social problems and social change offered by selected sociological theorists.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Workplace alienation and social change: Karl Marx
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Rationalisation, bureaucracy and social change: Max Weber
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Community cohesion, the division of labour and social change: Emile Durkheim
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Community, relationships and identity: Bauman
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Fake news and hyper-reality: Jean Baudrillard
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Disciplinary society, power and surveillance: Michel Foucault
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The concepts of ‘modernity’ and ‘postmodernity’
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The ‘Great Transition’ and the emergence of sociology
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The problems of modernity: colonialism, genocide etc
Elective modules
This module provides you with significant employer interaction and associated learning, immersing in work-integrated learning (WIL) projects co-created with external organisations. You’ll carry out authentic professional activities, while an intertwined strand of academic content will connect your applied work to relevant disciplinary theory and research evidence.
You’ll apply learning and skills such as:
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Working within a professional environment
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Reflecting on your practice
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Working collaboratively
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University’s approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada.
Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foster intellectual maturity while enhancing co-curricular skills and students' long-term employability.
Study abroad for credit is permitted on existing university-approved courses only. Students are awarded credits and grades at the partner institution, which are converted into Sheffield Hallam credits and grades on return and included in the Sheffield Hallam degree classification.
Please check and refer to the webpage How study abroad works. You must submit a Learning Agreement outlining the modules you will be taking at the partner institution. The Learning Agreement will be signed off by your academic tutor to ensure that the Learning broadly covers the Learning Outcomes set out in your course curriculum during your study abroad.
This module provides an extended period of work placement to enhance your employability experience and skills. You’ll gain direct politics, sociology and social science insight that connects to the world of work – with a combination of lectures, workshops and drop-in sessions before, during and after your placement.
You’ll apply learning and skills such as:
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Commercial awareness
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Reflective practice
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Graduate employability
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Personal development
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Workplace experience
Optional modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc.
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills.
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices.
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Compulsory modules
This module examines drugs, drug use and drug abuse in wider social, cultural, economic and political contexts. The module challenges you to get familiar with topical debates and discourses in relation to drug use, policy and practice.
You’ll study topics such as:
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A review of key issues and debates
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Social theories and models of drug use
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Illegal drug markets
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Theory and research practice
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Treatment and testing
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Drugs and deprivation
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Harm reduction
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Wider social issues and drugs
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Structural violence and social deprivation
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Normalisation, young people and drug use
This module explores contemporary issues in health and disability through the lens of education, using a critical range of conceptual and theoretical tools.
You’ll study topics such as:
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The role of education in society
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Theoretical approaches to education, health and disability
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Politics and educational policy making
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Structures of advantage and disadvantage in education
This module explores theories and practices of identity, self and power in relation to sexualities and embodiment. You’ll be able to challenge widespread ideas and reductionist social perspectives through comprehensive informed discussion.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Power, embodiment and sexuality in historical and social context
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Control and creativity in relation to the body and sexuality
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Biological and social constructionist accounts
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Performance of identity through the body and sexuality
This module demonstrates and reflects on a range of skills developed through the production of a sustained, coherent and critical sociological thesis. You’ll develop key skills which you can apply more broadly to the world of work, through collaborative working with your academic supervisor, fellow students and engagement with external organisations.
You’ll apply learning and skills such as:
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A high degree of autonomy
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Developing a piece of sociological or political research
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Working with an academic supervisor
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Potentially engaging with external partners
8. Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on this course in 2025/26 is £5,760 for the foundation year and £9,535 per year for the degree (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Social Sciences (PDF, 255.2KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
