Applied Sociology

Year 1

Completed via BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences

The first year of this course is an opportunity to explore introductory social science theories and applications including elements of psychology, sociology, research methods and politics. You additionally develop generic academic skills such as writing reports, presenting and study skills.

Year 2

Completed via BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences

You build upon the skills developed in year one, by exploring the topics in greater depth and introducing specialist modules. Academic skills will also be developed further.

If you apply to the BA (Hons) Applied Sociology route and meet the required academic standards at the end of Year 2, you will be given the choice to continue on BA (Hons) Applied Sociology, or to join either the BA (Hons) Applied Psychology or BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences exit awards.

Year 3

In year three you can specialise in sociology modules. Through the completion of several core topics, you advance your knowledge and experience of sociology, sociology research and how these can be applied to contemporary, real-world issues.

Year 4

In your final year, you will again be able to choose modules that reflect your interest in various areas of sociology. This year also includes a core Dissertation module, which allows you to study, in-depth, an area of relevant and personal interest.

Learning Methods

You will be taught through a wide variety of teaching methods including formal lectures, seminar activities, group work, project work and directed reading.

In Years 1 and 2 everyone studies the same modules via the BA (Hons) Applied Social Sciences route, however in Years 3 and 4 you will specialise in sociology.

Activity Summary

The activity depends on the module and includes:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• e-Learning activities
• Directed and private study.
• Student led seminars.
• Practical work
• Class discussions

How long is a BA (Hons) Applied Sociology course?

The duration of an Applied Sociology degree is 4 years.

Independent Study

We encourage you to be an independent learner from the start of your course. Each module involves two to three hours of timetabled teaching each week, but you will have considerably more follow-up work beyond this.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Our class sizes are small and this, along with a high level of contact time with staff, enables us to provide a friendly and supportive learning environment.

Our team of academic staff are actively engaged in applied research which underpins the teaching in areas such as drug abuse, homelessness, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, forensic psychology, the body and political violence. Such research activity ensures that our course is kept current and relevant.

Assessment

Assessment is through a combination of exams and coursework which may be a mix of essays, reports and presentations including:

• Written coursework
• Portfolios
• Exams
• Essays
• Oral presentations
• Case Studies
• Dissertation

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

One of the elective modules has a placement element. If this module is chosen, you can work for a local organisation (typically charities but also businesses) where they will engage in research that will meet a business or developmental need of that organisation.

Study Abroad

There will be the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Year 2 of the course. We currently have study abroad links with Cyprus, Austria, Germany, Malta, Poland and Belgium. We also have the opportunity for a student exchange with Montana State University Billings.

Job Prospects

Sociology develops your analytical, organisational, presentational, problem solving, leadership and creative skills. The skills that the workplace of the near future will require.  The world of work is changing. It is all about having skills that can be used in a variety of locations and workplace settings. The possible career routes are multiple and varied. They include working in the police, human resources, education, public sector, politics, third sector and charities, research, government, setting up your own business and many more.

What are the entry requirements for a BA (Hons) Applied Sociology degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry

• SQA Higher: BBBC to include a written subject requiring the use of English.
• GCE A Level Year 1 entry: BCC to include a written subject requiring the use of English.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3 to include a written subject requiring the use of English.
• IB Diploma Year 1 entry: 27 to include a Higher Level written subject requiring the use of English.

Year 2 entry

• GCE A Level Year 2 entry: BBC to include a written subject requiring the use of English.
• IB Diploma Year 2 entry: 29 to include a Higher Level written subject requiring the use of English.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC to include a written subject requiring the use of English

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3 subject to meeting requirements.

Advanced Entry

All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.