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 also be able to list this work on your CV.

You can choose from a range of elective modules – such as environment and society, youth studies, propaganda and media studies, and education policy. Alongside this, you’ll undertake a more demanding commissioned project, working in a team to meet the needs of a local organisation. 

Field trips

During the course, you can take a field trip at no additional cost. In recent years these have included a visit to the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, a 4-day visit to Edinburgh, and a dissertation conference.

Work placements

In the second year, many students opt to go on an eight-week structured 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 great chance to learn about different cultures and learning styles – as well as 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. It offers you access to extensive networks that can support your studies and career development.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

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 also be able to list this work on your CV.

You can choose from a range of elective modules – such as environment and society, youth studies, propaganda and media studies, and education policy. Alongside this, you’ll undertake a more demanding commissioned project, working in a team to meet the needs of a local organisation.

Our staff are experts in their fields – bringing their research-based knowledge to all the teaching and learning activities on the course. Lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials all challenge your understanding of the social world – helping you develop self-confidence and motivation, which is essential for all graduate-level jobs.

You’ll also discover new knowledge and ideas through a variety of field trips, events and guest speakers arranged throughout the year. You’ll be supported by staff every step of the way to become your very best.. This might be by working with others in small groups, or by developing your own independent learning style.  

You learn through

• lectures 
• seminars 
• workshops
• tutorials
• field trips 
• events 
• guest speakers 
• group learning

There are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme. 

You will be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through a number of key areas. These include

• access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development.
• access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments.
• industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities.

This course prepares you for a career in   

• health and related areas
• education
• probation 
• police service
• prisons
• local and national government
• marketing and advertising

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 also be able to list this work on your CV.

You can choose from a range of elective modules – such as environment and society, youth studies, propaganda and media studies, and education policy. Alongside this, you’ll undertake a more demanding commissioned project, working in a team to meet the needs of a local organisation.

• research and development departments
• human resources
• community-based support
• voluntary and charitable organisations

These are just some of the areas previous graduates of this course have gone on to work in.

However, the skills you’ll develop during your degree will enable you to successfully transition into a much wider range of potential career paths.

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.

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.
• 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 - at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course.

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.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

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.