| UCAS code | L303 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Sociology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | L304 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Sociology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| UCAS code | L309 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Sociology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | L310 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Sociology |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
Overview
- You’ll learn about how societies, institutions and practices come into being, how they work and might change in the future and develop an insight into the major challenges facing society
- Run by the prestigious Centre for Computational Social Science (C2S2)
- Our broad range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics
- Our optional work placement gives you the opportunity to use your new skills in the real world. Typically lasting 3 to 6 weeks you can choose from a wide range of organisations
- You’ll gain a full range of social research and specific technical skills suitable for developing careers within the public sector, policy development or research-based careers
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
Exeter is one of only 15 UK universities to host a Q Step Centre
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
Exeter is one of only 15 UK universities to host a Q Step Centre
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 BSc 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 first year gives you a foundational knowledge of sociological theory, methods and concepts. You will also gain important analytical techniques that will be useful across a range of subjects and research tasks.
90 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC1001 | Social Analysis | 30 |
| SPA1000 | Imagining Social Worlds | 30 |
| SSI1005 | Introduction to Social Data | 15 |
| SSI1006 | Data Analysis in Social Science 1 | 15 |
Optional modules
30 credits of optional modules (SOC1xxx).
View option modules here
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SOC2005 | Theoretical Sociology | 30 |
| SSI2004 | Research Design in the Social Sciences | 15 |
| SSI2005 | Data Analysis in Social Science 2 | 15 |
Optional modules
60 credits of optional modules (SOC2xxx)
View option modules here
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 30 credit Dissertation module. 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. In terms of optional modules, you must choose 90 credits worth of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SSI3019 | Quantitative Dissertation | 30 |
Optional modules
90 credits of optional modules (SOC3xxx).
View option modules here
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: L304
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: L309
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.
UCAS code: L310
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?
Spending up to a year living and working 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. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country 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 fee?
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
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
Sociology provides you with an excellent all-round education, combining subject-specific knowledge and expertise with a wide range of transferable skills sought after by employers. These include:
- Qualitative research skills including interview techniques, focus groups, sensory analysis
- Interpretation and use of qualitative and other data
- Research project design and the use of appropriate methodologies
- High standards of written and oral communication including formulating an argument, presentation and interpersonal skills
- Collation and interpretation of evidence
- Organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines
- The ability to work independently and within a team
Career paths
Many of our graduates choose to follow their degree with employment or further study in people-focused fields in the public and not-for-profit sectors. Others choose to use the more generic skills developed on the course to follow careers in business and management.
Job title
- 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
Organisation
- National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy
- Scholastic
- Bodleian Libraries
- National Skills Academy
- KPMG
Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
Further study
Further study is a popular choice for a number of students following graduation from a Politics degree in Exeter. Below are a few examples* of further study undertaken. Please note that, due to data protection, the subjects of study and institutions are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
Subject area
- MRes and PhD (ESRC studentship)
- MSc Research Methods
- MA Gender Studies
- MA Philosophy and Sociology of Science
- MA International Relations
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- MA Marketing
Institutions
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- University of Leeds
- University of Exeter
- University College London
- College of Law, Guildford
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.
