BA (Hons) Sociology Bachelor's degree at Sheffield Hallam University
BA (Hons) Sociology at SHU combines core theory with research methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
<p>Harness sociological knowledge to build your future career and change the world around you.<p> From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Sociology is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at SHU, based in Collegiate Crescent Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For Social sciences graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sociology & Social Sciences, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Deviance, Order And ProtestCompulsory20 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Researching SocietyCompulsory40 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Sociology - The Big IssuesCompulsory40 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- The Sociological ImaginationCompulsory20 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
Year 2 6 modules
- Applied Research MethodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Inequality, Identity And IntersectionalityCompulsory20 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Theorising ModernitiesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module challenges you to engage with explanations of social problems and social change offered by selected sociological theorists.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Sociology - Real-World ApplicationElective60 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Study Abroad - Social SciencesElective60 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Work Placement (Politics And Sociology)Elective60 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (70%), Practical (30%)
Year 3 1 modules
- Undergraduate Sandwich Placement Applied Professional DiplomaCompulsory
Module details
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. 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.
Final year 4 modules
- Drugs, Crime And SocietyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Education, Health And DisabilityCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module explores contemporary issues in health and disability through the lens of education, using a critical range of conceptual and theoretical tools.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Gender, Sexuality, And CultureCompulsory20 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (100%)
- Sociology DissertationCompulsory60 credits
Module details
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.
Assessment: Coursework (90%), Practical (10%)
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
Who it's for
This course suits students seeking a flexible, part-time route into sociology and social sciences. It's designed for those who want to develop understanding of social structures, institutions, and human behaviour whilst balancing other commitments. The independent project component allows you to pursue research interests relevant to your own context.
Careers & job market
Across Sociology and Social Sciences courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National earnings data shows graduates starting at £23,000–£30,000, rising to £20,400–£28,800 after three years and £24,650–£34,800 after five years. These figures reflect the broader graduate population and vary by individual role and sector.
University & format
This BA (Hons) Sociology is studied part-time at Sheffield Hallam University, a university founded in 1992, based at Collegiate Crescent Campus. Taught in English, the course leads to a nationally recognised UK degree. Sheffield Hallam holds Gold in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (2023).
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at SHU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Sociology & Social Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £24,500 – £35,000 | 1465 |
| 3 years after | £20,000 | £16,500 – £25,000 | 45 |
| 5 years after | £22,500 | £18,000 – £28,000 | 45 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 1,465. Cohort 2021-22.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in sociology & social sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Sociology & Social Sciences nationally
National figures for Sociology & Social Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Sociology & Social Sciences courses at the same study level.
Compared with 751 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Job market & outlook
How Sociology & Social Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Sociology & Social Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Local authorities
- Charities & NGOs
- Research organisations
- Government & universities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sociology & Social Sciences graduates.
Sociology AdjunctCommonwealth Of VirginiaSociology ECT - High-Achieving Secondary School in BrightonMarchant RecruitmentHead of Psychology and SociologyTeacherActiveIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.0 out of 10: NSS 79.6%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Sheffield Hallam University
Social sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Collegiate Crescent Campus
1,770 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Sociology & Social Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to SHU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check SHU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with SHU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at SHU
Sociology & Social Sciences at other universities
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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