Sociological Studies for undergraduates

Sociology challenges us to look again at some of the biggest issues facing the world. Crime, migration, poverty, ageing, nationalism, religion and world hunger. See these concerns in terms of how societies work, and we can see them in new and striking ways.

Study with us and you won't just look at sociology. You'll make further links – with related subjects like social work and social anthropology. You'll get a bigger, broader perspective on the world and the way its people relate to one another.

In turn, you'll develop the insight to see patterns and problems in the way society organises. You'll have the analytical skills to formulate solutions. And you'll get a chance to do work that could make society better.

Outstanding teaching

Every year we're doing research that's extending the boundaries of sociological studies – and our understanding of society. Our academic staff are internationally renowned in many research areas, including ageing, childhood studies, European society, globalisation, global social policy, crime and criminology and social identity.

What does this mean for you as an undergraduate? This research feeds directly into the content of your course. So you'll get outstanding teaching from leading experts, taking you straight to the heart of the subject.

More about sociology and social policy

The bigger picture

We're not just a department of sociology: we're the Department of Sociological Studies. This means our students get the bigger picture.

At many universities sociology students can only study the theoretical side of the subject, without a proper look at how theories work (or don't work) in the real world. At Sheffield we think that's not enough.

Join us and you'll get as solid a grounding in the theory as you could hope for. But you'll get a chance to road-test the theory as well. You'll have the chance to look critically at its effectiveness in practice, examining different approaches to social work and social policy – and their impact on people's lives.

So you'll learn from some of the best academics in sociological studies, on degree courses that give you the widest possible perspective on the subject – in theory and practice. Interested? Check out our courses and see what you like the sound of.

Our undergraduate degrees
Course modules

Study sociology with a second subject

As well as looking at social policy, you can choose from a range of other subjects to study in a dual degree with sociology.

Business management, English language, history, politics and criminology are the options on offer.

Dual honours courses

A place to call home

Our students tell us they felt at home the moment they arrived here. The department's home in the University's beautiful Elmfield building offers you a peaceful, picturesque learning environment. But it's just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Sheffield and stunning University facilities like our Information Commons.

Just as importantly, we're a department with a distinct culture of community, belonging and identity, where everyone knows each other. With the Sociology Society's busy calendar of film nights, educational visits, pub trips, book sales, sport and volunteer work, you'll make friends right from day one.

Back in the department the door is always open to our staff, and we run a daily helpdesk for students needing support. Meanwhile, our committee system gives you a say on the way your course is run – making sure we're as responsive as we can be to your needs. So while we expect our students to aim high, we do everything we can to help them hit the mark.

Opportunities and support