Sociology is endlessly fascinating. It studies all aspects of human society by examining the large scale social forces that shape our experiences and the small scale social interactions that give our lives meaning.

Key questions of Sociology include: how are societies possible?; what is the relationship between selves and societies?; how and why do societies change over time?; how and why are societies divided?; what gives a society order and why do some people break the rules?; how do cultural norms and values influence our thinking, what we do, and who we think we are?

Sociology has the potential to transform not only society, but also those who take on board its skills and teaching. By becoming a sociologist you will learn to be careful, considered and creative, analytical and rigorous, reflexive and ethical. These dispositions will prepare you for education, work and life.

When you start you will be invited to a number of welcome activities to help everyone begin to get to know one another, the staff, and the discipline of Sociology.

Some of the first questions that we’ll be engaging with are ‘What is Sociology?’ and ‘What skills do you need to be a Sociologist?’ Even if you have studied Sociology before we will be encouraging you to think about this question in new ways.

You can also keep up to date with what is going on in our Faculty and count down to beginning your studies with us by following us on Instagram

On the social side, the Student Union (CCSU) has a huge range of clubs and societies – all of which have unique social calendars of their own and offer endless opportunities to make lifelong friends and discover new hobbies. And you can always create your own society and cultivate your own community!

CCSU will be hosting their Welcome Fayre on Wednesday 18th September 2024. Make sure you keep checking the CCSU website for further details and how to get involved.

We understand that you may be nervous about your first few weeks on campus but rest assured - you'll be joining a nurturing and supportive environment where diversity, equality and individuality are part of everything we do.

You can find out more about our welcoming community and making friends.

If you are an International Student joining us then please see our International Student Support pages for further information and guidance.

There is no required reading before you start your degree, but two members of the team have recently written a brilliant book for budding Sociologists. If you choose to read it before you arrive, you’ll find it really helpful once you start. The book is called ‘How to be a Sociologist’, by Sarah Cant and Jennifer Hardes, and it is published by Collins. Watch Sarah talk about the book at this webinar.

There is a lot of reading to get stuck into once you arrive on the course, and we select the best essential and additional readings for you to engage with for each module. These will all be accessible online, via your University library account. The Library also has an incredible range of books, e-books, and journal articles so you can read around each topic and follow your sociological interest.

We strongly encourage you to engage with current events. What's in the news? What cultural or lifestyle issues are people talking about? What is going on in the world that intrigue you, and that you would like to investigate further? Sociology is a discipline that engages with life as it is happening to us, and our class discussions are topical and relevant - so bring your own thoughts and questions with you to University!

We look forward to welcoming you to the course during the week beginning 16th September 2024. This is a week focused on first year students.

Teaching starts during the week beginning 23rd September 2024.