Course summary

Have you ever wanted to know the full story behind the important issues in our society? Are you interested in understanding more about gender inequalities in our societies and women’s experiences of everyday sexism? What can sociology teach us about disasters and when things go wrong with technology? How can we think sociologically about the future? How important is what we consume to our sense of identity and social relationships? How have the financial crisis and austerity measures impacted on people’s daily lives? Here at Lancaster you can engage with these questions and have chance to ask your own by studying on our BA Sociology course. We help you to make the familiar strange, to ask critical questions, to understand a wide range of classic and contemporary sociological writing, and to develop skills that allow you to carry out independent research. Since being established in 1969, Lancaster Sociology has developed an excellent reputation and ranks well globally. Both our staff and students contribute to important public discussions through lectures, blogs, media appearances and social media. Our Department offers a range of opportunities to foster your personal and professional development. You can participate in activities such as field trips, placements, studying abroad, film screenings, public events, seminars, and major international conferences. All this makes for a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. The structure of our degree and department allows you to study sociology alongside complementary topics, such as media and cultural studies and social problems and policy. Whether you have diverse interests or aren't quite sure what you want to major in, we are here to help you make the most of your time at Lancaster. The study abroad option is an exciting and informative experience for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree. You will study in your third year at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to develop your global outlook, expand your professional network, and gain cultural and personal skills. During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree as well as other modules from across the host university. Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.