What can you do with a sociology degree?

A sociology degree can open up numerous different career paths. Sociologists can work in research, government, non-profits, and corporations. During your time studying our BA (Hons) in Sociology, you will cover everything from families, to crime, to education, proving this course to be not only a transferable degree, but also an incredibly interesting one.

Sociologists often study social problems and ways to solve them. They may study how people interact with each other and how society is organised. Their research can help inform public policy decisions. Sociologists also work in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, think tanks, consulting firms, and private companies. They may teach classes, conduct research, or provide analysis and policy recommendations.

In this article, we cover what a sociology degree is, what you will study at the University of Wolverhampton, and other useful information such as potential career paths and how long the degree will last.

What is a sociology degree?

A sociology degree is extremely versatile and opens up a range of opportunities. With a sociological perspective, you will be able to see the world around you in a new light and understand how society functions. You could use your degree to work in social research, policymaking, marketing, human resources, social work or teaching.

Although the focus of the degree is on social interaction, sociologists also study how this interaction is shaped by things like race, gender, and class. This will give you a unique perspective that can be applied to a variety of fields.

Sociology courses we offer:

• BA (Hons) Sociology
• BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology with Foundation Year
• BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy

What will you study during your sociology degree?

During our BA (Hons) Sociology degree at the University of Wolverhampton, you will study a wide range of topics that cover the key concepts and theoretical perspectives in sociology. You will also have the opportunity to explore applied areas of sociology, such as criminology, social work and healthcare. In your final year, you will be able to specialise in an area of particular interest to you.

What skills will you gain from a sociology degree?

Now we’ve analysed what a sociology degree is and what you will study during your course, let’s have a look at some of the incredibly useful and transferable skills that this type of degree will provide you with.

Critical and analytical thinking

Critical and analytical thinking skills are a vital part of your career development due to the problems that arise in any area of work you pursue. These skills allow you to think outside of the box and come up with solutions to problems that may not seem initially obvious. 

Data analysis

Being able to read, interpret and analyse data are incredibly important skills for most lines of work. Understanding not only how data is put together, but the value of the data that’s in front of you, allows you to act upon it and come up with solutions in the workplace.

Written and verbal communication

Having good written skills allows you to become better at communication and also improves your reading ability. Being able to communicate with confidence verbally will also be a beneficial factor in any line of work and will show your self-belief.

Sociology career paths

A sociology degree opens up a lot of career opportunities due to the abundance of academic and social skills you will learn. There are many different work fields that a sociology degree directly applies to, but also a wide range of transferable skills allows you to be beneficial to a number of growing and diverse industries. Let’s take a look at a few of the many potential career paths which studying this degree at the University of Wolverhampton could open up for you.

Youth worker

Youth workers are responsible for providing support and guidance to young people who may be experiencing difficulties in their lives. They work with young people and aim to help them develop life skills and coping mechanisms. Youth workers may also provide advice on careers, education and personal development. They typically work in community settings, such as youth clubs, schools or youth offending teams. 

Higher education lecturer

Lecturers in higher education typically develop and deliver lectures, lead seminars and tutorials, mark student work, provide feedback to students, and engage in scholarly activities such as conducting research and publishing papers. In order to be successful in these endeavours, lecturers must be excellent communicators, both in writing and in person.

Police officer

Police officers are sworn to protect and serve the public. They are responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing crime and keeping the peace. They respond to calls for service, investigate crimes, make arrests and testify in court. Police officers also perform community relations duties such as giving presentations, participating in parades and working with youth groups.

Marketing 

As the title suggests, marketing executives or managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks within an organisation. While their exact duties may vary depending on the company's size and industry, they typically develop and oversee marketing campaigns, track sales data, and analyse customer behaviour. Additionally, they may also be responsible for managing a team of marketing professionals.

Final thoughts on studying a degree in sociology

Those who study sociology at the University of Wolverhampton can expect to gain a well-rounded education that will prepare them for a variety of careers. During this course, you will develop an understanding of social interaction and how societies function. You will learn about social inequalities and how to research and analyse social issues, whilst also acquiring critical thinking and communication skills that will be valuable in any career. Overall, studying sociology at the University of Wolverhampton is a great way to prepare for a rewarding career in a variety of fields.