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Social Work and Sociology at UEA
Find out more about studying Social Work and Sociology at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) Sociology with a Year Abroad
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L30A
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
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90%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Why BA Sociology at UEA?
Design the Sociology degree that’s right for your interests, strengths, and ambitions.
If you’re fascinated by how society functions and driven by a desire to change the world, this is the degree for you.
Why choose UEA?
- Strong critical skills: Learn to analyse society. Research issues you’re already interested in. Think critically about global issues
- Global experience: Spend your third year abroad. Get immersed in a new culture, gaining international perspectives, skills, and confidence
- Flexible study: Build your own personalised pathway around what’s right for you guided by our supportive staff in a vibrant learning community
What is Sociology?
Do you want to understand how society works, why inequality persists, how identities are formed, and the way power operates? This is a dynamic course that allows you to explore social structures, inequalities, and identities through a curriculum you customise.
Sociology at UEA emphasises creative, critical, and applied learning, so you learn in ways that suit you, developing a wide range of skills and interests.
We’re a welcoming and supportive learning community, where you’re taught by academic experts who get to know you and who you get to know. As well as year-round learning community activities our students get the chance to work with us on research being done in the school whose work is ranked fourth in the UK for research quality(opens in a new window).
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Year Abroad
Your year abroad will give you the opportunity to be absorbed into university life within a different culture. You can choose from a range of our partner universities in North America, Europe, Australasia or Asia. You study at your study abroad university in year three, completing modules set by the institution you choose, with the support of your Study Abroad co-ordinator on your course at UEA, and return to UEA to complete your final year with the benefit of the ideas, experiences and skills you’ve gained overseas.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BA Sociology degree, you could launch a career as:
- Social researcher: conduct social research in a range of career sectors
- Policy analyst: Work with policy makers to understand social problems and help develop solutions
- Fundraising Executive: Work in the charity sector to develop and deliver fundraising operations
- Marketing manager: Analyse market trends and deliver marketing campaigns
- Teacher or lecturer: Educate the next generation of social scientists
Career Support
The course pathways delivered in partnership with other disciplines across the university show you how sociology contributes to different areas of work.
Skills focused learning is embedded modules on the course, encouraging reflection on skills and attributes developed within the course and in wider extra-curricular, work and career management experiences. Teaching from Career Central is incorporated into the course programme across all cohorts to help students recognise and have confidence in articulating their strengths.
The school offers student internship roles, giving you the opportunity to conduct paid research work with academics in the school, experiencing life as a researcher, and contributing to academic publications and conferences.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to go on to graduate study in a range of disciplines or enter directly into a professional career in sectors including marketing, communication, public relations, criminal justice, probation or charities.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll study five compulsory modules which develop your understanding of sociology and create a foundation from which you can shape your sociological interests. You’ll discover how sociology has developed. You’ll grapple with how concepts have been created, and the contested nature of knowledge. You’ll be introduced to the process of research and evidence.
Year one modules introduce the four pathways the course is designed around, giving you a foundation to build the Sociology course you want to study. At the end of the first year, you’ll choose your year optional modules from a range of options within or across these pathways:
- Criminology: Go beyond criminal justice systems relating to ‘crime’ and ‘criminals’ and explore sociological perspectives on wider concepts concerning harm and social justice
- The Sociology of Children and Families: Learn from our internationally respected work on children and families, looking at a wide range of issues across national and international contexts
- The Sociology of Social Change: Learn about social inequality, social justice and social change across a range of contemporary issues, topics and contexts. Study the issues you’re passionate about
- Digital Sociology: Examine the role of digital technologies in our everyday lives: how they’ve changed or preserved the ways our social worlds are made and remade, and what it means for our futures
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll have some compulsory modules designed to consolidate and expand your core understanding of sociology and help develop your expertise in your chosen specialisms.
You’ll also take a range of optional modules offered from schools across the University. These modules align with the course pathways and enable you to create specific routes through your degree. You’ll be encouraged to consider how these pathways may relate to your career plans, with support from our careers team.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 60)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
You study at your study abroad university in year three, completing modules set by the institution you choose, with the support of your Study Abroad co-ordinator on your course at UEA who stays in touch with you while you’re away.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In year four, you’ll return to UEA and complete your Studies. You’ll complete a compulsory dissertation project on a topic you choose, using skills and expertise developed in your other modules. You can choose from different project types to suit your skills, preferences and interests, and will be supported by a supervisor to help you do your best work.
You’ll also take a range of optional modules in year four, again aligned with the four pathways. These will further advance your specialist knowledge and help you prepare for your graduate career or go on to postgraduate study.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be given independent study activities and reading, all supported by resources on the university’s virtual learning environment. Your independent study tasks are designed by the course team to help you develop as an independent and self-regulated learner.
You’ll have a personal academic adviser to support your studies and develop your career ambitions. We also offer weekly staff-student drop-in sessions, and a programme of extra curricula events that will enable you to feel part of a community of sociologists at UEA.
In year one, you study the same modules together and share some lectures with students on other courses. In year two, you’ll study compulsory modules together, but your optional modules give you the chance to learn in other schools and with students bringing perspectives from other courses. In year three as well as your optional modules, your dissertation places greater emphasis on independent work to develop your professional time and project management skills.
Assessment
You’ll experience a range of assessment methods which are used to check your progress and ensure your academic development. These include essays, reports, projects, presentations and examinations. In addition to traditional essay-style work, our modules offer you the chance to develop skills in communicating ideas through a variety of creative and applied ways, reflecting the variety of teaching and learning activities you'll encounter.
In year one, you’ll be assessed through writing essays, activity portfolios, and reading logs. In year two, the assessment types for optional modules will vary, and you’ll know how a module is assessed before you make your optional module choices. In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation on a project of your choosing. As with year two, assessment types for optional modules vary, and you’ll know how a module is assessed before you choose to take it.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3.
Contextual Offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - Global Development with a Foundation Year (opens in a new window)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AABBB
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
A levels
BBB
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: