This programme is concerned with Sociology in terms of Globalization, Multiculturalism and Social Justice

The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma or Relevant Access Course. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.

We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview.

Overseas Qualifications

The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) would be required.

• Develop conceptual knowledge of developments in modernity and globalization.
• Provide an empirical understanding of social structure and the changes it is undergoing. 
• Acquire specialist knowledge of individual social theorists.
• Become aware of the importance of historical and comparative analysis.
• Undertake data recovery and analysis
• Be able to draw on materials from a range of sources and demonstrate an ability to synthesize them.
• Be able to assess a range of diverse perspectives and discuss the strengths of each for the understanding of events.
• Prepare for future employment

Knowledge and understanding

• Theoretical approaches to modernity, identity formation, globalization and ethical concerns
• Statistical and empirical data providing an informed overview of changing social structures
• A variety of methodological and research skills
• The ability to communicate in a clear, informed and authoritative fashion

'Thinking' skills

• Understanding a range of academic texts
• Summarising and synthesising theories and evidence
• Access to contemporary debates about the world and the interests that inform them

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Use of Information Technology and the Internet for information retrieval and presentation
• Qualitative and quantitative research skills
• Ability to conduct informed debate on current social issues

Skills for life and work

• Professional presentation and communication skills
• Critical appraisal of arguments and evidence
• Autonomous planning and management of the learning process
• Information Technology skills including a range software packages
• Group and communication skills for working with others

The typical duration of this programme is three years full-time or five years part-time. An extra year is available for students wishing to study abroad or to complete a professional studies placement (in social policy or social research).

It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year is divided into two semesters of roughly equal length. A typical full-time student will study three 20 credit modules per semester and a typical part-time student will study one or two modules per semester

The BA (Hons) Sociology programme has two points of entry. The main point is in September but there is also an entry point in February. Consequently, the Level One study skills module is taught in both semesters, as are the two Level Three research modules.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. UEL offers subjects in a variety of combinations:

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three with minimum of 40 credits drawn from University wide options
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three with a minimum of 20 credits drawn from University wide options
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three with a minimum of 20 credits drawn from University wide options
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three.

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the Programme
• University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)

Knowledge and understanding is developed through

• Lectures and reading on globalization and related sociological themes
• Workshops, seminars, group work discussions and exercises
• Lectures and practical exercises in social research
• Private study in preparation for contact hours and for assessment.

'Thinking' skills are developed through

• clarifying research questions through deciphering of texts
• assessing theoretical arguments, evidence and research designs
• summarising and synthesising materials into key points

Practical skills are developed through

• working with others in workshops
• using ICT skills to search web and use analytical and presentation software
• carrying out data collection exercises
• constructing research reports

General skills are developed through

• verbal presentations (of assessments) in workshops
• working with others to progress discussion

Knowledge is assessed by

• examinations
• essays
• reviews/deciphering of texts

Thinking skills are assessed by

• research exercises and research design for projects
• literature reviews/synthesis
• writing up research reports

Practical skills are assessed by

• data collection and analysis exercises/projects
• organised external visits
• presentation of assessed work

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• presentations to workshop groups