Explore Our Sociology Degree
Sociologists have for decades been providing answers to difficult government and policy questions, informing industry and challenging inequalities.
Sociology is concerned with understanding social life and our place within it. On this course, you will study human connections and relationships, and how these connections, as well as social structures, such as social class, race and gender, are linked to the way we behave. You will tackle difficult questions around issues such as poverty, sexism, austerity, immigration, privacy and social unrest, and gain insights into our cultural and everyday lives.
2020 has been consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a major financial crisis, social disruption including mass lockdowns, shortages and divisions in society, unprecedented cancellation or rescheduling of major religious, political and cultural events and disruption to the education system and to our daily lives from the way we work to the way we interact with others. To accompany this, global movements such as the Black Lives Matter movement and police brutality protests have taken place across the world. Social media and the mass media have played a huge role in all these events but have both received criticism, specifically around the spread of misinformation which has raised questions around responsibility and accountability. All of these things have a huge impact on the way our societies work and develop. As a Sociology student, you will explore key historical and contemporary events such as these to understand what kind of impact they can have on society, how societies deal with them and how they can be the catalysts for major societal change.
Start your study journey
Want to find out more? Book your place at an Open Day
Excellent Student Satisfaction Scores
In the most recent National Student Survey, 93% of students asked agreed that the course provided opportunities to explore ideas or concepts in depth (University of Salford analysis of unpublished NSS 2020 data).
Industry-focused learning
We focus on providing you with industry experience and will ensure you benefit from these links, whether that be through placement opportunities, field trips, conference opportunities, surgeries, guest speakers and workshops.
Tailor your course to your interests
In your second and third years, you will be able to tailor your course to ensure you are studying the areas of social policy that interest you the most. You will be able to do this through optional modules, placements and independent research projects.
Investigate real-world issues
You'll be taught by internationally recognised research-active staff who ensure that module content aligns with current social science happenings, controversies and debates.
Study in a prison
Students on this course have the opportunity to study a new module called ‘Inside-Out’. This module involves contact hours that are delivered inside HMP Forest Bank prison with ‘inside’ students, who are serving prisoners enrolled as University of Salford students for the duration of the module. Both the ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ students learn together throughout the module.
What Can We Offer You?
Be taught by internationally recognised research active staff who ensure that module content aligns with current social science happenings, controversies and debates
Have the opportunity to undertake a work placement module to gain first-hand experience
Benefit from our strong links with local government, social care providers, prisons, courts, charities, community development organisations and youth organisations
Jessica - Current Student
Jessica Green-Howard, a third-year student, who recently finished the first run of this module gave us an insight into the Inside-Out module.
WHAT COURSE YOU ARE ON AND WHY YOU CHOSE SALFORD?
I am on the Criminology and Sociology course. Salford seemed like a great university when I attended the Open Days and the programmes seemed well run. The experience has been really good. Lectures have been great and I have developed as a person.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THE INSIDE-OUT MODULE?
I thought it would be interesting to go inside a prison and speak to people who are serving sentences. I wanted to form my own opinions about prisons from experiencing it myself and hearing the experiences of others.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THE MODULE WORKED?
We would head to Forest Bank Prison early so we had time to go through all the security, we made our way through the gates, across the yard and into the main corridor of the prison, and through to the education wing. In a classroom we sorted the chairs into a circle and waited for the ‘inside students’ to come in. Once everyone was there we began tasks and discussions.
WAS IT WHAT YOU EXPECTED?
I didn’t know what to expect, there’s not much you can compare it to, so I tried to not expect anything. I was very nervous at first, but many ‘inside students’ made effort to make me and others comfortable. They were a nice, normal bunch of guys.
WHAT WERE THE ASSESSMENTS INVOLVED LIKE?
The assessments were challenging as I have not had to write reflectively before, but they were not completely overwhelming and we all received plenty of support. The presentation that was done in groups was especially enjoyable and done in a more fun way to present; like a game-show. Everyone had their own unique strengths so some students would be more comfortable with presenting. At the end of our tasks we were all proud of what we had managed to do individually. The best was when people got their results back, many inside students were so proud of their results, one said he couldn’t wait to ring his mum and tell her which made my day.
DID YOU FIND THE STAFF INVOLVED IN THIS MODULE HELPFUL?
The lecturers were fantastic. Antony and Kelly are very approachable, down to earth people who connected really well to both sets of students inside and outside, and they were patient, supportive and explained everything really well. They kept everyone on track really well without it feeling rushed, even though everyone agreed we all wished we could have had more time together. I'd highly recommend this amazing experience.
Campus Life. Big City Buzz.
Study at Salford really is the best of both worlds. Our Peel Park campus is set in 46 square kilometres of lush, green space to enjoy. But we're also just over a mile away from the big city buzz of central Manchester - voted the UK's most liveable city two years running.
Famous for music, culture, sport, art and science, the cities of Manchester and Salford offers an unrivalled student experience where you can balance your studies with world-class culture, exciting events and legendary nightlife.
Campus Life
We know university life isn’t all about studying – sometimes you have to have fun, too – and there are plenty of things to do outside of academia across our campuses.
From joining a club or society, to taking part in a gym class, to meeting up with friends for lunch in Atmosphere bar and café: when you're not working on your next assignment or research project, you can be enjoying the perks of being on campus at the University of Salford.
Campus Accommodation
Living in student accommodation is a great way to get settled into university life and meet new people. We've got some great accommodation options to choose from, including Peel Park Quarter - recently voted one of the best halls of residence in the UK.
Becoming an undergraduate student
Choosing a university is one of the biggest decisions you'll make - and we want to help you make the right one.