Sociology (BSc)

at Cardiff University

Course specific equipment
What the student should provide:

You do not need any specific equipment to study on this programme. Access to a laptop computer would be advantageous as many readings are available electronically and most assessments are prepared using standard word processing software.

What the University will provide:

Networked computers with appropriate file space and all necessary software. Access to essential and background reading for each module plus a wide range of journals and other online resources.You will also have access to specialised software packages where appropriate. All course documents will be available online (via the VLE) and hard copies of essential documents will be provided if requested.

Course structure

This is a three-year, full-time course, consisting of 120 credits a year. You'll study six 20-credit modules a year, with a 40-credit dissertation in year three. Each year includes a number of optional modules that allow you to tailor your studies to suit your own interests and skills. The final degree classification that you are awarded is based on the grades you achieve in the modules that you take in years two and three.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2023/2024 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2023.

Year one
You will take five core 20-credit modules in Year One. These are designed to introduce you to the key ideas and research in Sociology and to teach you the skills needed to succeed at university. You will also have the opportunity to take one additional 20-credit module from within the School to make up the full 120 credits you need to complete Year One.

In the first year, you will meet your personal tutor who will help you to make the transition to higher education and support you throughout your time with us.

Year two
In Year Two you will take three core 20-credit modules. These core modules will focus on contemporary inequalities, social theory and social science research methods. You will also select three 20-credit optional modules from a selection across the social sciences. A credit-bearing placement module is also available. Your personal tutor will be available to help you choose modules that best suit your interests and future career choices.

In this year you will also have the opportunity to consider transferring onto a four year programme, spending your third year on a professional work placement or studying abroad, returning to Cardiff to complete your studies in the fourth year.

Year three
Your final year will consolidate your knowledge and allow you to continue to explore topics that best suit your future career aspirations. You will undertake a 40-credit dissertation project, designing, conducting and writing-up a small-scale research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff. Your remaining 80 credits will consist of at least 60 credits from Sociology modules and one option from modules across the School.

A level
ABB-BBB

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. 

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

The cost of studying at Cardiff University varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen.

Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. On average, international students can expect to pay £18,700 annually, to study in Cardiff University.

We are committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions, encouraging you to think about life beyond university from day one. Our degree programmes offer modules and support to give you a competitive advantage on graduating.

Turning theory into practical application and providing experience of the working world are important aspects of all our degree schemes, which will help to prepare our graduates for life after higher education.

We also offer bespoke career support to our students at every stage of study and after their graduation. Our dedicated careers advisors deliver a tailored range of careers events throughout the year.

Our graduates have gone onto a range of careers in criminal justice, education and curriculum planning, research, policing, legal professions, social work and social care, administration and management.