“Studying at Solent reignited my passion for learning and working towards goals.”
BA (Hons)Sociology
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: S003
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a sociology with a foundation
An exciting subject, sociology challenges the world in which we live, including politics, media and social inequality. Get practical experience to work in public and private sectors.
- Top0in the UK for mental wellbeing in sociology studies, out of 105 institutions (NSS 2024)
- Top0%for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes 2022)
- If you’re looking to study our sociology degree, but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress.
- Our academics have PhDs and publish research papers (books, book chapters, and journal articles), making the quality of your provision first class.
- Embedded throughout the curriculum, modules focus on employability, analyses of workplace policies - the skills employers are looking for.
- The course has a strong research focus and you'll be encouraged to undertake research activities from day one.
- You'll work for a research or charity organisation as part of the course, gaining valuable experience for your CV.
- Our lecturing staff are active within the industry and have strong connections that can lead to employment opportunities.
- Gain transferable skills and develop communication and analytical skills, and cross-cultural understanding, which can be utilised in a number of employment opportunities.
- Part-time option available.
- Social research and policy, one of Solent’s key research areas, embodies research-related activities associated with improving individual and community wellbeing through practice, provision, and policy – you will learn direct from leading experts in their field.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
The social sciences foundation year is specifically designed for those wanting to study social sciences but who do not meet the entry requirements. It is also suitable for those who wish to refresh their academic skills and subject specific knowledge before starting an undergraduate degree. Upon successful completion of the foundation you can go on to study the three year degree in BA (Hons) Sociology.
The the three year degree programme provides a practical learning experience that enables you to become an independent and collaborative learner and leader. Covering issues of politics and identity, the sociology of work, media and power, social inequalities, and popular culture, you will develop knowledge of key areas, applying sociological theories and drawing on social research methods that will enable you to critically understand the causes of social inequality and routes towards social justice. This knowledge alongside development of key skills can be applied to a diverse range of careers where you can make a positive difference to society.
This is a contemporary and exciting course which gives you the sociological knowledge and skills needed to develop a critical and informed perspective on social inequalities and social justice. You will assess evidence and research that enables you to question existing policies and practice and apply sociological thinking to addressing social issues at both a local and global level. You will do this by learning to question practices and develop analytical skills to address social problems.
The skills you learn and develop in sociology can be used in a diverse range of careers. For example, being a critical thinker and being able to assess different viewpoints, asking critical questions about social issues has meant that employers in a range of sectors see sociology degrees as desirable. More specifically, sociology graduates develop communication skills, analytical skills, and cross cultural understanding, which can be utilised in a number of employment opportunities.
Student research
Research is embedded into this undergraduate degree and students are encouraged to get involved in research projects from the very beginning. Most recently, our sociology students have conducted research for a report - Beyond Waste: Essential Skills for a Greener Tomorrow - for the Chartered Institute of Waste Management for England and Wales (CIWM), as well as research around landlords renting for Toynbee Hall, a London-based community organisation that provides services and advice for people facing poverty and injustice.
Students are encouraged to get involved with Solent's Identities and Inequalities Research Group.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
The social sciences foundation year is specifically designed for those wanting to study social sciences but who do not meet the entry requirements. It is also suitable for those who wish to refresh their academic skills and subject specific knowledge before starting an undergraduate degree.
Sociology is a course for students who are interested in questioning the society in which they live. Students who want to study sociology should be interested in asking questions about social justice, social change so that they develop a better understanding of global social problems. Studying this course, you'll develop a broad set of critical, analytical and information skills.
What does this course lead to?
Sociology graduates go on to some of the most exciting careers around. In 2015 a British Council study found that nearly half of the most successful leaders in the world had studied social sciences! This programme does not only equip you to go on to diverse careers such as media, education, criminal justice, charity and non-profit, government, administration and hospitality. Through the opportunities for networking, and extra-curricular activities, you can build a CV and experience whilst studying that will set you on the path to success in whatever you choose to do.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Meet the team
Students are taught in engaging seminars and workshops by academics with a broad range of expertise, and will be encouraged and facilitated to apply their theoretical knowledge to real world problems.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.
Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences
We use key sociological concepts – such as identity, power and social institutions – to explore a range of topics that shape our society including education, the family and healthcare.
Crime and Risk in Society
During this module, you’ll focus on an area of crime and justice that enables you to examine offending in our communities. Exploring a range of different types of crimes, you’ll use sociological approaches and crime theories to understand criminal behaviour. You’ll consider where and when crime takes place, as well as identify factors that contribute to criminal acts. Drawing on real crime cases, you will use a range of academic and popular sources to understand the complexities of criminal behaviour and the elements within society that work together to maintain social control.
Media Project in Social Sciences
This module invites you to examine and question the ways in which online social media; television; newspapers, and other media sources communicate and represent contemporary topics and issues in the social world.
Investigating in the Social Sciences
The module will introduce you to the methods used by social scientists to carry out research. You will learn about examples of research from different disciplines within the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology and medicine.
Psychological Approaches to Mental Health
This module will introduce the topic of mental health and will explore the different psychological approaches - such as biological, psychological and social - which psychologists use to understand positive and negative aspects of mental health.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Essays
- Portfolios
- Visual methods
- Reflective accounts
- Group work
- Individual presentations
- Group presentations
- Poster presentations
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a sociologist career?
Sociology degrees enable graduates to pursue a number of careers in a variety of industries where the emphasis is on critical graduates, such as the social work sector, hospitality, the charity sector, therapy and counselling, teaching, journalism, HR, and marketing, as well as further study.
Students will also be ideally placed to undertake further study at postgraduate level.
Our links with industry
You could earn:
Human resources officer
Starting salary: £18,000 to £23,000
For HR administrators. Salaries for HR officers/advisers are around £24,000 to £35,000. Salaries can vary depending on the sector you work in.
Police officer
Starting salary: £21,402
This is for police constables - the salary rises to £41,130 at the top of the scale, which is achievable after around seven years.
Primary school teacher
Starting salary: £28,000
This is for new entrants in England. The salary rises incrementally to £38,810 (2022/23 academic year). Salaries for new entrants in Wales start at £28,866, and in Scotland, £28,113.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“Studying at Solent reignited my passion for learning and working towards goals.”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase for year 1.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, a T-Level Pass (D or E), or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who have not recently undertaken a formal course of study at A-level, or equivalent, but can demonstrate relevant work or voluntary experience, that's indicative of their ability to complete the course successfully.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
We will also consider overseas applicants in an equivalent situation to UK students as outlined above, and who have been taught in English or have IELTS 5.5, or equivalent.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
We will also consider overseas applicants in an equivalent situation to UK students as outlined above, and who have been taught in English or have IELTS 5.5, or equivalent.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For more information about qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
48UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Part-time and distance learning courses
Applications for part-time and distance learning courses are made directly to the University and can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. If you have any questions about applying for this course, please contact the admissions office by emailing admissions@solent.ac.uk.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
