Sociology is a relative newcomer to British & Irish universities and schools.   While in England and Wales the subject is now part of the school curriculum, in Scotland the school subject closest to sociology is modern studies.

 How does sociology differ from economics, politics, or geography?

Sociologists interpret the behaviour of people in groups, as 'social beings'.   We are interested in understanding the roles we play at work or at home, as children, parents, men or women.   By studying the interaction between individual lives and the contexts in which they are lived we are able to offer interpretations of the social order we create.   What makes organisations, classes or groups tick?   Why are some people regarded as heroes, others as villains;  some behaviour said to be 'normal', but other practices perceived as strange?   To the issues addressed by economists, politicians or geographers we add the question:  what social forces help to explain spending decisions or voting behaviour or locational choice?

In an Honours degree, there are two foundation years before you specialise at Honours level. The modular degree structure lets you sample a range of subjects before deciding which one to take to Honours.  If you choose to specialise in Sociology, you may take Sociology alone (Single Honours), or Sociology with another subject for Joint Honours. You may take either Sociology or Social Research as the sociological half of a Joint Honours degree.   A Designated degree in Sociology is also available after three years study.