Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Sociology (Placement Year) (L300)

This Sociology degree will give students a thorough understanding of how social issues such as poverty, unemployment, social conflict, and the social and economic consequences of rapid and profound industrial and economic change are redefined by contemporary processes of individualisation, globalisation and the growth of new forms of communication.

The first year is designed to offer students a solid base in theoretical and methodological innovations in sociology. As students progress through the course, they will be able to choose modules they are interested in to actively shape and apply their learning to the issues they wish to interrogate. In their third year, they’ll work on a dissertation focusing on an area of interest of their choice. Students' dissertations can be a theoretical or practical dissertation, so they can work to their own strengths.

Depending on the modules students choose, they may have the option go on fieldtrips where they will be able to apply their learning to current issues and broaden their theoretical imagination. Previous fieldtrips have included: Barbican; British Board of Film Classification; London Migration Museum; Museum of Comedy; Museum of London; regeneration areas (e.g. Spitalfields, Smithfield); and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

As students will be taught and supported by academics who are not only experts in their field but are actively engaged in research, Students will develop skills that can be applied from the classroom to the workplace. They know the industry inside out, so students know they are learning from experienced professionals who will bring their unique insights into the classroom and will ensure the learning is up-to-date.

Students can opt for a one-year work placement or two short placements for six months at a time. Students will graduate with valuable work experience to enhance their employment prospects and will be able to develop an understanding of the working world. Brunel has excellent links with a wide range of notable external organisations, so they will have the opportunity to apply for high quality placements across London.

Some of Brunel's sociology students have undertaken placements abroad working as teachers in Ghana. Others have undertaken placements at a variety of companies including Deluxe Entertainment, the Disney Channel, the Home Office, British Youth Council, Citizens Advice Bureau and the Department of Work and Pensions

This is a broad-based degree which will enable and encourage students to specialise in areas which particularly fascinate them As a graduate of this dynamic degree, students will leave Brunel with various transferable skills that are key to the contemporary employment market.