Careers options
Our graduates go on to have careers in a variety of fields, including:
- housing, care, health and welfare services;
- youth and community work;
- social, marketing and opinion research;
- management and management consultancy;
- higher and further education teaching and research;
- local government;
- public relations and marketing;
- personnel and human resources;
- police and prison services; or
- independent financial advice.
These are in a wide variety of sectors, including organisations and companies
such as:
- local government;
- NHS (National Health Service);
- Foreign and Commonwealth Office;
- Legal Services Commission;
- Royal Bank of Scotland;
- Metropolitan Police; and
- Essex and Suffolk Water.
A degree in sociology opens up a wide range of careers.
The Essex graduate
Employers are looking for knowledgeable and highly-skilled graduates who can
adapt rapidly to the changing environment. Our courses are designed to develop
skills such as:
- communication skills (written and spoken);
- presentation skills (eg PowerPoint, web design);
- problem-solving skills (analysing problems, devising and evaluating
solutions);
- negotiation skills (reasoning and persuasion);
- planning and management skills (planning and managing a project, and
completing it on time);
- teamwork, leadership and collaboration skills (including experience of
leading and being led by others);
- ICT skills (including awareness of emerging technologies);
- self-reliance, self-reflection, self-motivation and self-confidence; and
- interpersonal skills (engaging with others to establish rapport).
Within six months of leaving university, 65 per cent of sociology graduates are employed, while 20 per cent are in training or study
More information about the skills you will develop while at our University
can be found in our Learning and Teaching Strategy
(2009-13).
The Big e
The Big e is all about the extra things that enrich your experience here at Essex and enhance your employability. Wherever you see the Big e, there will be an opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop your crucial skills and help you start thinking about your future.
Key skills
We develop your key skills and employability to open doors upon graduation.
Today’s employers want more than just a degree, and we’re here to help you with this.
Study abroad
We make it possible for you to undertake study abroad, either during your Essex
course or by attending Essex whilst you are studying elsewhere. You will
find study abroad extremely worthwhile and enjoyable, both socially
and educationally.