Department
Sociology
Questioning social division, justice and inequality
How do you relate to politicians, celebrities, your teachers or your friends? How do you define yourself, your family and others? We explore the way society works, what connects people and what divides them.
We're ranked among the top 40 departments in the QS World University Rankings (2018) and top 20 in the UK for research excellence (REF 2014, mainstream universities, THE 2014). We shape modern society today, advising the UN, government departments, think tanks and public bodies around the world on issues from the rights of indigenous peoples, to the regulation of the building industry, and organised crime and terrorism.
As one of Essex's founding departments, we've focused on how people think about major social issues such as poverty, inequality, class, welfare and the 'third world' from the very start.
So, if you want to be stretched and challenged, and make a change in society, welcome home.
Why
choose us?
![Andrew Canessa]()
"If you want to be challenged, see the world differently, and be taught in innovative and imaginative ways, welcome to Essex."
Our research
We work with departments at Essex and around the world, collaborating on cutting edge research. Our academics are experts in their fields, developing new theoretical and methodological approaches to understand the dynamics of social life. Our students become part of this community and learn how to understand and challenge the world.
Get in touch with us
If you would like any more information about Sociology or have a question you would like to ask, please complete this short enquiry form.
Contact us
Department of Sociology
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ
Telephone:
01206 873049