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Sociology

Sociology
Undergraduate Masters Research

Discover sociology degrees at Essex

Founded in 1964, our Department of Sociology and Criminology rapidly became known for its sociological pioneers and new approaches. We have played a major role in shaping the discipline ever since. We fostered foundational research on gender, sexualities, deviance, sociological criminology, survey methods, social stratification and oral history. We continue to lead in these fields today.

Embracing an interdisciplinary approach and our commitment to social justice, our courses focus on three main areas of Sociology:

  • Sociology
  • Criminology
  • Digital culture and data science
Why choose Essex?
  • We’re ranked 73rd globally and top 15 in the UK for sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
  • 1st for research environment in Sociology (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
  • Founded in 1964, Essex is one of the longest standing Sociology and Criminology Departments in the UK
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Learn more about sociology at Essex

Visit the Department of Sociology and Criminology to discover what life and study will be like as an undergraduate in this renowned Department.

Discover the Department of Sociology and Criminology
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Explore postgraduate sociology degrees at Essex

Work alongside our world-class academics who have spearheaded the pursuit for a new understanding of the social world since the Department of Sociology and Criminology was founded in 1964.  Our spirit of critical enquiry drives us in the quest for academic excellence, exploring questions of social justice and equality.

We build on the traditions of sociological analysis, with a range of both qualitative and quantitative methods. We explore the contributions of cultural history, criminology, social anthropology, social psychology, social philosophy, feminism, and global sociology.

Why choose Essex?
  • We are 1st in UK for research environment in Sociology (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
  • Get to grips with big data through the UK Data Archive (UKDA) and our renowned Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER)
  • We’re ranked 73rd globally and top 15 in the UK for sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Department of Sociology and Criminology

Learn more about postgraduate sociology degrees at Essex Explore research from the Department of Sociology and Criminology

Resources for sociologists at Essex

Visit the UK Data Archive (UKDA), the UK's largest collection of social, economic and population data Visit the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), a leading centre for longitudinal studies and data on how people's lives are changing over time
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Learn more about postgraduate fees, funding and scholarships

Find a scholarship, discover postgraduate funding opportunities and learn more about the fee structure for postgraduate students at Essex.

Learn more about postgraduate fees and funding
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Learn more about upcoming open days at the University of Essex and book your place.
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Visit the University of Essex online, explore our accommodation and learn more about life at Essex.
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Find out how to apply to Essex and discover helpful resources to support your application.

Find sociology research degrees

We are 1st for research environment in sociology and 2nd in UK for research power in sociology (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021). Join our pioneering research community and have a meaningful impact on the future of sociology.

Why research here?
  • 1st for research environment in sociology (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
  • We offer supervision that stretches out across Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Asian sub-continent
  • We're home to a number of doctoral training centres; research-council-funded programmes that offer funding and training via studentships

Find your academic supervisor

Search our staff profiles and discover the researchers open to academic supervision at the University of Essex. 

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Learn more about fees, funding and scholarships for research students

Find a scholarship, discover funding opportunities and learn more about the fee structure for research students at Essex.

Learn more about fees and funding for research students

Department of Sociology and criminology

Learn more about sociology research degrees at Essex Explore research from the Department of Sociology and Criminology

Resources for sociologists at Essex

Visit the UK Data Archive (UKDA), the UK's largest collection of social, economic and population data Visit the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), a leading centre for longitudinal studies and data on how people's lives are changing over time

Research clusters

Crime Justice and Public Policy Culture Identity and Subjectivity Social Divisions and Economic Life Sociological Foundations Theory and Method Transnationalism, Nation and Rights

Research centres

Centre for Criminology Centre for Global South Studies Centre for Intimate and Sexual Citizenship Centre for Migration Studies Centre for Research in Economic Sociology and Innovation
Visit us virtually
Visit the University of Essex online, explore our accommodation and learn more about life at Essex.
Apply to Essex
Find out how to apply to Essex and discover helpful resources to support your application.
Join an open day
Learn more about upcoming open days at the University of Essex and book your place.
If you like sociology, you might also like:
Criminology
Global studies
Politics
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