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Sociology
Sociology
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
Course
BA (Hons) Sociology and Health
Sociology and Health studies theories of public health issues, social divisions, the nature of work and the environment, and crime and aging.
Course
Explore what connects people together as well as what divides them. Study topics such as digital media and society, sexualities, crime and childhood.
Course
Studying topics in Sociology, Politics and Economics provides you with a greater understanding of the world around you.
Course
BA (Hons) Sociology (Including Foundation Year)
BA Sociology (including Foundation Year) prepares you for university study while introducing topics such as sexualities, crime and childhood.
Course
BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology
Combine specialist study of criminology with a broad approach to sociological thought. Study crime, criminals, & criminal justice within wider social context.
Course
BSc (Hons) Sociology with Data Science
How can data science methods help answer social science questions? Answer this question and more by studying BSc Sociology with Data Science at Essex
Course
BA (Hons) Media and Digital Culture
How does the media shape cultural life? How have digital cultures transformed interactions? Explore these questions and more with BA Media and Digital Culture
Course
BA (Hons) Sociology with Social Psychology
Our course provides a thorough grounding in social psychology and sociology, exploring why individuals, groups, and cultures are the way they are.
Course
BA (Hons) Criminology with Social Psychology
Examine the foundations of criminology, exploring the nature of crime, criminals & criminal justice within wider social & psychological contexts
Course
BA (Hons) Social Sciences (Including Foundation Year)
Studying BA Social Sciences (including Foundation Year) prepares you for university while introducing you to the fields of sociology, politics and economics
Clearing 2026
Get ahead of results day. Explore your Clearing options now and be ready to secure your place with us when the time comes.
Why choose Essex?
- 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
- We’re ranked 73rd globally and top 15 in the UK for sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
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
Course
Qualify as a social worker while at the same time engaging with debates around the importance of human rights and social justice
Department of Sociology and Criminology
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
Research degree
Do you have a strong background in sociology, its cognate disciplines or interdisciplinary areas, & a well-formulated research proposal? Enquire today.
Research degree
If you have a strong background in sociology, its cognate disciplines or interdisciplinary areas, and a well-formulated research proposal, enquire today.
Find your academic supervisor
Search our staff profiles and discover the researchers open to academic supervision at the University of Essex.
Department of Sociology and criminology
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