Sociology | Subject area | University of Essex

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You’re fascinated by what connects and divides us.

You refuse to accept things on face value. You want to be part of social action transforming society. At Essex we will help you to develop a sociological imagination to apply to your experience of the world and give you the confidence to change it for the better.

Why study here?

23rd for Sociology in the Complete University Guide 2022
Ranked 9th in the UK for Sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2021)
Dedicated student resource centre offering academic and personal support

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Sophie Kabangu

Student, BA Sociology with Human Rights

I speak English and Swahili and I can read and write in Arabic. I am an activist and whilst being at uni I have achieved so much with my activism.

Develop imaginative new approaches to sociology.

Work alongside our world-class academics who spearhead the pursuit for a new understanding of the social world – exploring questions of social justice and equality. Our spirit of critical enquiry drives us in the quest for academic excellence.

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 study here?

Top 20 in the UK for research excellence (REF 2014, mainstream universities, THE 2014)
Get to grips with big data through the UK Data Archive and our renowned Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER).
Ranked in the top 50 for Sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2021)

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Damla Kodan

Student, MA Migration Studies

For anyone who enjoys nature, socializing, volunteering, and active learning, the University of Essex is a great place.

We're Top 20 in the UK for research excellence (REF 2014, mainstream universities, THE 2014), with 78% of our research rated 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

We're ranked in the top 50 for Sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2021)

Why study here?

You work with world-leading scholars who have their finger on the pulse of modern society, in an exciting and active research environment.
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.

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Disclaimer

Following the impact of the pandemic, we made changes to our teaching and assessment to ensure our current students could continue with their studies uninterrupted and safely. These changes included courses being taught through blended delivery, normally including some face-to-face teaching, online provision, or a combination of both across the year.

The teaching and assessment methods listed on each course page show what is currently planned for 2021 entry; changes may be necessary if, by the beginning of this course, we need to adapt the way we’re delivering them due to the external environment, and to allow you to continue to receive the best education possible safely and seamlessly.

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