Sociology
Overview
How does society shape you as an individual? How does your social position impact what opportunities you have and the difficulties you face? How do you shape the society in which you live? Whose voices are listened to, and whose ignored? As sociologists, we ask all of these questions and more. Sociologists study human behaviour, beliefs and identity in the context of social interaction, social relationships, institutions and change. We do this through the application of different lenses, including class, race and ethnicity, and gender and sexuality.
In our first-year units, you will be introduced to key ideas and concepts which help us to understand social life and social change. We also begin discussing how sociologists seek to explore the world by talking about social research. You are encouraged to start thinking about how you might like to research questions which interest you. These foundations are consolidated and extended in second and third year as you think about the different perspectives used to explain society, and then to explore society. You will also be supported in exploration of more specific areas including race; inequality; identity; terror and violence; childhood; social change; and deviance. Throughout, you will be encouraged to engage critically and thoughtfully with course materials and your fellow students and will be supported in becoming an informed and active citizen.
You will engage with the various aspects of sociology in classroom situations but also in the real world. You will learn to write and think sociologically using essays, reports, oral group work, posters, debates and new social media.
Graduates of this major will have the necessary foundations to better understand and engage with the globalising world.
Requirements for completion
The requirements of the major and minor in Sociology are listed in the Sociology unit of study table.
Advanced coursework
Students enrolled in the final (fourth) year of a Bachelor of Advanced Studies combined degree are required to complete a minimum of 24 credit points of advanced coursework, including a minimum of 12 credit points of project units
Honours
Honours in Sociology is an additional year of full-time undergraduate study following completion of a bachelor’s degree with a major in the discipline. It provides high-achieving students an opportunity to develop research skills by undertaking advanced-level coursework and conducting a supervised but independent research project. The honours year adds greater depth to an undergraduate degree and provides a pathway to higher degree by research (e.g., PhD) studies. Honours graduates are sought after by employers who value their superior research, analytical, and communication skills.
Students complete:
- two ‘seminar’ units of study relevant to their research project: one core and one selective; and
- a substantial independent research project on a topic of their choice, culminating in the submission of a thesis of approximately 20,000 words. Students work on their thesis throughout the course, under the supervision of an academic staff member with expertise in the chosen area. The research should identify an area for investigation which makes an original contribution to knowledge.
Requirements and units of study for honours are listed in the Sociology honours unit of study table.
Sociology involves the study of contemporary society. Its concerns range from the local to the global, from the everyday world we live in to the large-scale questions about global processes and patterns of social life. Sociology provides theoretical and methodological approaches to investigate and analyse social, economic, political and cultural phenomena. Our Discipline prides itself on being a community of scholars with diverse research interests which seek to influence the world in which we live. We strive to provide students with strong conceptual and research training, and emphasise historical and comparative approaches in understanding our globalising world. Our Honours students reflect this diversity, and are encouraged to bring their own unique interests and perspective to their projects.
Admission criteria
Honours in Sociology may be undertaken in certain appended honours degrees such as the Bachelor of Arts (Honours).
Applicants must have completed:
- the requirements of a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, including a major in Sociology with a minimum weighted average mark of 70, or an equivalent qualification; and
- For pre-July 2024 students undertaking a Bachelor of Advanced Studies: a second major
Admission is subject to the availability of appropriate supervision.
Students interested in undertaking Honours should contact the Discipline Honours Coordinator during the final semester of their bachelor’s degree. Information on the application process is available on the Honours page.
