Public Sociology

What are the root causes of social injustice and inequality? How could we change society’s perception of them, and make the actual changes themselves? On this course you’ll reflect upon the ways in which sociological knowledge can affect real change in people’s everyday lives.

If you have an enquiring, questioning mind and you want to understand more about human societies, social problems, interactions and experiences, you will thrive here. You’ll engage with a diversity of communities and develop a sense of the ways in which a public sociological imagination can meaningfully intervene in real-world political and social events. Many of our staff are actively involved in social justice, and so you’ll see first-hand how we can bring what we study to life.

This was Scotland’s first public sociology course and we continue to be pioneering in the way we think. Our students have chosen fascinating and original topics to research for their dissertations — from women’s body image on social media to a community campaign on gentrification.

In Year One and half of Year Two you will study a range of modules which will provide you with a thorough grounding in the key concepts, theories and schools of thought in sociology, as well as some modules in psychology. You will develop a sound understanding of the historical development and contemporary applications of sociological knowledge. Specifically this will include how sociological knowledge can help us to make sense of the public issues and concerns which affect the communities within which we live, as well as understanding the philosophical debates that underpin sociological interpretations of the world around us. In addition, considerable emphasis is placed on enhancing a wide range of transferable skills, paying particular attention to improving your interpersonal and presentation skills, effective reading and writing, analytical thinking and critical reflection, as well as a sustained focus on the development of your research skills.

From mid-way through Year Two until you graduate, you’ll develop in-depth understanding of a broad range of substantive debates within the discipline of sociology with a particular focus on engaging with public issues and groups. You will refine your knowledge of sociological theory, research design and implementation, social movements and global change, sociologies of gender and sexuality, sociologies of liberation, and social policy and politics. Working closely with a member of academic staff, you will conduct your own independent research project in Year Four, in which you will be encouraged to bring together your knowledge of sociological theories and concepts, as well as refining your research skills. You will develop an ability to understand the relationship between complex sociological theory, practical research and contemporary public issues and concerns. Our graduates find that they are well qualified for a range of jobs, further study and other life choices.