Sociology

The Social Sciences department at Loughborough University is one of the highest-rated in the country, and we demand very high intellectual standards from our students.  At Loughborough students do not only become expert in the study of society, social life and social interaction, but also develop broad intellectual, research and communication skills.  In addition they learn to organize their time effectively, to retrieve and use information from a variety of sources, to work in a group and on their own initiative, and to apply a range of study and research skills.

All our students have to undertake a piece of independent research in their third year, in the form of a dissertation, and this is a very high component of their overall degree mark. Students who do well need to display a thorough knowledge and understanding of their chosen area of study; apply appropriate sociological theory and concepts to the analysis of their chosen topic; analyse a range of issues relevant to the topic area; and determine and employ appropriate methodological techniques. 

Loughborough sociology graduates are thus employed in a very wide range of careers. The skills they acquire through their degree are increasingly sought-after by employers who look for their special, generic skills rather than wanting graduates who are restricted to vocational training. Many sociology graduates go on to public sector welfare or teaching careers, often involving professional training or internships. Our graduates are also very well equipped for research posts, such as market research and Research and Development for industry. The time-management, independent and critical thinking, and presentation skills we teach make our graduates attractive to large retail firms, such as Marks and Spencer and Tesco, for management training. According to the ‘Prospects’ web site:

‘Sectors which particularly attract sociology graduates include: education; social services; healthcare; retail; local and national government; media; IT; and charitable and voluntary organisations’

Sociology students can speak to their own personal tutor at any time for advice about careers and how to get the most from their degree. All Loughborough Students also have free access to the University’s professional advisors and resources, careers fairs, vacation work and volunteering advice, through the University’s Careers Centre which can provide further support. Visit The Careers Centre web pages for further information - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/careers/index.html