Sociology and Education

This degree programme is an opportunity to study both Education and Sociology within an interdisciplinary social sciences context.

Our Education teaching is informed by our research in education and the latest developments in policy and practice, encompassing aspects of culture and identity, childhood and youth, gender and ethnicity, and social justice and inclusion.

Sociology is dedicated to the study of social life as found in groups, institutions and societies. It provides the critical tools for handling the analysis of all aspects of social conduct, from face-to-face interactions to how economic forces shape and are shaped by global society.

This course uses a wide range of approaches to help you learn the methods and ideas needed to develop a deep understanding of the social, historical, political, economic and developmental contexts of education and to make your own contribution to understanding and improving society.

Distinctive features

modules on offer reflect staff research interests across a range of sociological concerns and approaches, for example education, work and globalisation; urban and everyday life; social media, culture and consumption; health; migration and ethnic relations

our close links with policy makers, as well as local schools, colleges and other education/training organisations, provide opportunities for you to actively engage with educators and practice

the opportunity for you to learn in a School that was ranked 3rd in the UK for research quality in sociology and 5th for education in the 2014 Research Excellent Framework (REF).

the involvement of research-active staff in teaching

the emphasis on independent learning in a research-led environment

the variety of modules on offer in a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary School

Although this is not a teaching qualification, it is a chance to study education in ways that go beyond a focus on teaching practice. You will study the wider debates around education, laying the foundation for a wide variety of careers.