Sociology with a Year in Industry

Studying a Sociology degree will equip you with the essential theoretical foundation to understand people's behaviour as social beings, as well as the wider social, cultural, political and economic factors influencing our constantly changing society.

You will learn how to generate new knowledge and information using a variety of qualitative and quantitative social research tools, from large social surveys interpreted through statistics through to in-depth interviews with individuals and small groups.

Throughout the course, you will develop excellent research, communication and presentation skills, together with the ability to analyse and critically evaluate evidence and construct arguments around the complex societal issues that affect us all.

The third year of this 4-year course with a Year in Industry will be spent on placement. You will have the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience and develop your employability skill set. We have a strong network of industry contacts, and you will receive dedicated support from our employability team, ranging from CV advice through to mock interviews.

Why Sociology at Swansea University? Based in the School of Social Sciences, you will be immersed in a dynamic research and learning environment with many opportunities to build links with students from related disciplines.

Our flexible degree structure with a wide range of specialist modules gives you the scope to tailor your course to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

Sociology at Swansea is ranked:

Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2025)

Top 25 in the UK Overall (Complete University Guide 2025)

Your Sociology experience You will be taught by an academic team who are research active and widely published, giving you the benefit of the most current social science debates in the UK and internationally. Many of our academics write your text books.

You will have the opportunity to take part in work placements to build on your skills, experience, and enhance your career prospects. These placements could include local authorities, businesses, healthcare settings, education settings and charities, depending on your interests and career goals.