Anyone know about Sociology Degrees?

[mumblechum1]

DS has, for the last year, planned to study politics at Uni, as he's doing it at A level and is good at it, also good at history (predicated As for both, C for biology .

Anyway, went to a few unis last month and he was very taken with Manchester Uni (not Met) social sciences dept and went to a taster on Sociology, and now is v keen on doing that rather than Politics purely as he thinks it would be more interesting. He's the sort of person who enjoys long debates about political/social stuff.

My worry is that Sociology isn't seen as a serious subject. Manc Uni only wants BBB for one of the Soc courses, and ABB for a jt honours.

He's set on joining the Army after Uni and they don't seem bothered what the subject is as long as it's a 2.1 or above. AS Manch is a RG Uni, and he could get on the course with only 3Bs, I guess he's seeing it as an easy option.

Obviously it's up to ds what and where he studies, but I guess I'm looking for some views of people in the know....

thanks!

I'm biased, because I teach it!

Many sociology depts have lower entry standards as we have a political commitment to widening participation and recognise that A level grades are often an outcome of social class status and are also poor predictors of ability in the subject. At my institution, we have actively resisted entry grade inflation as that means we can choose from a bigger range of students, using their personal statement to gauge interest in the subject.

I have students going into a wide range of careers including top graduate employment schemes, law, social work, teaching, NHS, police service, voluntary sector etc etc. Have a look at this.

If you are happy doing lots and lots of reading, enjoy developing critical perspectives and are comfortable with never being told the 'right' answer, then it is a great degree to study.

Ive got a BA(hons) in psychology and sociology. Those that just did psych got a BSC. That was the only downside, I loved it but my work tends more towards pscyh orientated.

Oh and theory is a bit dry, but then I guess so is theory on anything. I started doing Psych only then added Sociology in 3rd year, so maybe he will have the option to change to joint honours later if he feels it isn't enough.

I have a Sociology degree (a BSocSci - batchelor of Social Science). There is a perception that it's not a "serious" degree but probably not from anyone who actually knows anything about it...I've never had negative feedback from employers. I went into publishing after uni.

At my uni, we had to do three subjects in the first year so I did Sociology, Philosophy and English Language. Then in the second and third year, you just do your main subject. This gave you scope for changing your mind at the end of the first year and doing a joint degree etc. It might be worth finding out if Manchester offers something similar?

Should have added that International Relations is a good subject for people thinking about the Army, and I think you can combine this with sociology in a few places.

Thank you everyone. CreamTea, as this interest in doing Sociology is fairly recent (although he is, as I say, interested in Politics), is there anything in particular he should or shouldn't say in his personal statement?

Also, in the PS, is it OK for him to be upfront about intending to be an Army officer after graduation & should he mention that he's already enlisted in the Territorial Army?

Many thanks

Mumble it is useful to say why he is interested in the subject, and be specific. It is better to mention a book, TV programme or something in the news that has made him think about the subject, rather than just a general interest.

It would be fine to mention future career and the TA, and to say why he thinks sociology will help in that ambition. The link to the BSA I gave earlier might be useful for thinking it through.

It would also be good to have a read of Dead White Men, it might help him make up his mind!

Thanks so much CreamTeas, I'll link this thread to him now.

Have a good weekend!