Sociology BA (Hons)
UCAS code: L300
There has never been a better time to study Sociology. Social outcomes and social purpose are central to the Government’s plans to unlock innovation, boost inclusive growth, and strengthen community resilience. Studying Sociology at Edge Hill will not only change you as a person, but leave you prepared to change the world around you.
This course remains open to UK students through Clearing 2026.Get in touch to discuss entry criteria.
This course is now closed to international applicants for September 2026 entry.
Overview
| Course length: | 3 years full-time 6 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | September 2026 September 2027 |
| Location: | Edge Hill University |
| Example offers: | BCC-BBC A Level) or DMM (BTEC)104-112Â UCAS Tariff points View full entry criteria |
| Subject(s): | Sociology and Social Sciences |
| Faculty: | Arts and Sciences |
| Department: | History, Geography and Social Sciences |
Studying Sociology at Edge Hill will immerse you in explorations of power, society and human behaviour, expanding your sociological imagination and examining the forces that shape the world around us.
On our BA (Hons) Sociology course you will ask important and challenging questions about everyday life that people tend to take for granted: Why are gender roles as they are? Why are so many children living in poverty in such a wealthy country as ours? Our courses also promote equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice, to create fairer and more sustainable societies.
Our modules will encourage you to think critically about the world and your place within it. You will explore a wide range of topics, including climate justice, globalisation, sexuality, gender, disability, childhoods, and the relationship between the state and political conflict. You will engage with theory, policy and practice throughout your studies.
Edge Hill has a proud history of sociological research and teaching stretching back four decades. Throughout this time, we have trained generations of students to become highly skilled social researchers. On our course, you will be taught cutting-edge research methods by experts in qualitative and quantitative analysis. You will design your own original research projects and learn how to use specialist research software.
You will learn through practical experience. This includes work placements in our innovative employability module, learning through case studies, problem-solving and policy evaluation, and benefiting from the local, national and global links offered by our Centre for Social Responsibility.
You will be taught by a team of expert sociologists whose world-leading research underpins the content of our course. Our experienced lecturers will work closely with you to equip you with the skills and experience needed to pursue your chosen career and create meaningful social change.
Discover why our Sociology course ranked 1st in the North West for Learning resources (National Student Survey 2024 – Sociology) and 2nd in the North West for Graduate prospects – on track (Complete University Guide 2027 – Sociology).
Course features
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International students can apply
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Sandwich year option available
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Studying abroad option available
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Work placement opportunity
What you'll study
The first year of our BA (Hons) Sociology degree provides a strong foundation of sociological knowledge. This builds your transferable skills and prepares you for the following years of your degree. You’ll be introduced to social policy and welfare, looking at key social issues such as poverty, inequality, education and child welfare. You’ll also be introduced to the sociological imagination where you’ll explore a range of concepts and approaches that determine our view of the world.
In Year 2, you’ll develop more specialist sociological knowledge and study issues around class and culture, diversity and conflict. You’ll also explore the benefits and disadvantages of living in an interconnected, globalised society. We’ll offer opportunities to enhance your employability through an optional work-based learning module, as well as the chance to strengthen your research skills through two bespoke research modules.
You’ll write a dissertation on a topic you are passionate or curious about in Year 3. You’ll also investigate issues around the sociology of the body and emotions, from the impact of body dissatisfaction, to how physical and mental ill health impacts the body and mind. You’ll get to choose two modules to study that interest you most – you could explore topics such as terrorism, childhood and sexuality, animals and society, or autism.
How you'll study
You will benefit from a range of learning opportunities from conventional lectures and seminars to the more innovative workshops, investigative project work and information retrieval and analysis. You will be encouraged to make full use of the superb student network and computer facilities on campus in order to support your studies.
How you'll be assessed
Your achievements are assessed throughout the programme. Modules use a variety of methods including essays, case studies, portfolios, oral presentations, e-log books and completion of directed tasks.
There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this BA (Hons) Sociology degree.
Who will be teaching you
The department has a large number of full-time staff and prides itself on the quality of its tutorial support. Staff are engaged in cutting-edge research in a number of crucial areas including themes around issues of conflict, identity and childhood. They have also presented numerous papers at international academic conferences in recent years and published books, book contributions and journal articles.
Your BA (Hons) Sociology degree will be supplemented by a series of research seminars and other talks. These will feature academic staff and visiting guest speakers from a range of professions and organisations.
Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.
Entry criteria
Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points. No specific subjects are required.
Example offers
| Qualification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| A Level | BCC-BBC. |
| UCAS Tariff points | 104-112 points. |
| BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications) | Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM). |
| T Level | Overall grade of Merit. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | 45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations. |
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
Fair Entry Criteria
Our new Fair Entry Criteria is a Contextual Admissions Policy that takes an applicant’s personal and educational background into account. This policy will allow eligible applicants to receive up to a two-grade reduction in their entry requirements for this course. Find out more and see if you qualify.
How to apply
Apply full-time
Read our guide to applying through UCAS to find out more about the application process.
International
Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
At Edge Hill, we believe Clearing is a new beginning - a chance to choose a university that believes in your ambition, invests in your future and supports you every step of the way. Our Clearing team is here to help you take the next step.
Apply through ClearingFind out about Clearing
Facilities
The Department of History, Geography and Social Sciences is based in the Geosciences building. The contemporary facilities combine with a friendly and supportive learning environment to ensure that your studies are a rich and rewarding experience.
The Geosciences building features a large lecture theatre, small group teaching rooms, IT facilities and smaller tutorial spaces. There is also a large social area which encourages a more informal and interactive style of learning.
Where you'll study
Finance
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
£9,790
a year
UK Part-Time
£81.50 per credit
for 360 credits
International
£14,500
a year
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.
Money Matters
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
£9,535
a year
UK Part-Time
£79 per credit
for the course
International
£17,000
a year
2026/27
Entry fees for 2026/27 and subsequent years are subject to inflationary rises in line with Government policy. These will be confirmed as soon as they become available.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.
Money Matters
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
£10,050
a year
UK Part-Time
TBC
a year
International
TBC
a year
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.
Money Matters
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
Preparing our students for the world of work is central to our Sociology degree.
Our specialist work-related learning and employability module analyses how the world of work is changing, including how trends like automation and technological innovation are changing the nature of work for Sociology graduates.
You will learn how to produce effective graduate-level job applications and navigate competitive graduate schemes. You will also undertake a 60-hour work placement in an industry of your choice. Our recent students have gained experience in a wide range of organisations, including Merseyside Police, Everton FC, the Home Office, and Alder Hey Hospital.
The University’s dedicated Careers Team also provide support at every stage of your degree, helping you build your knowledge and confidence around your future career.
Studying Sociology opens up a wide range of potential career paths. We are proud of our graduates and where they have gone on to work and make a difference. Our students now work in fields as diverse as:
- Â Social Work
- Law
- Civil Service
- Healthcare
- Education
- Charity
- Policing
- Transport
- Construction
- Recruitment
- Postgraduate Research
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
