BSc Sociology

What drives social inequality? How do we tackle poverty and racial prejudice? How do we create more inclusive societies? These are some of the big questions we explore on this fascinating BSc Sociology programme.

You’ll develop a firm grasp of the main principles of contemporary sociology – examining theoretical ideas that help us better understand the society we live in.

Delving deep into the subject, you’ll compare different societies, look at social processes and institutions, and examine theories about the nature of social existence. Right from the start, you’ll develop practical skills to prepare for your future career – learning how to think critically and examining different methods of social research.

Here at LSE, you’ll be studying at one of the top sociology departments. Ours was the first sociology department in the UK – shaping the discipline nationally and globally. So, you’ll be joining a department with an internationally renowned team and world-class research credentials.

You can also add a language specialism to your degree award – see the Programme Structure and Courses section for details.

If you wish to gain further insight into sociology, we suggest that you look at one or more of the following books:

• N Abercrombie Sociology: a short introduction (Polity Press, 2004)
• A Giddens and P W Sutton Sociology (7th edition, Polity Press, 2012)
• S Lawler Identity: sociological perspectives (2nd edition, Polity, 2013)
• S Punch et al Sociology: making sense of society (5th edition, Pearson, 2013)
• K Woodward Questioning Identity: gender, class, ethnicity (2nd edition, Routledge, 2004)

The Department of Sociology conducts world-class research and teaching on some of the most challenging social and ethical issues facing society today.

Founded in 1904, our academics have contributed to shaping research and thinking in the field nationally and internationally.

We are committed to research and scholarship that is socially and politically relevant. The department’s research is organised into five clusters: economic sociology; politics and human rights; social inequalities; knowledge, culture and technology; and urban sociology. We engage in major debates at the intersection of economics, politics and society on issues such as migration, urban ecology and climate change.

With a thriving research community, we play an active role in several research centres and institutes, including LSE Cities, LSE Human Rights and the LSE International Inequalities Institute. Our research has a global impact, informing decision-making and policy for numerous governments, NGOs and international organisations.

Our research expertise is reflected in our teaching curriculum. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with 500 students engaged in learning and research at any one time.

We’re a lively department, with a regular programme of events involving workshops, conferences and collaborations with internal and external partners. We’re also home to the British Journal of Sociology, the UK’s leading publication in the field.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Sociology

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• an interest in relationships between people and society
• social awareness
• an ability to ask incisive questions
• an ability to work independently
• a willingness to read widely
• great communication skills (written and oral)
• a creative and flexible mindset for academic study
• intellectual curiosity
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard.

Formative coursework

All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams. Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and give feedback within three weeks – provided it’s submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

Most courses are assessed by examinations at the end of the year. Some courses are examined partially or wholly by essays and/or projects.

You’ll receive feedback on summative coursework as part of the assessment for individual courses (except on final submitted dissertations). Feedback is normally provided before the examination period.

Assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. Read more about the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods.

We train our undergraduates to the highest standards and the critical thinking skills they develop are valued by employers. Our students go into a wide variety of professions including teaching, research, politics, public administration, the media, social and health services, advertising, journalism, law, publishing, industry, accounting, marketing, personnel and management.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.