David Oliver, BSc Sociology, Current Third Year Student:
“LSE has been a game-changer. It is not only schoolwork, but also clubs and societies. There are countless groups you can join from the chocolate-aficionados society to the ultimate frisbee club. There are resources that can help you with whatever you are going through. I have been to LSELIFE to get help building my CV, to ameliorate my essays, and to get some advice on how to handle a tricky work-situation.”
Farhana Aktar, BSc Sociology, 2017-2020:
“My favourite thing about LSE Sociology is the cohort. Compared to other courses at the LSE we are a much smaller department which makes things from classroom discussions to academic support much more rounded. The Sociology department here at the LSE is a family where support comes from all quarters. We have events happening throughout the year such as our academic lunches, our Krispy Kreme Monday meetings in the common room and our Christmas party. Although to some this may feel small, I know for me it has helped me settle in better to the department and LSE as a whole.”
Doctoral researcher Isabell Loeschner, explains what brought her to Sociology, July 2015:
"Why are women treated differently in the labour market? Why do people choose to work 16 hour days? Why do the same sort of people always end up in senior management roles? Why do some people choose insecure but autonomous self-employment over a more stable, possibly more secure corporate job? Why do we have ever better technology to help us get our work done but don’t seem to be able to enjoy more leisure time?
These and many more questions made me seriously reflect on my own motivations, morals and life goals and made me develop a curiosity that I just couldn’t seem to be able to satisfy through work in a corporate job... I soon realized I didn’t want to spend my efforts on maintaining and optimizing the existing system. Instead I wanted to step out of it in order to study it, understand it and criticize it. This realization was like a revelation to me. I had discovered Sociology."
Akosuo Yeboah, BSc Sociology, 2015-2018:
“Sociology at LSE is very broad and we cover many interesting topics, from studying the original texts of Durkheim and Marx, to debating the causes and impact of growing inequality in the UK. There is also a strong emphasis on developing independent critical and reasoning skills.”
Mira Buerger, MSc student in the Department of Sociology, July 2015:
"What sounds like a natural given gift can be learned: sociology is a great trainer of empathy. Plus, it provides me with an analytical lense towards the world. Sociology = Empathy + Critical Analysis."
Perdita Blinkhorn, BSc Sociology student, July 2015:
"All I can hope is that when future students come to study this discipline, they will realise that Sociology is not just in the words of books; it is in the real world, real people, every second of the day."
Amraj Lally, BSc Sociology student 2012-2015:
"Studying Sociology at the LSE has been a great experience. It is an intense and independent pursuit, and an opportunity to gain a critical understanding about society and culture. There are a lot of resources and support available such as office hours with leading academics. The academics across the department are often generous with their time and support and this has personally enhanced my experience at university. ... The LSE Sociology Department in conjunction with the LSESU Sociology & Social Justice Society offer many opportunities to learn, interact and grow."
Zara Paul, BSc Sociology student 2008-2011
"I genuinely have a lot to thank the LSE for as I have gained so much in the past 3 years and developed myself to a such a great degree. When I first arrived at the university I was very unconfident about my academic capabilities. However, the tutors and the lecturers embraced my qualities and strengthened my weaknesses, ensuring my grades could only improve. ... I worked solidly by attending office hours and skills lectures arranged by the university and my confidence grew through performing with the university shows, speaking up in class discussions and being forced into presentations! My friend network made me realise the triviality of my insecurities along with introducing me to a wide range of global lessons: Asian weddings, Ghanian food, Brazilian dancing! ... I could go on for ever!"