Sociology

UCAS code: L400

Here's what Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh says about its Sociology course.

Please note: for September 2026 entry there is only Year 1 or 2 entry for this course. Please refer to our Public Sociology course (L390) if you are looking for advanced entry onto Year 3.

Our BSc (Hons) in Sociology is ideal preparation for a wide range of careers in which you can contribute to improving people’s lives.

In sociology, our focus is on understanding how people’s lives and interactions are shaped by factors like class, gender, ethnicity, race, disability and age in national and global contexts. Sociologists interpret and explain how social processes and institutions inform and impact people’s everyday lives.

Throughout your degree, you will have opportunities to study a broad range of topics including:

• Examining how, where, when and why social inequalities and divisions arise;

• Considering ways in which we can challenge, understand and overcome social problems and ethical dilemmas through public policy and social action;

• Interpreting the relationship between identity, community and society, locally and globally; and

• Conducting research into real world issues, as well as making concrete recommendations for social change.

Year 1

Introduction to Academia Introduction to Psychology Introduction to Psychology 2 Classic & Contemporary Sociology Diversity and Inequality Foundations of Psychology; Core Concepts and Practices

Year Two

Developmental and Social Psychology Exploring Research Material Culture: The Social Life of Things Current Debates in Sociology Education, Race and Ethnicity Engaged Sociology

Year Three

Sociology of Knowledge & Science Understanding the Sociological Present Social Process and Social Movements Class, Poverty and Inequality: Social Policy Responses Research Skills Community Education and the Organic Intellectual

Year Four

Community-based Education Dissertation Options may include: Inequality, Poverty and Social Policy in Comparative Perspective; Gender Justice and Violence: Feminist Approaches; Embedded Sustainability; Political Ecology: the Social Study of Environmental Justice; The Sociology of Scotland; Queer Feminist Sociology in Action

NB The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (Feb 2024) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2025. Please check back here for any updates.

You will be taught in lectures, seminars and practical workshops. Outside these timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. You will be assessed by essays and a variety of other ways including written reports, presentations and groupwork.