Sociology Schools and Programs in The United Kingdom

Sociology Studies in The United Kingdom

Sociology is the study of how societies are organised and how they change: class, gender, ethnicity, migration, health, crime, work and digital life are typical themes. In the United Kingdom the degree combines social theory with practical training in research methods, and it is offered either as a BA or as a BSc depending on the university. This directory lists 34 schools for sociology in the UK: five in London, two each in Edinburgh and Manchester, and the rest across England, Scotland and Wales.

How the degree is organised

The first degree is a bachelor's degree with honours, a level 6 qualification. In England it takes three years full time. It is a BA (Hons) at The University of Sheffield, Lancaster University and Newcastle University, and a BSc (Hons) at the University of Bristol, the University of Southampton and the University of Surrey.

Courses follow a similar pattern. At Newcastle about half of the time goes to core modules on social theory and hands-on training in research methods, and the rest to optional modules on subjects such as health, childhood, refugees and criminology. The final year centres on a dissertation, worth 40 credits at Newcastle; Lancaster also builds towards an independent final-year dissertation.

In Scotland, degree-level study usually takes four years. The University of Stirling teaches a BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy over 48 months, and sociology can also be combined there with subjects such as criminology. Some English universities add an optional placement year: at Surrey the BSc takes three years, or four with a Professional Training placement.

After the bachelor's degree, a master's degree (MA or MSc) is a level 7 qualification and a doctorate (PhD or DPhil) is level 8.

Where to study

London examples in this directory are the University of Westminster and London Metropolitan University, with Royal Holloway University of London nearby in Egham. In Manchester there are The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Elsewhere in England the list includes the University of Essex in Colchester, the University of Surrey, the University of Bristol, the University of Southampton, Lancaster University, The University of Sheffield and Newcastle University. In Scotland there are The University of Edinburgh, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Stirling and the University of Strathclyde; in Wales, Cardiff University and Swansea University.

Admission and English level

Universities and colleges set their own entry requirements, usually stated as A levels, and many accept equivalent international qualifications. UK ENIC, the official organisation for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications, issues statements that compare a foreign qualification with the UK system. The courses cited here ask for ABB at Sheffield, Bristol, Newcastle and Southampton, ABB to BBB at Surrey and BBB at Lancaster and Stirling (first-year entry). Sociology itself is rarely required, although Bristol asks for an essay-based subject.

Because assessment relies on essays and reports, the English requirement is often above the visa minimum. Bristol asks for IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in all skills, Sheffield for 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component and Lancaster for 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component; Stirling accepts 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill. Undergraduate applications are sent through UCAS, with a maximum of five choices. For 2027 entry, the equal consideration date for most undergraduate courses is 13 January 2027 (18:00 UK time); for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge it is 15 October 2026. Many universities accept international applications until later in the year.

Costs and visa

Fees depend on fee status. For 2027 entry, home students pay £10,050 a year at the English universities cited. International students pay £26,500 for the first year at Bristol, £25,350 at Newcastle, £26,300 at Lancaster (2027/28) and £23,800 at Surrey.

International students normally need a Student visa for a full degree. According to GOV.UK (checked on 8 October 2026), applicants must be 16 or over, hold an offer from a licensed student sponsor and prove English equivalent to CEFR level B2 for degree-level study. The application costs £558 from outside the UK, plus a healthcare surcharge of £776 per year for students. Applicants must also show living-cost funds of £1,529 per month for courses in London or £1,171 per month elsewhere, for up to nine months, and can apply at the earliest six months before the course starts.

Recognition and careers

The national qualification levels (6, 7 and 8) help authorities and employers abroad to compare UK degrees; recognition in another country is decided by that country. Sheffield reports that its graduates work in sectors including broadcasting, the police service, teaching and social work, and in local government, the civil service, charity and campaign organisations and market research. After the degree, the Graduate visa allows a stay of 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Is sociology a BA or a BSc in the United Kingdom?

Both exist. Sheffield, Lancaster and Newcastle award a BA (Hons), while Bristol, Southampton and Surrey award a BSc (Hons). Both are bachelor's degrees with honours at level 6.

How long does a sociology degree take?

Usually three years full time in England and four years in Scotland. A placement year, as offered at Surrey, adds one year.

How much does a sociology degree cost for international students?

Each university sets its own fee. For 2027 entry the cited fees range from £23,800 at Surrey to £26,500 at Bristol.