About this course
Study human life in all its cross-cultural complexity on this BSc Sociology and Anthropology degree. You’ll explore a broad range of issues faced by modern societies around the globe, and understand the importance of cultural anthropology and diversity in our rapidly changing world. Join graduates who have gone on to careers in government, education and research.
Studying sociology (examining the identities, relationships and social practices within our world) and anthropology (the study of human behaviour and societies) will equip you with research expertise and a unique way to consider the impact of social inequality, gender, ethnicity, race, poverty, class differences, and the function of culture in the 21st century.
Your core modules will focus on key areas, including:
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research methods in social sciences, including quantitative and qualitative research
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sociological and anthropological theories and perspectives
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relationships between individuals, groups and institutions in societies around the world
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comparative analysis in sociology and cross-cultural analysis in anthropology
You’ll have the option to specialise by studying modules in subjects like:
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archaeology
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criminology
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collective action and social change
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migration
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ethnography of food and culture
As part of your degree you can:
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study abroad for a semester at a partner university in Brazil, Canada or China
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make a difference by getting involved with our Social Impact Lab
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study modules from other areas, such as languages or psychology
What it's like to study Sociology with Anthropology at Southampton
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
ABB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B grade from one A-level
DDM in the BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
You’ll learn the social theories and research methods that form the basis of sociology and anthropology. Your wide range of optional modules are designed to support your career plans and areas of interest, including criminology, belief, migration and the media.
Each year you’ll also have the chance to choose modules from other courses at the University. This will give you valuable opportunities to expand your knowledge and create an impressive CV.
Year 1 overview
Your 5 core modules will introduce you to the basics of sociology and anthropology, including:
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Exploring Other Cultures
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Foundations in Social and Anthropological Theory
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Transformations of the Modern World
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Introduction to Quantitative Methods
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Understanding Everyday Life
You’ll also choose more modules from options like:
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Introduction to Ethnography: Food and Culture
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Human Origins
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Social Problems and Social Policy
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Criminology
Year 2 overview
Next, you’ll take 4 more core modules to advance your existing skills:
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Social Theory
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Research Methods in The Social Sciences
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Qualitative Research: Foundations, Principles and Skills
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Cosmology, Ritual and Belief
You’ll also take 4 optional modules from a broad range of subjects, including:
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Race and Ethnicity in Society
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Gender and Society
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Class Structure and Social Inequality
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Globalisation, Inequalities and Power
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Criminological Psychology
Year 3 overview
You’ll put your research skills into practice by investigating and writing a 10,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice. You’ll consider the most important processes of social change taking place today in a core module in Comparative Sociology. Your last core module is Sexuality and Intimacy, in which you’ll examine the historical and cultural constructions of human relationships.
Finally, you’ll select 4 more modules from a wide range of options, many of which will be taught in student-led seminars. These include:
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The Sociology of Youth
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Collective Action and Social Change
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Comparing Welfare States - Evolution, Politics & Impact
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The Archaeology and Anthropology of Adornment
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Anthropology, Film and Representations of the Other
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Paul Bridgen is the course leader.
Careers
Sociologists and anthropologists are experts in social organisation and human behaviour. As a graduate of this course, you’ll have transferable expertise that will be valued across a wide range of roles and sectors.
Our graduates have established careers in:
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government
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the civil service
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social services
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education
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community development
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police and prison service
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HR, business and finance
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social research
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academia
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You’ll have the opportunity to take a Year in Employment, which is a paid work placement between your second and third year.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: L3L6
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
