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What kind of person do I need to be?
Do you have an enquiring mind and an interest in topics
such as sexism, race or ethnicity? Could you analyse
a trend and present logical conclusions? Do you like
theories and complex ideas and could apply these to
practical situations? If you can answer yes to these
questions, then studying this subject may be for you.
Sociology
What skills will I learn?
Sociology explores the development, structure and
function of human society. In studying this subject you will
develop your understanding of cultures and their trends.
You could be observing and assessing group behaviours
as well as developing your questioning on how society and
life works. You will gain insights into the life choices that
families and individuals make as well as foster sensitivity
to inequalities and injustices in society. You will expand on
your written and oral communication, may plan and carry
out research projects and could be conducting interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
How do I get there?
Having a good grasp of the core subjects of English and
maths, as well as enjoying history or geography will best
prepare you for this subject. You will have to grapple
with both qualitative and quantitative data in sociology.
You could study this at GCSE, A level or degree and
could combine it with other subjects like Anthropology
or Psychology. Careers in this subject may lead to work
in education, marketing, policy research, charity sector,
government or social care. For some jobs you may need
to do study fur ther at postgraduate level.