Program Overview

The social sciences foundation year has an applied focus – students are encouraged and enabled to apply their theoretical knowledge to real world problems, such as mental health, psychological wellbeing and everyday problem-solving.

During the foundation year, you’ll begin to develop the academic writing and independent learning skills necessary to study a scientific discipline. You’ll also begin to learn the basics of thinking and writing in social sciences.

Sociology – or the study of human society – asks difficult questions about the everyday. As a sociology student here at Solent, you’ll develop an understanding of your own biography as well as cultural and political issues that shape individual and collective experiences.

The programme provides a practical learning experience that enables students to become independent and collaborative learners. Covering issues of power, politics and identity, sociology through the life course, education, media, embodiment, social inequalities, and race and ethnicity, you will develop knowledge of sociological theories and methods that will enable you to critically understand social inequality and social justice. This knowledge alongside development of key skills can be applied to a diverse range of careers.

This is a contemporary and exciting course which gives you the sociological knowledge and skills needed to develop a critical and informed perspective on social inequalities and social justice. You will assess evidence and research that enables you to question existing policies and practice and apply sociological thinking to addressing social issues at both a local and global level. You will do this by learning to question practices and develop analytical skills to address social problems.

The skills you learn and develop in sociology can be used in a diverse range of careers. For example, being a critical thinker and being able to assess different viewpoints, asking critical questions about social issues has meant that employers in a range of sectors see sociology degrees as desirable. More specifically, sociology graduates develop communication skills, analytical skills, and cross cultural understanding, which can be utilised in a number of employment opportunities.