BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Stirling

Program Overview

If you are curious about why societies work the way they do — and how governments make decisions that affect people’s everyday lives — this degree is a great fit. The Sociology and Social Policy programme at Stirling helps you understand people, communities, inequality and social change, while building the skills to influence real-world policy and social outcomes.

Curriculum Structure

Years 1 and 2

Your first two years introduce you to the big ideas that shape how we understand society. You will study modules like Introduction to Sociology and Criminology, Applying a Social Policy Lens, The Development of Social Theory, and Using Theory and Methods in Social Research. These courses help you explore why societies face issues like inequality, why certain policies succeed or fail, and how social research is used to understand human behaviour.

Years 3 and 4

As you progress, the course becomes more hands-on and specialised. You will take The Research Process, where you learn how to design your own studies, analyse data and apply insights to real social problems. You will also complete a Dissertation in your final year — a chance to explore a topic you truly care about. Optional modules such as Gender, Crime and Justice, Childhood Studies, Social Policy on the Ground, Policing and Society, or Home, Housing and Community let you shape the degree around your interests.

Focus Areas

Society and social structures, inequality and diversity, social welfare systems, research methods, and real-world social policy.

Learning Outcomes

You will learn to analyse social issues, understand how policies are developed, conduct meaningful research, and apply sociological theory to real communities and social challenges.

Professional Alignment

The programme is taught within Stirling’s well-regarded School of Social Sciences, known for its commitment to social justice and evidence-based policy. The skills you develop prepare you for careers in public service, policy development, community work, charities, research organisations and further academic study.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

3rd in Scotland for Sociology (Times & Sunday Times Guide 2026)
Top 5 in Scotland and Top 20 in the UK for Social Policy (Complete University Guide 2026)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the best parts of studying Sociology and Social Policy at Stirling is how much you get to do, not just learn. From the moment you start the course, you’ll be working with real research tools, learning how to investigate social issues, and understanding how policies shape people’s lives. By the time you reach your final year, you’ll be confident designing your own research project, analysing data, and presenting findings just like a social-science professional.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s what hands-on learning looks like at Stirling:

Practical research training through modules such as Using Theory and Methods in Social Research and The Research Process, where you learn to design studies, collect data and interpret real social problems.
A full independent dissertation, letting you dive into a topic you care about and build real academic research experience.
Access to Stirling’s leading research centres, including:
- Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research
- Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research
- Centre for Population Change
  These centres expose you to real community issues, current research, and potential pathways into postgraduate study.
A global perspective, analysing welfare systems and social issues not just in Scotland but across Europe, North America, Latin America and Australasia.
Excellent campus facilities, including Stirling’s large modern library with extensive journal access, digital resources and study spaces — ideal for research-heavy programmes like this.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Sociology and Social Policy from Stirling opens doors to meaningful careers where you can directly shape communities, influence policy, and support people’s wellbeing. Graduates often move into roles in public services, charities, community organisations and research — working as social policy analysts, community development officers, housing or welfare officers, or research assistants. And because the programme is grounded in strong research training, many students also choose to progress into postgraduate study and specialist social-science careers.

Here’s a clearer picture of what your future could look like:

Dedicated career support: Stirling’s Careers Service stays with you throughout your degree and even after graduation. Through tools like TARGETconnect, you’ll get access to internships, job postings, volunteering roles, CV reviews and interview coaching — all designed to help you build confidence and secure opportunities.
Strong salary and employment outcomes: Graduates typically earn around £23,000 fifteen months after finishing the degree, with early-career roles ranging from £22,000 to £30,000 depending on the sector. Five years into their career, salaries commonly rise to around £27,500, reflecting steady professional growth.
A wide range of career paths: With this degree, you can contribute to areas such as public policy, NGOs and charities, housing and welfare services, youth and community support, social research, and government roles.
A solid base for specialist careers: Thanks to Stirling’s strong research focus, many graduates continue into master’s or PhD programmes in social policy, criminology, sociology or related fields — especially if they’re interested in research, advocacy or academic work.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you can progress into postgraduate options such as master’s programmes in Sociology, Social Policy, Criminology, Research Methods, or related areas at Stirling or other universities. This pathway is ideal if you want to specialise further, move into policy advisory roles, join research institutes, or eventually pursue a PhD.