Case Study

After studying my A Levels, which included Sociology, I decided I wanted to study it further at university. My plan was to always stay local in the North East when it came to studying at university, and after attending an open day at Sunderland – meeting the academic staff and wandering through the campuses – I got a really good vibe of the place and decided to study here.

The course has some core modules that you have to take over the two semesters, but you're also allowed to pick some other optional modules. These can include Criminology, Health and Social Care, as well as other Sociological modules specifically looking at race, gender, and youth to name a few, so you have some freedom to pick what interests you.

I also enjoyed the placement in second year where I carried out and conducted a mini sociological research project at an Oxfam charity shop. Studying the course has made me realise that Sociology is a very broad topic and is concerned with a variety of issues, such as homelessness, mental health and racism. You can apply Sociology to anything, so I think it helps, especially if you are passionate about a particular social issue.

I get regular study support sessions set up by the University's disability support team which help with various specific learning disabilities and I am assigned a study skills supervisor who helps and advises me in writing up my assignments. They also assisted me with my DSAs in order to get equipment such as a Dictaphone and specialist software.

The University of Sunderland embodies the phrase 'life-changing' which I think is 100% the experience you will get. There are some very dedicated individuals who are there for you to help you get the maximum experience out of university. There are lots of opportunities and events on offer too, plus excellent resources and services like Sunderland Futures, which are available to use even after you graduate. There are various social media accounts run by staff and societies, which help keep you informed about the new and exciting opportunities happening in and around the university.

My future aim is to do a masters and maybe pursue a PhD in the near future."

Please note, this course is not recruiting for 2023/24.

Published 10 August 2018