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Case Study

Laura Gregg

BSc (Hons) Sociology


It was fate for Laura Gregg that when she was made redundant at her workplace, she attended an Open Day at the University a few days later. Laura promised herself that she would apply to a university after she left secondary education due to unforeseen circumstances with only two GCSEs almost 30 years ago. Now she is relishing every day of academic life on the BSc (Hons) Sociology course.

My true hope was to continue in education. Life and family came along and I developed within my career, specialising in supporting highly vulnerable client groups. Yet there was always the same persistent nagging in the back of my mind to progress educationally.

The BSc (Hons) Sociology course caught my attention due to the diverse range of modules and the variety of areas you could study. I applied and secured a place. Granted, it has been challenging, but the support and facilities available at Sunderland allows you to grow and develop your skills and confidence.

The reassurance that there is always someone to talk things through with or help with practical skills, such as finding the right book, or how to develop your individual writing technique and learning style, has been so beneficial for me, especially as a mature student. There were so many new things to learn and get to grips with.

The passion and commitment displayed by the Sociology team is evident in the preparation and attention to detail in creating a dynamic, engaging and motivating learning experience for all students, supporting us to thrive and succeed.

If you embrace the subject and open yourself up to the learning, it enhances you individually on so many levels, which for me is an added unexpected bonus. So, to anyone who is considering studying Sociology, especially as a mature student, I would encourage you to go for it and you will not regret it – invest in you for you!”

Please note, this course is not currently recruiting.

Published 1 February 2019

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