Sociology

On this page:

• Overview
• Undergraduate Information
• Postgraduate Information
• How to Find out More
• Related Subjects and Careers
• List of Courses

This subject is taught by the School of Social and Cultural Studies.

Overview

Sociology is an exciting discipline that enables you to take a fresh look at social life. The scope is broad, the perspectives challenging, and the insights thought-provoking. While the range of sociological interests is wide (e.g. gender, class, ethnicity, families, social change, health, morality, politics, religion, sport, work and leisure, technology, cyberspace and much more) the central focus remains the same: exploring, understanding, and explaining changes in behaviour and social relationships at different levels.

On one level, Sociology looks at the body and its relationship to social practices, and at the construction of identity, for instance, as it is shaped by gender or class relations. At another level, Sociology examines major social institutions such as the State and macro processes such as population change and globalisation.

Sociology is the systematic study of social life and can be effectively combined with other social science subjects, such as Cultural Anthropology, Social Policy, Economics, Geography, Political Science and Psychology. Very useful combinations can also be made with Criminology, Education, History, Media Studies, Philosophy and Religious Studies. Computer Science, Information Technology and Mathematics are always useful for students with an interest in social data analysis and research. Sociology can also provide an effective comparative focus for those who are interested in languages and literature. A major in Sociology towards a Bachelor of Arts (BA) also has an affinity with many aspects of Law and Commerce, and the social context of legal and business institutions.

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Undergraduate Information

BA Major Requirements

1. SOSC 111 and 112
2. 40 points from SOSC 200-399, SACS 201, 202 
3. 40 points from SOSC 300-399

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Postgraduate Information

Postgraduate Qualifications in Sociology

For information specific to Sociology, please see our Postgraduate Study page. For information about the postgraduate qualifications, please click on the Faculty links below.

• Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
• Bachelor of Arts with Honours
• Master of Arts
• PhD

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How to Find out More

You can order more information on this subject using our Request for Study Material form.

Victoria's Student Recruitment, Admission and Orientation Office offers advice on courses and help with planning your degree.

Contact the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' Student and Academic Services Office for information on admission, qualifications and courses, course advice and selection criteria, exemptions and prerequisites.

Sociology courses are taught within the School of Social and Cultural Studies.

School Office: Murphy 921, tel 0-4-463 5317, email sacs@vuw.ac.nz.

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Related Subjects and Careers

Majoring in Sociology, possibly in conjunction with other majors, is a valuable basis for planning a career in the social sciences, psychology, law, social work, the health professions or business (e.g. teaching, journalism, advertising, town planning, architecture, resource management, public relations, market research and local government administration). See the Career View issue on Sociology for further information.

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List of Courses

For a complete course listing, see the list of all Sociology courses.