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Sociology

What is the Sociology program about?

Sociology is concerned with investigating the social patterns and structures that underpin human societies. This involves examining everything from everyday interactions with friends and family to the organisation of global institutions.

Studying Sociology provides you with the skills to question 'common-sense' understandings of the world and to examine social issues, problems, and experiences from different as well as new perspectives.

Application of sociological thinking and research skills provides a deeper understanding of the complex challenges that face humanity, such as social inequality, the exercise of power and authority, global pandemics, and climate change. Sociology provides you with a toolbox for creating a more sustainable and socially just world.

Why study Sociology with us?

Learn about how to make sense of critical global issues, develop the skills to support and empower people, and contribute to a just society. If you are interested in what is going on in the world, and how you can change it for the better, sociology is an excellent option for you.

We offer a range of study options that can provide you with expertise in Sociology, electives that can diversify your skills, and the flexibility to study complementary discipline areas.

Your studies will provide you with a deeper understanding of the social forces shaping the world in which we live, and the skills to drive positive and impactful societal change.

With our strong reputation in sociology research, we offer postgraduate research courses that will develop your advanced research knowledge and skills, and enhance your professional employability.

What careers relate to Sociology?

Our graduates are employed in a range of careers in private, government and non government sectors. Many organisations and business utilise sociologists to evaluate programs, identify problems and design solutions to address a range of issues that impact on society and humanity.

  • Social Advocate
  • Ageing and Disability Officer
  • Community Project Officer
  • Cultural Programmer
  • Current Affairs Writer
  • Government Advisor
  • Health Researcher
  • Housing Policy Advisor
  • Intelligence Officer
  • Migrant Affairs Worker
  • Multi-Cultural Affairs Worker
  • Policy Officer
  • Policy Researcher
  • Political Advisor
  • Program Manager
  • Social Advocacy Officer
  • Social Inclusion Officer
  • Social Researcher
  • Social Worker
  • Youth Officer

Amina Keygan | Demographer
Sociology

"...a population researcher... has such a broad range of applications - education, business, government planning, work force, labour markets, employment, aged care; it ranges across all of those areas and brings them all together."

Read more about Amina

How can I learn about Sociology?

In studying sociology, you'll learn to investigate the social forces that structure everyday life as well as how we as individuals shape society. We examine areas such as culture and creativity, sexuality, gender and identity, globalisation, urban inclusion and exclusion, youth, racism, religion and multiculturalism, and health and illness.

Interested in studying with us? Explore our course and research opportunities below.

Each course and unit is linked to its own page with more detailed information on the Courses & Units website.

Undergraduate

Honours

Our Honours program provides students with an advanced exploration of Sociology. Comprised of specialised core units and a research thesis or project, study at the honours level introduces skills and methods involved in independent research.

Your learning experience in Sociology goes beyond the lecture and tutorials.

You will be taught by experts, and gain perspective from guest lecturers and forums; study abroad for a fortnight, a month, a semester or a year, as part of your degree; have options to complete your studies your way, whether on-campus, online, part-time or full-time;  pursue your passion or specialisation with a range of scholarships, bursaries and financial assistance programs, or meet your career goals with our pathway options.

Sociology and the School of Social Sciences, as part of the College of Arts, Law and Education, offers a growing collection of units that are available to be completed either wholly or partially online to enable flexible study.

* The online availability for each unit is indicated on each individual unit page under ‘Availability’, then ‘Attendance options’ by the ‘Off-Campus’ icon .

Read more about Online Study in Arts.

Don't meet the traditional entry requirements? The School of Social Sciences offers an alternative entry pathway into our undergraduate programs. The Arts pathway is a great introduction into university study, and can assist you in gaining the qualifications and experience you need for your chosen career. This foundation year of study provides students with the skills and knowledge related to study the arts and social sciences, with additional support and guidance to help you succeed.

Whether you intend to study a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science, completing this year of foundation study in Diploma of University Studies (Arts Specialisation) (21A) will assist you in achieving your goals.

Pathway Programs at the University

An overseas study program gives you the opportunity to experience different cultures, study languages, undertake work placement or internships, make new friends and explore the world while receiving credit toward your degree and creating professional and life experiences. It provides a 'total immersion' experience in a variety of study areas and locations. You can choose a program length that suits you, from a 2-week fieldtrip, a short-term summer program to a full semester (or two).

Find out more about Overseas Study opportunities

Take your passion for ideas further than you ever imagined.

We offer a collegial, supportive environment, with experienced supervision, regular seminar series, research skills training, and many opportunities to work with peers and academics on your areas of interest. We supervise across a range of methodologies and conceptual/theoretical approaches, and encourage scholarship that draws on ideas from across diverse fields.

Choose a research topic that reflects your interests and identify a supervisor with the expertise to guide you in your research. Search for a discipline staff member via our staff profiles, or by an area or expertise.

The School of Social Sciences welcomes qualified applicants to undertake a research degree with us in any of our areas of research strengths and interests.

To find out about application procedures, entry requirements, and scholarships, refer to Research Degrees.

Our research in Sociology

Our diverse research in Sociology focuses on areas including housing and community studies, ageing and disability, religion, food and environment, and health and illness. Much research in Sociology and Criminology is applied in nature and has a strong focus on social policy.

Our work is published in leading journals and by top-tier academic presses. We are an internationally recognised team of sociologists who are actively involved in national and international research, and several members of our team have received prestigious research grants.

If you are interested in undertaking research degrees a PhD or Masters degree with us, please see the current list of available projects (https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/available-projects) that align with our research expertise.

Featured Research

Research Spotlight
Associate Professor Vaughan Higgins

Project: Protecting Australia's Food Future: Shared Responsibility for Biosecurity