Sociology with English Literature BSc (Hons)

Embark on a transformative educational journey with the University of Chester, where the fusion of Sociology and English - either through Literature or Language - awaits you. Our Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sociology with English Literature or BSc in Sociology with English Language offers a unique interdisciplinary approach designed to broaden your perspectives and deepen your understanding of society and its complex narratives. 

Sociology with English Literature: This pathway explores the intricate relationship between society and literature. Delve into the world of classic and contemporary literary works, understanding their societal impact and the cultural contexts that shaped them. Analyse themes of identity, class, race, and gender through the lens of various literary genres and periods. This course enhances your critical thinking and analytical skills and enriches your appreciation of literature as a mirror and shaper of societal norms and transformations. 

Sociology with English Language: Here, the focus shifts to the dynamics of language in social contexts. Discover the power of language in shaping social realities, identities, and relationships. You'll study sociolinguistics, exploring how language varies across different social groups and situations, and delve into discourse analysis, examining how language is used to construct social phenomena. This course is ideal for those intrigued by the interplay of language, culture, and society, offering insights into how social structures influence linguistic practices. 

Our expert staff at the University of Chester combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience. Small class sizes foster a close-knit learning environment where individual perspectives are valued and encouraged. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, your learning experience will be both engaging and rewarding. 

Join us at Chester, where your intellectual curiosity meets our commitment to excellence in teaching and research. Apply now for our BSc in Sociology with English Literature or English Language, and start your journey towards understanding the complex tapestry of society and the power of words in shaping it. 

Our approach to learning and teaching is broad and includes: 

Interactive Lectures: Engaging students in interactive lectures that include multimedia presentations, case studies, and open-ended questions to stimulate discussions and critical thinking.  

Small Group Discussions: Promoting peer learning, collaboration, and the exchange of diverse perspectives. 

Case-Based Learning: Presenting real-life criminal cases for analysis. This allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making skills. 

Research Projects: Research projects that require students to explore specific topics, conduct empirical research, and present their findings.  

Ethical Dilemmas and Discussions: Engaging students in discussions about ethical considerations, including topics like oppression, advocacy, identity, and research ethics.  

Guest Speakers and Practitioners: Invited guest speakers to share their experiences and insights with students.  

Simulation Exercises: Organised simulation exercises where students take on roles. 

On this course, you have the opportunity to spend five weeks working for a host organisation via our innovative Work Based Learning module. You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience. 

Our Experiential Overseas Learning module offers a unique opportunity to participate in a short-term placement around the world. 

This course offers a Year Abroad option - an exciting opportunity to study abroad for a full academic year at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs), a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide. 

Job prospects

Graduates who have specialised in Sociology with English Language or Sociology with English Literature have a variety of career opportunities available to them. Their unique combination of skills in understanding societal dynamics and proficiency in language and literature can be applied in several fields. Here are some career paths they might consider: 

• Education and Academia: Graduates can become educators at various levels, teaching subjects like English, sociology, social studies, or humanities. They may also engage in academic research, contributing to sociological studies or literary analysis. 
• Social Work: With their understanding of societal issues and dynamics, graduates can work in social welfare, providing support and guidance to individuals and communities in need. 
• Public Relations and Communications: Their skills in communication, both written and verbal, make them suitable for roles in public relations, corporate communications, or media relations. 
• Journalism and Writing: Graduates can pursue careers in journalism, writing articles that explore social issues, or become authors, using their literary skills to craft engaging stories or insightful non-fiction. 
• Marketing and Advertising: Understanding societal trends and effective communication are key in marketing and advertising. Graduates can excel in creating campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. 
• Human Resources: Their knowledge of social dynamics can be valuable in human resources, where they can work in recruitment, employee relations, or training and development. 
• Policy Analysis and Public Administration: Graduates can contribute to policy analysis, helping to develop and assess policies that impact society, or work in various roles within public administration. 
• Non-Profit Sector: Working in non-governmental organisations or charities that focus on social issues, advocacy, or community development can be a fulfilling path. 
• Cultural Organisations and Museums: They can work in cultural institutions, engaging in curatorial work, educational outreach, or community engagement programmes. 
• Research Analyst: Working as a research analyst for think tanks, research institutes, or market research companies. 

Each of these paths benefits from the unique blend of sociological insight and proficiency in English language or literature that these graduates possess. Continuous learning and gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work can further enhance their career prospects. 

Progression options

Gender Studies MRes

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.