Why study this course with LJMU?
- 91% of students surveyed said the teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)
- Hands-on research methods
- WATCH: Hear from Sociology graduate Cora about her journey since finishing her degree
- Teaching from leading scholars who have published books and articles on many topics, including the sociology of global football, the life and work of Max Weber, the shifting politics of race and racism, and gender divisions in Nepali society
- Study unique pathways that reflect the diversity of the discipline and student interest, including the sociology of culture, social inequalities, social policy and global issues
- Training in core methods and sociological theory
- An international perspective
- Work placement opportunities in teaching, charities, tourism, the media, creative and heritage industries
About your course
BA (Hons) Sociology at LJMU is a varied degree, which offers a unique opportunity to undertake a contemporary, critical and sector-leading programme of study. The degree will develop your research skills and help you explore alternate ideas and respect points of view that may be contrary to your own, including providing core training in sociological methods and theory.
The Sociology degree provides a balance of core and optional modules, delivering a thorough grounding in theory and method, alongside cutting-edge and emerging theoretical and methodological approaches. The programme endeavours to recognise the history and legacy of sociology while also developing its insights to contemporary and emerging problems.
You can choose to follow your own pathway by selecting modules that contribute to a theme or themes including social divisions and inequality, social policy, culture, and globalisation. At the same time, individual modules contribute to more than one pathway given the intersection of various themes (e.g. the globalisation of culture), and because social variables such as class, age, disability, gender, beliefs and ideologies operate in society at all times with different impacts.
The opportunities to consider societies other than the UK, and to do so in some depth in a variety of modules means that the curriculum is international in focus. It also provides unique opportunities to study in South Asian societies, to participate in study exchanges in other countries in Europe and beyond, or to undertake supervised field visits. Previous field visits have taken place in Brussels and Nepal, for example.
The teaching of well-established and emerging theory is combined with core training in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and balances 'action research' with other forms of social enquiry. In the final year, research method teaching embraces more recent methodological innovations including visual and sensory approaches.
The modules offered on the degree reflect the sociological work undertaken by members of staff, and are inspired by their research and contributions to national and international debates. This ensures that the curriculum is up-to-date, peer reviewed and engaged with contemporary issues and approaches. In the final year, all optional modules are designed to encourage you to make your own enquiries into relevant questions and issues. For example, you could choose to study contemporary issues and work closely with staff in areas such as the sociology of religion, of music or sport, disability, radical social policy, gender studies, emotions and aesthetics, and benefit from the departmental expertise in South East Asian societies. You will also have the opportunity to study a topic of your own choice in depth by choosing to write a dissertation.
Find out more about Sociology at LJMU
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Audio Practice
30 credits
30 credits
The lectures will be mainly based around the theory that underpins recording systems along with the peripherals that are usually associated them.
You will investigate the integration of audio and MIDI in modern recording systems through your coursework, which is structured to make you practically apply and demonstrate your understanding and knowledge of the recording environment as well as be creative in your use of the tools we are using.
You should always be aware that much of the theory and practice covered in this module is immediately transferable to other, more specialised areas.
This module is delivered in a lecture and workshop format. The lecture will discuss some of the theoretical or general concepts that you will cover practically in the workshop later.
Technical Foundations – Acoustics and Audio
30 credits
30 credits
This module is delivered primarily through lecture and practical workshop delivery. The content is mostly theoretical and is intended to support understanding in many other areas of the programme, Concepts are introduced and explained in the lecture. The workshops are in various forms some using spreadsheet software to enable efficient calculations and graph plotting, some are more demonstration focussed in the recording studios / digital audio lab, and some are to teach cable building and connectors in a live sound workshop.
Practical assessments are generally arranged in pairs and the exam to assess theoretical understanding is an individual assessment.
Live Sound 1
30 credits
30 credits
Sound for Picture
15 credits
15 credits
Collaborative Technical Project
15 credits
15 credits
This module helps you develop collaboration, planning, time management and project specific technical skills by assigning you to work on one of arrange of practical projects, productions, or performances in LIPA. You will be working with a range of students from other disciplines and will work in pairs or small teams to apply your technical knowledge and skills to the needs of these events. You will be allocated a supervisor from the teaching team who will work with you to help plan and manage your roles, and to provide and bespoke technical instruction required.
Core modules
Advanced Technical Studies – Digital Systems & Processing
30 credits
30 credits
This module is intended to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and their application especially those relating to current developments in digital audio system related areas such as signal processing, networking, data storage and transmission, and immersive audio.
The content is delivered through lectures where the various ideas are introduced and discusses, and a variety of workshops in the recording and digital audio lab where a variety of tools can be designed, and systems can be compared for the purposes for understanding the technical components within a familiar practical setting.
Professional Preparation 1
15 credits
15 credits
In this module we are going to be focusing our attention on preparing you for employment in the sound related industries.
Sustaining a career in these challenging and competitive sectors requires a long-term perspective. Experience tells us that it takes tenacity, drive and a commitment to continuing professional development that extends far beyond the end of your degree studies. We hope to foster these principles in your own approach to professional life so that you can gain, and sustain, rewarding work in evolving industries.
Encouraging you to become more proactive in your exploration of industry is a key aim. We want you to become better able to identify opportunities in industry; we also want you to become better equipped to take advantage of these by planning 3rd year projects that will enable you to acquire the key skills and experience that industry demands.
We will present a number of sessions that more thoroughly explore key employment sectors in our field, including some sessions delivered by guest practitioners from industry. We will also endeavour to engage with graduates of the course to enable insight into the process of breaking into industry and establishing yourself, as well as building networking opportunities.
Optional modules
Music Recording
30 credits
30 credits
Students will learn increasingly complex and sophisticated studio tools and incorporate these into their studio-based practice. These will include a range of analogue, digital, hybrid and virtual consoles, samplers & synthesizers, and advanced MIDI & synchronisation protocols. We will also revisit core studio tools introduced at Level 4 and apply them with increasing sophistication in the processes of recording, mixing, and mastering a high-quality recorded work.
Live Sound 2
30 credits
30 credits
Audio Post Production
30 credits
30 credits
Music Production
15 credits
15 credits
This module encourages students to view music production from the perspectives of audience and industry, adopting primarily aesthetic and commercial views of music recording, and to take a critical approach to the identification and practical application of stylistic conventions and qualities in a contemporary music genre.
Sound Design for Theatre
15 credits
15 credits
Broadcast Audio
15 credits
15 credits
Core modules
Final Portfolio
60 credits
60 credits
Students will propose the specific projects they wish to work on at the start of the teaching year, or where feasible, at the end of Level 5. This proposal will outline the projects, their deliverables, and suggest the weighting that each project will contribute to the final product mark. They will also identify an area of research that will be applied to one or more elements of the practical portfolio. This proposal is then confirmed by the module leader, and a suitable supervising tutor allocated based on the practical specialisms of the core staff team. Students will be required to meet with their tutor in regular meetings where milestones will be agreed and monitored, culminating in the submission of project work and research essay followed by in individual student presentation.
Professional Preparation 2
15 credits
15 credits
The content in this module will help each participant identify an appropriate direction and pathway for their first career steps, develop a personalised strategy for self-promotion, become increasingly confident in interactions with other (sometimes senior) professionals, and gain a clearer understanding of how to manage their personal and business finances.
Optional modules
Advanced Studio Production
30 credits
30 credits
This module will help students extend and consolidate their professional practise in the area of music recording by introducing them to new tools such as Ableton Live, and new mixing processes such as Atmos Music.
Advanced Live Sound
30 credits
30 credits
Advanced Post Production
30 credits
30 credits
Game Audio
30 credits
30 credits
In this module students will gain an insight into the broader workflows and tools commonly used in the development of games and adaptive media. They will develop their skill and experience by devising, creating, and implementing audio assets using established industry tools and techniques, including specialist sound design and mixing tools.
Video Production
15 credits
15 credits
Lighting, Rigging and Power
15 credits
15 credits
Location Recording
15 credits
15 credits
Your Learning Experience
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is delivered via lectures, seminars, workshops, online activities, audio-visual presentations and field work trips. Online discussion boards allow you to debate, with your tutors and peers, ideas that arise in the classroom. Outside the classroom you will have 24 hour access to extensive electronic resources via the LJMU network and print resources available in the nearby Aldham Robarts Library.
Work-related Learning
Opportunities for work-based and work-related learning are integrated into the programme. This will offer you the chance to put what you have learnt into practice as well as providing new skills and experiences. It will also add real value to your CV, giving you a professional edge when you come to negotiate your way through the graduate job market.
Careers events and information on volunteering opportunities are incorporated into core modules and you will have the option to undertake placements at Level 6.
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
If you study Sociology at LJMU, you will join a friendly and stimulating environment in which you will be encouraged to achieve your full potential in your academic work, personal and intellectual development, and your future career. We pride ourselves on the informal and supportive relationships we have with our students.
You will be assigned a personal tutor who will be responsible for your academic and personal progress throughout the course. Along with this scheduled one-to-one support, you will receive regular feedback and guidance from your module tutors on your research, writing and study skills.
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
We understand that all students perform differently depending on the way they are assessed, and so we use a range of traditional and innovative assessment methods. These include essays, exams, reports, individual and group presentations, policy analyses, online tests, wikis and critical reviews.
Constructive feedback on your assessed work is designed to help you achieve your full potential and get the most out of your studies. Your tutors will provide this in writing, by email or in face-to-face meetings where they will help you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work. They can also direct you to further support if you feel you need it.
Where you will study
The School of Humanities and Social Science offers an ideal environment in which to expand your knowledge and horizons. Situated on Mount Pleasant in the new ‘Knowledge Quarter ' of Liverpool, the School is home to five subject areas: English, History, International Relations, Sociology, and Media, Culture & Communication. It has a lively programme of cross-disciplinary research seminars, conferences, visits from international scholars and public events. Research from the School is recognised nationally and worldwide.
Course tutors
My research interests include Art and Social Studies. I am serving as an editorial member and reviewer of several international reputed journals and the member of many international affiliations.
I have always been interested in promoting international perspectives in my work and pursuing comparative work, often working with colleagues from overseas.
Studying Sociology at LJMU presented interesting and engaging challenges across the three years. The diversity of both the core and option modules provided opportunities to pursue my personal interest areas further, whilst also discovering new ones. Staff offered first class support and were always happy to help. The highlight of the course was the unique opportunity to carry out research in real life and international settings.
Career paths
Each year, Sociology graduates enter a variety of professions and careers.
Our graduates find career opportunities in:
- social services
- local and national Government and the civil service
- youth work
- lecturing and teaching
- career guidance
- research
- journalism
- third sector advocacy
- think tanks
- policy development
Some go on to careers in police and probation services; human resource management; legal services; marketing and advertising; ICT development; business and finance; publishing; health services; health promotion and public health; ecology and environmental campaigning; and international development.
Sharing the outputs from Dignity Without Danger in Nepal
Dr Sara Parker, Sociology LJMU Co-presented two papers at the Annual Kathmandu Nepal and Himalaya Conference in July this summer. One paper reflected on the impact of the positionally of the research team on the research process whilst the other focused on the creative engagement and outputs developed as part of this research project exploring the complex menstrual stigmas and taboos in Nepal. Whilst in Nepal Sara was awarded the President International Education award for her contributions to education over her career. It was presented to her by Right Honourable Pampha Bhusal Member of the House of Representatives Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation who is very supportive of the menstruation network in Nepal.
This month Sara is co-presenting a paper and a poster at the International Visual Sociology Conference with Dr Sara Baumann, University of Pittsburgh, on the impact of the collaborative films produced as part of the DWD project - available on the DWD YouTube site along with 5 songs written by the women from Kanchanpur, Far West Nepal.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.
Tuition fees and funding
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.
Financial Support
The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament. In the event of such a change, any fee increase will be subject to a maximum cap of 10% of the total course cost as originally stated at the time of your offer.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications:
Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
GCSEs
We normally require a minimum of five GCSEs grade C. These should include Maths, English and Physics/Dual Science Award. Plus a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points (2017 tariff) or 280 UCAS tariff points (2016 tariff).
We accept all types of equivalent qualifications, the following are the most common UK qualifications that people tend to apply to us with:
A levels
The minimum educational standard that we are looking for is:
A/AS Level
This should be from three A Levels (i.e. grades B, B, C), excluding General Studies. Points from AS and Key Skills are not counted
BTECs
Extended Diploma (i.e. Distinction, Merit, Merit profile). BTEC Diploma (i.e. Distinction*, Distinction). Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications such as an A Level, in which case total needs to be 112 (2017 UCAS tariff points) or 280 (2016 UCAS tariff points) across both qualifications. 90 Credit Diploma but needs to be combined with other qualifications such as an A Level, in which case total needs to be 112 (2017 UCAS tariff points) or 280 (2016 UCAS tariff points).
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and with other qualifications.
Welsh awards
Welsh Baccalaureate
Needs to be combined with other qualifications as it is equivalent to one A Level.
Alternative qualifications considered
Equal Opportunity
LIPA is an equal opportunities organisation and aims to successfully recruit students from a wide range of different socio-economic and personal backgrounds. To ensure we provide effective equality of opportunity within the application process we carefully consider each application individually and acknowledge differences that can exist between applicants’ experiences from diverse backgrounds. We regularly update our approaches to take into account changing understanding of communities and cultures and we monitor applicant/student characteristics such as age, gender and ethnicity.
Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning [RP(E)L] and Credit Transfers
If you can demonstrate that you have already achieved learning equivalent to a module or modules, or a level of study, in the programme then you may be eligible to be awarded credit for this learning or to have credit transferred from another UK institution. You will be required to complete an application to have your qualifications or experience approved by the Head of Discipline and the university. This requires the presentation of appropriate evidence and we will map the evidence against the programme outcomes to be certain of equivalence. If approved credit will be awarded and you will proceed on to the appropriate level of the course to complete the remaining credit for the award.
Additional requirements
-
Interview required
Audition or Interview
Candidates are invited to audition/interview on the basis of completing the LIPA and/or UCAS application form. We look for evidence of the key attributes and an ability to achieve the qualifications standard. In exceptional cases people may be invited to audition/interview who have not met or are not on course to meet the qualifications standard. In these cases there must be substantial potential demonstrated against the other attributes. The audition or interview allows us to evaluate you as a practitioner in your area of interest. Offers of a place will follow where you demonstrate high ability and the potential to succeed. At the interview for this course, candidates take part in a group interview during which they present elements of their portfolio. They also undertake a written test.
International requirements
Other international requirements
We welcome applications from students with qualifications from outside of the UK. Each application is considered on an individual basis and mapped to the appropriate entry level. We value the diversity of experience that students from different backgrounds bring to the course. IELTS score of 6 is required.
Other international requirements
We are committed to accepting students on to this course who have the potential to succeed as practitioners and who will gain sustained work in the performing arts and entertainment industries. With this in mind we wish to identify through applications and interview or audition key attributes and achievements. The key attributes that we seek to identify are:
- Knowledge, ability and experience of sound technology
- Commitment to the performing arts
- Ability to work effectively with others
- Broad interest and engagement
- Self-awareness
- Spirit of enterprise
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
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