The combination of sociological knowledge and transferable skills gained during your studies will prepare you for a career in many different sectors. From interpreting and evaluating information to analysing situations and constructing a persuasive argument, these skills are highly valued by employers and will give you a competitive edge.

Sociology graduates work in a wide range of settings all over the world, including health and welfare, local and central government and the Civil Service, education, the police, social research, the media and non-profit organisations. Many recent graduates from the Department have progressed to careers with high-profile employers including M&S, Mencap, Accenture and Unilever. Others have moved on to postgraduate study and academic research.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 92% in work or further study.

Of those in employment:

• 94% in high and medium skilled employment.
• £30,000 is the average salary.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)

From individual behaviour to large-scale social movements, gain an understanding of how society is structured, how it develops and the social problems that impact the world around us. In a rapidly changing global environment, there has never been a greater need for the skills and knowledge that make a positive social change.

The field of Sociology helps us to understand the ways in which human behaviour is shaped by the way we think, feel and respond to different social settings. Our courses apply sociological theory to the issues that affect our daily lives from education, work and families to crime, physical and mental health, and culture. Sociology at Durham will help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, others and the world around you.

Learning takes place in the Department of Sociology, a dynamic learning and research community of students and staff. We take a research-led approach to learning which means that courses are informed by subject specialists who contribute to shaping society through their innovative, socially conscious research.

We offer a BA in Sociology or a joint honours degree in Anthropology and Sociology, and students on the BA Education Studies or the BA Combined Honours Social Sciences can choose sociology modules as part of a broader social sciences curriculum. You will also benefit from hands-on work placements, community-based modules and international study opportunities. Whichever route you travel, flexible pathways can be chosen to suit your interests and career goals.

For more information see our department pages.

Rankings

• 7th in The Complete University Guide 2026

• 2nd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

• Top 100 in The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see our department web pages.

Facilities

The Department of Sociology is located at Old Elvet, near the medieval Elvet Bridge, and within easy walking distance of the Students’ Union, University Colleges and Durham’s historic centre with its Castle and Cathedral. Our buildings includes a student common space and networked computer access for our students to use.