Top UK Universities For Sociology - Ranking & League Table

Looking To Study Sociology In The UK?
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Check out our full guide on the top universities offering sociology degrees to study at in the UK. We’ve also curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognized qualifications for Sociology.

Table of Contents

UK University League Table For Sociology (2024)

The University League Table for Sociology shows some of the top ranking universities to study Sociology in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, sorted by UK and global ranking as well entry requirements.

UniversityCourse NameFees (£)DurationSubject RankingUK RankingTEF Ranking
University of CambridgeHuman, Social, and Political Sciences BA (Hons)£24,5073 years11Gold
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)BSc Sociology (Hons)£26,1843 years53Bronze
University of BristolSociology BSc (Hons)£20,1003 years716Silver
University of WarwickBA Sociology (Hons)£29,8303 years911Silver
Loughborough UniversityBSc Sociology (Hons)£22,0003 years / 4 years with placement year67Gold
University of ExeterBSc Sociology (Hons)£21,5003 years / 4 years sandwich1815Gold
Lancaster UniversityBA Sociology (Hons)£21,9803 years / 4 years with placement year1710Gold
University of KentSociology BA (Hons)£18,0003 years3248Gold
University of East AngliaBA Sociology£20,6003 years3023Gold

What do you Study in Sociology?

Sociology is the study of society, its structures, and the relationships between people. Using a combination of critical theories and empirical methodologies, sociologists examine trends, power relations, and other social phenomena. Subject areas are incredibly diverse and involve the study of various subjects such as law, development, media, culture, social inequality, etc..

The study of Sociology may refer to a broad category of subjects that includes:

  • Age Studies
  • Community Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Diaspora Studies
  • Gender Studies

Careers for Sociology Graduates

What can you do with a degree in Sociology? Many graduates find employment taking on various roles such as:

  • Copywriting
  • Corporate communications
  • Journalist
  • Marketing
  • Public relations (PR)
  • Researcher— Think tanks, governmental agencies and civil society organisations often employ researchers.
  • Social worker

Top Sociology Schools In The UK

Holding its position right at the top of the UK’s university rankings in 2024 is the University of Cambridge, ranking number one in the UK for Sociology. Cambridge offers a 3-year Bachelor of Arts programme in Human, Social, and Political Sciences. Students in this programme will take modules such as politics, sociology, criminology, social anthropology, media, gender, and international relations.

You could read more about the University of Cambridge’s Sociology course on its website or read more about the application process via UCAS here.

The University of Bristol offers twenty-five courses in Sociology. Bristol is a great choice for prospective researchers as they have a great reputation for their research output. It is ranked as the 7th best university for Sociology in the UK and it is among the top 20 universities in the country. Most of their undergraduate degrees include a study abroad programme which allows students to broaden their horizons, experience new cultures, and learn about the sociological issues of a different country.

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is the 5th ranking university in the UK for sociology and ranks third overall in the country. LSE offers four undergraduate courses in Sociology that includes other subjects such as public policy, language, culture, and economics. LSE is renowned for its excellent graduate employability and it is the only UK university that is dedicated to the humanities.

Recommended Sociology Schools In The UK

The University of Exeter is an outstanding choice for sociology as it is currently ranked as the 18th-best university in the UK for the subject. No matter where your interests lie, you will be able to find a subject that you like at Exeter as they offer over 40 undergraduate courses with the options to study abroad or undertake a placement year as part of the programme. Exeter’s programmes have a unique emphasis on cultural sociology which sheds light on contemporary society and will help develop many transferable skills that are useful in a wide range of industries.

Located in the heart of the UK, Loughborough University is ranked 6th in the UK for Sociology and it has twelve programmes in sociology, criminology, and media studies. Loughborough University boasts excellent graduate prospects and practice-oriented teaching. Like many other programmes from Loughborough, sociology students have the option to undertake a year of professional placement as part of the degree.

The University of East Anglia (UEA) has consistently secured its position among the top 30 UK universities since 2016 and has been awarded the TEF Gold rating which is a measure of excellent teaching and learning in UK tertiary education. UEA has over 40 courses in sociology where many of their programmes allow for a year abroad, placement year or with a foundation year entry. This makes for a great level of flexibility for students with affordable tuition starting from £20,600 a year.

How To Apply To Study Sociology In The UK?

Step 1: Choose A University

The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK that offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Here are some things to consider when applying:

  • Location
  • Employability/Graduate prospects
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements
  • University Ranking

Step 2: Preparations

Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.

Step 3: Submit UCAS Application

The application process for UK universities differs from local universities as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.

To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here

More about UCAS

The entire application process might be daunting and lengthy for some, so let us help you. Make a free appointment with us today for professional assistance in submitting applications to your prefered UK universities.

UK Sociology School Entry Requirements

Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK university to study Sociology.

English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)

Health checks.

Entrance interviews.

Personal statement. This is a supporting document and part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sociology Studies In The UK

Sociology is the study of society, its structures, and the relationships between people. You may find yourself studying diverse subjects such as law, media, social inequality, etc..

The number 1 university for Sociology in the UK is the University of Cambridge according to 2024 rankings.

The common entry requirements for studying Sociology in the UK include English language tests, criminal record declarations, health checks, entrance interviews and submission of a personal statement.

The tuition fees for Sociology degrees in the UK range between £18,000 to £30,000 per annum for international students, depending on the university. The ranking and location of a university might also affect tuition fee costs.

The UCAS deadline for Sociology programmes is 15 January on the year of admission. Do take note that the deadline for Oxford and Cambridge is 15 October.

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