BSc Sociology with Foundation
About this course
BSc (Hons) Sociology with Foundation, a sociology degree incorporating an initial foundation year designed to build essential academic skills and subject understanding before progressing to undergraduate study. Core topics include Research Methods and Social & Cultural Analysis. The course includes a compulsory foundation year, an optional placement year, and an optional year abroad. The foundation year begins with modules such as Academic Foundations, Independent Project, Crime and Deviance, and Human Rights and Social Justice. The first year introduces fundamental concepts through Social Identities and Inequalities, Introduction to Social Theory, Key Concepts and Skills for Sociology, and Monsters, Mods, and Magic: An Anthropology of the Body. The second year advances methodological and theoretical knowledge via Contemporary Theories of Society and Culture, Designing Research from Questions to Proposals, and Food, Culture and Society, alongside optional choices such as Theories and Practices of Punishment and Rehabilitation. The final year involves further study in areas like Food, Culture and Society alongside an independent Dissertation, complemented by optional modules covering topics such as Inner Worlds: The Sociology of Emotions and Mental Health and The Politics of Wasted Lives.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP–MMP in any subject. BTEC National Diploma modules If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. Access courses: Pass access course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C/4 or above or equivalent. T level: Pass in any subject. International Baccalaureate: 24–25 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5. New Irish Highers: Achieve Irish Leaving Certificate with 32 UCAS points. IELTS: If overseas and not studying English within IB – Must have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements. Other qualifications: Mature students with appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply. For those who do not meet the requirements, please enquire for further details. We encourage any candidate who is unsure about the suitability of their qualifications or experience to contact Admissions in the first instance, who will then liaise with the Admissions Tutor and Programme Lead.
What students say
Based on about 96 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 78 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 62%
- Working and studying: 13%
- Further study: 6%
- Unemployed: 9%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 13%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Protective service occupations: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 72%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 51%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 38%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 240 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 6%
- South East: 12%
- South West: 68%
- Wales: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Placement Year
- Academic Foundations
- Independent Project
- Crime and Deviance
- Human Rights and Social Justice
- Social Identities and Inequalities
- Introduction to Social Theory
- Key Concepts and Skills for Sociology
- Becoming Human
- Monsters, Mods, and Magic: An Anthropology of the Body
- Into the Field, Researching Crime and Society
- Contemporary Theories of Society and Culture
- Designing Research from Questions to Proposals
- Food, Culture and Society
- Stage 2 Professional Development, Placement Preparation and identifying opportunities
- Theories and Practices of Punishment and Rehabilitation
- Inner Worlds: The Sociology of Emotions and Mental Health
- The Politics of Wasted Lives
- Food, Culture and Society
- Dissertation
- The Politics of Wasted Lives
- Theories and Practices of Punishment and Rehabilitation
- Inner Worlds: The Sociology of Emotions and Mental Health
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Sociology with Foundation at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £32,000. The £26,500 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Sociology.
What do graduates of BSc Sociology with Foundation at University of Plymouth do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Sociology with Foundation at University of Plymouth?
86% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Sociology with Foundation at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 60 UCAS points.
Does BSc Sociology with Foundation at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Sociology with Foundation at University of Plymouth?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.