Education and Sociology

Education and sociology are disciplines that shed light on each other. Education cannot be understood in isolation from the society it serves: schooling reflects and reproduces social structures, transmits values, and shapes the life chances of individuals in ways that are deeply connected to class, race, gender, and geography. Sociology, for its part, provides the theoretical tools and empirical methods to analyse these processes critically, while education offers a concrete and socially urgent domain in which to apply them.

At Keele University, this three-year BA explores the relationship between education and society, examining inequality in educational outcomes, the role of schools and other institutions in a digital world, and the ways in which social forces shape what gets taught and who has access to it. You will engage with both the theoretical frameworks of sociology and the practical realities of educational settings, developing skills in research, analysis, and critical argument. The programme includes a sandwich year, giving you the opportunity to gain substantial professional experience in a relevant setting, as well as a year abroad option and work placements, all of which build your employability and your understanding of education and society in diverse contexts.

The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points.

Graduates of education and sociology degrees pursue careers across a wide spectrum. Teaching is a natural path, and the degree provides a solid foundation for further training via a PGCE. Beyond the classroom, graduates work in community development, youth and social work, policy research and analysis, the charity and voluntary sector, local government, and organisations focused on social justice and inclusion.

The research and analytical skills the degree develops are valued by employers in all these contexts. Many graduates also go on to postgraduate study in education, sociology, social policy, or social work, building on the critical perspective the undergraduate degree has given them.