Sociology/Scottish History

Sociology and Scottish history is a pairing that brings together two disciplines focused on understanding human societies, one through the present and recent past and one through the longer historical record. Sociology provides the analytical tools to examine how social structures, institutions, inequalities and cultural practices shape individual experience and collective life. Scottish history places those concerns within a specific and richly documented national context, exploring Scottish society and culture from the medieval period through the Union, the Enlightenment, industrialisation and the turbulent politics of the twentieth century to the present.

At the University of Glasgow, this four-year degree draws on what the university describes as a Scottish history department with renowned researchers at the cutting edge of the discipline across all periods, and a Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies that addresses Scottish history in a genuinely cross-disciplinary environment. You will develop sociological analytical skills in areas such as social theory, inequality, identity, gender, race and ethnicity, alongside historical methods including archival research, the analysis of primary sources and the interpretation of material and visual evidence. A year abroad is part of the programme, giving you the opportunity to study at a partner institution in another country and to develop an international perspective on the questions both disciplines raise.

The combination develops the ability to move between contemporary analysis and historical explanation, recognising that understanding present social conditions requires understanding how they came to be. This historical and sociological literacy is increasingly valued in research, policy and professional contexts.

Graduates go on to careers in research, public policy, journalism, education, heritage, the civil service, third-sector organisations, arts and cultural institutions and community development. Further study in sociology, Scottish history, social policy or related disciplines is also a common route.