Sociology and Social Policy
Studying sociology and social policy opens up a wide range of career options. Learn about these options and how we can support you on your journey.
Most students choose to study sociology due to their interest and passion for the subject and their decision is not always a vocational one. Your career options are open ended.
What skills will I gain during my degree?
In addition to your subject knowledge, your sociology degree equips you with key skills valued by employers, such as:
- the ability to research and analyse information from a variety of sources
- the written and verbal skills needed to present opinions and conclusions in a professional manner
- an understanding of sociological and cultural issues relevant to both business and public sector settings
- reflection and critical evaluation skills
- the ability to formulate questions in order to conduct research
- an understanding of research methodologies and digital tools
- the ability to analyse, problem solve and work with others
- the ability to handle data and statistics
It is important that you can talk about these skills on application forms and in interviews.
If you choose the Q-Step programme you will also develop excellent quantitative analysis and research skills.
What are my career options?
Sociology and social policy graduates enter a diverse range of occupations. Roles in both the public and private sector include:
- housing assistant
- policy officer
- media research
- support worker
- charity fundraising
- health coordinator
- retail manager
- data analyst
- marketing executive
- advertising account planner
- human resources and training manager
- management consultant
- public relations assistant
- recruitment consultant
- finance analyst
- media researcher
- journalist
Career paths - explore roles and sectors
What do graduates from my course go on to do?
Graduate Outcomes is a national survey capturing the activities and perspectives of graduates launched in 2018 and is the biggest annual social survey in the UK.
You can view the destinations of graduates, who completed the survey, from your course by booking an appointment with an adviser. This can help you to explore your options if you are unsure what you want to do.
Find out more about the Graduate Outcomes survey
Graduate career profiles
Graduates from the School of Sociology and Social Policy have successful careers in a variety of fields. Hear from our alumni from:
Undergraduate degrees
Master's degrees
How can I develop my skills and gain experience during my degree?
Developing skills outside your degree course will enhance your CV and allow you to provide evidence of these in applications and at interviews. Some examples are listed below.
Work experience
Depending on what area of work or role you might be interested in, and where, there will be specific strategies, from speculative applications to formal processes you need to be familiar with.
Work experience - what, how and when
Nottingham Internship Scheme
We work closely with a huge variety of local and national businesses to bring you an exciting range of internship opportunities, for both current students and recent graduates
Nottingham Internship Scheme
Nottingham Advantage Award
Through the completion of extracurricular modules, the Nottingham Advantage Award helps you develop key life and work-based skills and reflect on your experiences, allowing you to demonstrate your achievements and skills more effectively when applying for jobs.
Nottingham Advantage Award
Apply for part-time jobs through us
We advertise part-time, casual and temporary jobs on campus and with local businesses. Created just for you, the advertised vacancies can fit around your studies and other commitments.
The vacancies are advertised in two places.
On-campus jobs
Off-campus jobs
Enhance your digital skills
Digital skills are essential in many career fields including advertising, publishing, marketing and general commerce. They range from social media to coding and will definitely enhance your employability.
More about digital marketing careers
Students' Union
The Students’ Union offers a wide range of volunteering options both locally and internationally which you can fit around your studies.
Alternatively you could get involved in a society or sports club - there's so many, you're bound to find one that interests you!
Students' Union
Students in Classrooms
There are three initiatives which will give you the opportunity to work in a local educational setting. These initiatives support the academic attainment and raise the aspirations of primary and secondary pupils, whilst developing the skills and employability of those involved.
These are excellent opportunities for students considering teaching, youth work or community engagement as a career.
Students in Classrooms
Exchange programmes overseas
Undertake an exchange semester in another country and broaden your horizons. Talk to your tutors and find out more about the programmes available from the International Office.
Exchange programmes
Psychometric tests
Many graduate recruiters use psychometric tests during the recruitment and selection process. They are common across all sectors and career fields. Practise will really help your performance.
Use our example tests
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university's control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.