Careers
Our students are highly regarded by employers because of the strong academic foundation and transferable skills that they gain during their degree course.
Undergraduate careers
Recent sociology and social policy graduates have been successful in securing a diverse range of occupations with roles in both the public and private sector.
These include housing, research, residential care, support work and charity fundraising as well as business functions in marketing, advertising, human resources, recruitment, finance, property, broadcasting and journalism.
Recent graduation destinations
- BBC
- Stonewall
- Nottingham Labour Party
- Various local authorities
- Ministry of Justice
- Mitsubishi
- Sky
- Taylor Wessing
85.70% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Social Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £29,197.
HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Postgraduate careers
Each year a number of our graduates enjoy their degree so much that they take further courses of study or research posts.
Opportunities for further study within the school include taught postgraduate courses in global citizenship, identities and human rights, international social policy, public policy, and research methods.
Our postgraduate students move into a wide range of careers following their time in the school. Conducting postgraduate work fosters many vital skills and may give you a head start in the job market.
Studying at this level allows you to develop qualities of self-discipline and self-motivation that are essential for a wide range of different fields.
89.3% of postgraduates from the School of Sociology and Social Policy secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £28,886.
HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Social work graduate career destinations
Most of our social work graduates obtain employment as qualified professionals in local authority children's or adult services. Some take up positions in the independent sector.
Newly qualified social workers could expect to earn £25,000 and this could rise up to £40,000 as you take on additional tasks, gain responsibilities and experience.*
* According to the
British Association of Social Workers.
Placements and internship programme
Our faculty placements and internship programme provides valuable work experience, self-confidence and a practical application of your studies.
Optional placement year
Many companies offer placements which will develop your skills in a real-world setting, and often result in a graduate job offer. An optional placement year is available for undergraduate students whose course does not have a compulsory placement or study abroad element (not available on BA Social Work). The university's Careers and Employability Service will support you in arranging this.
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.
Careers and Employability Service
The Careers and Employability Service offers excellent careers guidance, information and resources, and holds workshops on CV writing, completing application forms and interview techniques. As a University of Nottingham graduate, you can receive lifelong support from the service. Find out more about criminology and sociology and social policy careers.
The Nottingham Advantage Award
The award-winning Nottingham Advantage Award recognises and rewards your extracurricular activities. With a choice of over 200 modules across all our campuses, you can hone the key skills employers want and unlock your potential. You will leave university with demonstrable experience that sets you apart from your competitors.