So what do you do with a sociology degree?

Whilst a number of our graduates successfully progress into research, many choose to enter the jobs market and embark on a range of different careers. 

The transferable skills developed during studying at York include the ability to research and analyse complex ideas, develop well founded arguments and theories, present clear and succinct reports, plus develop practical skills such as time management and team working.  All of these skills are vital in a competitive employment market, and provide a firm foundation on which to base career development.

Our graduates are highly sought after by sectors including:

  • Law
  • Hospitality and sales
  • Accountancy
  • Public administration
  • Social and community work
  • Education
  • Health work
  • Media and creative industries

Past Students

Matthew, Sociology 2010

Founder and CEO, Yatterbox (social media website)


I chose to study at York because the department of Sociology was  one of the leading centres for teaching and research in the UK.

It was this focus on learning through cutting-edge research that appealed to me, as I know that I would be learning from lecturers that were at the forefront of their respective fields.

Lucy, Sociology 2008

Social housing charity


It's because of the broad range of experiences my course provided that I decided to work for a voluntary, not-for-profit social housing charity. The content of the sociology course really stands out for me when I think back to my time at York. We had a lot of choice and opportunity for external study and great lecturers. On top of this I really enjoyed the degree.

Phil, Sociology 2005 & MA Social Research 2011

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Manager


 

I have two degrees from York - an undergraduate degree in Sociology which I completed in 2005 and a Masters in Social research which I graduated from with distinction in January 2011. 

My current job involves understanding how the social determinants of health - for example poor behaviours or environment - affect the residents of Lancashire and trying to plan interventions to minimise these and improve health and wellbeing. 

I chose to do my masters at York because I'd completed my undergraduate degree here and was confident in the quality of the course.  The course content, with few exceptions, was exactly what I wanted to be doing.

Alex, Sociology 2005

Currently studying PhD University of Edinburgh 

I graduated from York in 2005 with a degree in Sociology.  I went on to do a Masters in social and political science at the University of Cambridge.  After completing my masters, I taught sociology at Cambridge part-time, and was later offered an academic position at Roehampton from 2006 until 2010, whereupon I took up the offer of PhD scholarship at the University of Edinburgh.  My first co-authored book, Theorising Global Studies, was published last year.

The time I spent at York helped me prepare for my Masters and subsequent career in academia.  My supervisor especially was an excellent mentor - he understood me, was very patient and would talk to me about my career ambitions and academic ideas.  York provides good mentors in general: staff members see students as adults, are encouraging and expect a lot of you, but are also prepared to give you their own time.