Overview
Introduction
What drives social inequality? How do we tackle poverty and racial prejudice? How do we create more inclusive societies? These are some of the big questions we explore on this fascinating BSc Sociology programme.
You’ll develop a firm grasp of the main principles of contemporary sociology – examining theoretical ideas that help us better understand the society we live in.
Delving deep into the subject, you’ll compare different societies, look at social processes and institutions, and examine theories about the nature of social existence. Right from the start, you’ll develop practical skills to prepare for your future career – learning how to think critically and examining different methods of social research.
Here at LSE, you’ll be studying at one of the top sociology departments. Ours was the first sociology department in the UK – shaping the discipline nationally and globally. So, you’ll be joining a department with an internationally renowned team and world-class research credentials.
You can also add a language specialism to your degree award – see the "Programme content" section for details.
Preliminary readings
If you wish to gain further insight into sociology, we suggest that you look at one or more of the following books:
- N Abercrombie Sociology: a short introduction (Polity Press, 2004)
- A Giddens and P W Sutton Sociology (7th edition, Polity Press, 2012)
- S Lawler Identity: sociological perspectives (2nd edition, Polity, 2013)
- S Punch et al Sociology: making sense of society (5th edition, Pearson, 2013)
- K Woodward Questioning Identity: gender, class, ethnicity (2nd edition, Routledge, 2004)
Entry requirements
Here, you can check our entry requirements for GCSEs, A-levels (please read them alongside our information about subject combinations) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. We also consider applications from students with a range of other UK qualifications and from overseas. Please select the overseas button below and choose your country from the dropdown list to find the equivalency to A-levels of your qualification.
We welcome students from all walks of life at LSE. We want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation. So, whatever your background, please do apply. Get all the details on our general entry requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is high. We cannot guarantee you an offer of a place even if you’re predicted or achieve our standard entry requirements.
Our standard offer requirements are intended only as a guide and, in some cases, you’ll be asked for different grades.
Programme content
On this programme, you’ll study 12 units over three years, plus LSE100.
The foundational first year introduces you to key concepts, theories and methods in sociology before progressing to more advanced discussions and study in your chosen areas.
Year 1
You’ll take three compulsory courses, one option from outside the department and LSE100.
One outside option to the value of one unit
Year 2
There are two compulsory courses in the second year and two options – one from sociology and the second can be from outside the department.
Sociology options to the value of one unit
EITHER sociology options to the value of one unit
OR outside options to the value of one unit
Year 3
In the final year, you’ll complete a sociology dissertation on a topic of your choice. This will draw on what you’ve learnt from your foundational first and your second-year courses.
You’ll select a further two course units from sociology options and either choose further options from within sociology or outside the department (totalling one unit).
Sociology options to the value of two units
EITHER sociology options to the value of one unit
OR outside options to the value of one unit
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
The Department of Sociology conducts world-class research and teaching on some of the most challenging social and ethical issues facing society today.
Founded in 1904, our academics have contributed to shaping research and thinking in the field nationally and internationally.
We are committed to research and scholarship that is socially and politically relevant. The department’s research is organised into five clusters: economic sociology; politics and human rights; social inequalities; knowledge, culture and technology; and urban sociology. We engage in major debates at the intersection of economics, politics and society on issues such as migration, urban ecology and climate change.
With a thriving research community, we play an active role in several research centres and institutes, including LSE Cities, LSE Human Rights and the LSE International Inequalities Institute. Our research has a global impact, informing decision-making and policy for numerous governments, NGOs and international organisations.
Our research expertise is reflected in our teaching curriculum. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with 500 students engaged in learning and research at any one time.
We’re a lively department, with a regular programme of events involving workshops, conferences and collaborations with internal and external partners. We’re also home to the British Journal of Sociology, the UK’s leading publication in the field.
Learn more about our programmes and research.
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 20251st in London for the 13th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20256th In the world
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK
Your application
Overview
We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:
- academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
- subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
- your personal statement
- your teacher’s reference
- educational circumstances
You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although this is not needed at the application stage. See our English language requirements page.
Who attends
We’re looking for students who demonstrate:
- an interest in relationships between people and society
- social awareness
- an ability to ask incisive questions
- an ability to work independently
- a willingness to read widely
- great communication skills (written and oral)
- a creative and flexible mindset for academic study
- intellectual curiosity
- self-motivation and a willingness to work hard.
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for each year of your programme. Your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Home
Home student fee per each year of your programme
This is the 2025/26 tuition fee. The home student undergraduate fee may rise in line with inflation in subsequent years.
Overseas
Overseas student fee per each year of your programme
This is the 2025/26 fee for each year of your programme. The overseas tuition fee will remain at the same amount for each subsequent year of your full-time study regardless of the length of your programme. This information applies to new overseas undergraduate entrants starting their studies from 2025/26 onwards.
Learning and assessment
How you learn
How you're assessed
Formative coursework
All taught courses include formative coursework, which is not assessed. This helps prepare you for summative assessment. We use a range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams. Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and give feedback within three weeks – provided it’s submitted on time.
Summative assessment
This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.
Most courses are assessed by examinations at the end of the year. Some courses are examined partially or wholly by essays and/or projects.
You’ll receive feedback on summative coursework as part of the assessment for individual courses (except on final submitted dissertations). Feedback is normally provided before the examination period.
Assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. Read more about the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide.
Graduate destinations
Overview
We train our undergraduates to the highest standards and the critical thinking skills they develop are valued by employers. Our students go into a wide variety of professions including teaching, research, politics, public administration, the media, social and health services, advertising, journalism, law, publishing, industry, accounting, marketing, personnel and management.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Median salary of our undergraduate students 15 months after graduating:
Top 5 sectors our students work in:
Career support
From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.
Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.
See LSE Careers for further details.
Discover Uni
Every undergraduate programme of more than one year duration will have Discover Uni data. The data allows you to compare information about individual programmes at different higher education institutions.
Programmes offered by different institutions with similar names can vary quite significantly. We recommend researching the programmes you're interested in and taking into account the programme structure, teaching and assessment methods, and support services available.