This joint programme equips students in identifying historical and contemporary patterns of social change, divisions, diversity and inequality. The undergraduate History programme spans a long chronological period from Ancient History through to the Contemporary History of the late twentieth century. The modules on offer to undergraduates also cover a wide geographical area that includes Ireland, England, Scotland, Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Students can choose modules that focus on gender, social and cultural history, politics, religion and economic change. Sociology is a scientific discipline concerned with the explanation of social life and human behaviour of all kinds. It equips students with the skills to understand the breadth of social practice, ranging from the global (including conflict, security, climate change and social justice) to individual experiences (such as the body, beliefs and mental health).
History and Sociology Degree highlights
Global Opportunities
- We have a solid tradition of students undertaking study abroad through Erasmus schemes across Europe.
Career Development
- Tailored careers advice and study guidance are available to all students
World Class Facilities
- Sociology at Queen's is 9th in Guardian Ranking for Sociology 2016.
- Sociology at Queen's is NSS Student Satisfaction 2016 equal 5th with Cambridge.
- History at Queen's is in the QS World University Rankings top 150 History departments in the world for 2016.
- Sociology programmes meet the highest standard in Ireland and the UK for undergraduate training in research methods and their application. We are one of only 15 Q-Step Centres in the UK.
- A programme of international interest and global connectivity, from study abroad to Erasmus schemes as well as visiting international students.
- We are a research-intensive university, which means that what you taught is directly linked to the latest discoveries and innovations.
Internationally Renowned Experts
- You will be assigned a personal tutor during induction. This member of academic staff will provide one-to-one support and mentoring throughout your studies at Queen's.
- History and Sociology staff nominated for Teaching Excellence awards annually.
Student Experience
- We offer a peer-mentoring scheme for History & Sociology students, with the support of staff and the Centre for Educational Development.
- We offer a high quality, supportive, student-centred learning experience in a top Russell Group University as evidenced by our excellent NSS student satisfaction rates.
- Opportunity to develop substantive knowledge and research skills through collaboration in Northern Ireland's vibrant community sector, including fieldtrips, summer work placements, internship opportunities, guest lectures and workshops.
- Queen's is an historic campus university in the heart of Belfast, ranked one of the most affordable universities in the UK.
Deborah Murphy, Northern Ireland BA Sociology graduate (2014) Current postgraduate student (Deborah was also a 2014 Winner of the Lockheed Employees' Prize)
Careers
Career Prospects
Introduction
This degree at Queen's will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates are found in a range of occupations, including management, communication, marketing, careers in the media and publishing, charities and the voluntary sector, healthcare, social services and education. They are particularly suited to careers with a high level of public interaction, social engagement and cultural awareness. Sociology develops the ability to gather and evaluate evidence, to understand complex situations, as well as human behaviours and organisations. Graduates are equipped with a comprehensive skills in Research methods, which are highly transferable and marketable and needed across a range of sectors - academia, government, charities and business. While some graduates enter in a wide range of careers, others build on the degree and opt for studies at the post graduate level, for instance by choosing from a range of master programmes within Queen's University.
Employment after the Course
Typical career destinations of graduates include:
Administration:
Skills from a social science degree centre on the ability to locate, interpret and apply complex data. The degrees we offer in our School provide particular skills in data analysis that are rare among other social science graduates. These types of skills, combined with an ability to communicate clearly and solve problems, mean that our graduates do well in advanced positions of administration and management. Many such jobs can be found in spheres relating to local administration and public policy.
Business:
Social scientists and historians are capable of explaining processes of wider social change; they are also equipped to research consumer trends in detail. The ability to analyse evolving customer needs and opportunities and to critically understand consumer culture is one that is valued by businesses. A career in the private sector can also include roles in human resources or in equality offices, drawing on social scientist's training in cultural sensitivity and social inequalities.
Education:
Teachers and educators with social science and historical training are aware of the factors that shape a young person's environment and, therefore, behaviour. They are aware of how social disadvantage can effect a pupil's educational attainment. Social science graduates understand the social context of teaching and are uniquely placed to promote equal opportunities. This gives them the tools and confidence to help overcome many of the unique challenges faced in education institutions today.
Journalism:
History and Sociology graduates are interested in the world around them - in the global trends, the national shifts, the local changes. Newspapers and media outlets employ our graduates to help understand the kinds of stories that engage readers, viewers and listeners. Graduates are trained to get a more rounded, thorough and critical perspective on stories that helps shape the best type of reporting.
Public relations
By reviewing market research data and understanding historic trends, social science graduates who truly understand the motivations of customers can effectively diffuse problems by responding to the public's concerns with carefully composed solutions. Public Relations Officers seek to manage and enhance the public image of their client(s) through understanding the marketplace in which their clients operate. A grounding in social science provides public relations professionals with a unique understanding of the social world and its organisations leaving them well placed to represent their clients effectively.
Research
Most government agencies, non-profit institutions and outreach organisations increasingly rely on up to date knowledge and evidence to inform and support their work. Some social science and history graduates, particularly those with postgraduate degrees, carve out careers as independent research consultants, examining trends in human behaviour. Alternatively organisations will recruit in-house policy and research professionals to communicate key message to the public and other key stake holders.
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
