Bachelor of Science in Sociology

at University of Southampton - Highfield Campus United Kingdom

Learn how theory and research informs practice and policy in education. Discover how to unlock the potential in yourself and others.

Our courses in education focus on the rigorous, scientific study of the subject. You’ll study both UK and international systems, from primary to post-compulsory education. Topics include:

• IT in the classroom
• Curriculum design
• Lifelong and workplace learning
• International education systems
• Special educational needs

As part of your education degree you can:

• Explore key topics like social justice and inclusion, digital literacy and international perspectives
• Access our Institute for Equity and Effectiveness in Education (IE3), one of the country’s leading institutes for education research
• Continue your studies with a master's degree in education or a PGCE
• Study abroad at one of our exchange partner universities

This course is for those with an interest in a broad range of education-related fields, research, public sector work or further study.

On this BEng Software Engineering degree you'll combine hands-on software development with a core knowledge of software engineering.

Specialist modules will let you explore new developments in areas such as:

• Robotics systems
• Cyber security
• Cloud application development

You’ll also develop crucial skills for software engineering projects, including:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Project management

Our main computer lab has over 100 high-spec computer workstations and acts as the department’s social hub. You'll have access to our dedicated facilities, including:

• Software projects laboratory
• David Barron computing laboratory
• Cyber security laboratory
• Centre for hybrid biodevices

Fuel your fascination for space and the technologies used to investigate it. On this MPhys Physics with Space Science degree you’ll explore a wide range of subjects, from the essentials of astronomy through to satellite design and space weather. You’ll also benefit from the latest research.

With the global space market set to almost double by 2030, your skills will be in high demand. This degree will also prepare you for further study at PhD level.

You’ll examine phenomena that can only be monitored from space, such as geomagnetic storms and solar wind, and combine your physics knowledge with space engineering principles to learn about spacecraft design.

A Tenerife study trip is another high point. Working as part of an international and interdisciplinary team, you’ll design a space-based telescope and its instrumentation, and plan its launch.

Throughout your degree you’ll study the core physics subjects of the Masters degree course, but with an emphasis on space science.

MSc Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering explores the performance and reliability of rocket motors, jet engines and compressors.  

Our master’s courses combine the traditional aspects of mechanical engineering with interdisciplinary subjects so you can specialise in a career you want. Our international centre for research and teaching is recognised across the world. 

Our propulsion engineering degree explores the design, monitoring and analysis of propulsion and engine systems. 

You’ll learn to analyse and design advanced electrical systems, and study subjects like gas turbines, internal combustion and, electrical and hybrid engines. You’ll have the opportunity to study optional modules in areas you want to learn more about, including: 

• Condition monitoring
• Engine tribology
• Noise control
• Environmental aspects
• Batteries
• Fuel cells
• Spacecraft propulsion

As part of this UK master’s in propulsion engineering you’ll complete a research project, you can choose to base yours on a range of topics such as engine materials, combustion modelling and electrical motors. 

You’ll learn from academics who are leading  their fields and teaching the latest in technological advancements. Studying at Southampton gives you access to a global network of companies, shared facilities and specialist expertise to enhance your learning.

Our MMus Music Composition programme gives you the opportunity to specialise in various elements of musical composition. On this course, you’ll learn:

• Current trends in composition
• 20th and 21st century musical developments
• Aesthetic, technical and critical issues in modern compositional practice
• In-depth analysis of your chosen compositional genres, materials, techniques and forms

Our academic staff are internationally noted performers with active solo and ensemble careers, and established composers of contemporary art music, electronic music, media music (for example, in film, TV and videogames), and jazz. These world-leading experts can offer you intensive one-to-one tuition in music history, culture and performance.

On the Composition pathway, you’ll work towards the final goal of a composition portfolio. We’ll work with you to create a portfolio that’s relevant to your career aspirations. On completion of the course, you’ll be ready to:

• Continue your research at a doctoral level
• Work in the music industry or wider cultural sector
• Become a teacher
• Work as a freelance musician

The computing industry needs mathematicians with computing backgrounds. On this BSc Mathematics with Computer Science degree, you’ll study information systems and computing technologies, and graduate with maths, IT and programming skills. You could move into a career developing operating systems, devising stock-control programmes or writing web-based customer interfaces. You could also make use of your skills at a consultancy firm.

This degree is for you if you have a primary interest in maths and want to develop your interest in computing. The course provides a foundation in maths, covering algebra, calculus and statistics, as well as the practical and theoretical aspects of computer science. You’ll learn about algorithms and programming and investigate problems, such as establishing that a complicated program works in a variety of circumstances.

On this course you’ll:

• Develop your abilities in problem-solving, accurate calculation and logical argument
• Develop your skills in programming practice including object orientation
• Use our student centre, a dedicated learning and social space for maths students
• Use mathematical and computational packages such as Python and the statistics package 'R'

You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops, by leading researchers in fields, such as group theory, computational optimisation and game theory.

With climate change challenging our conservation efforts, now is the time to play a role in the future of conservation by studying our MRes Wildlife Conservation course. We’re the only university in the UK offering a Masters of Research in close collaboration with a conservation organisation.

Studying this Masters of Research gives you the opportunity to complete a research project in a real and very critical cause; conserving wildlife and their supporting ecosystems. Our wildlife degree in research is designed to give you the professional and research skills to either study a PhD or become a conservation biologist. 

During your studies, you’ll be based at the Science and Learning Centre at Marwell Wildlife where you’ll be considered part of the team. You’ll learn the foundations in advanced field research with access to their top of the range research equipment.  

You’ll be able to apply your research skills to immediate use during a 10-day trip to Kenya, which is covered as part of the course fees. You’ll collect data and report your findings to stakeholders giving you real-life work experience of a conservation biologist working in Africa.  

As part of this course you'll be given a choice of independent research projects to complete. This could take you from the local eco-systems in the UK, to the ranches of Kenya, or the mountains of Tunisia. The selection changes every year.

Students previous projects have looked at the following subjects: 

• Conservation grazing and its effect on local biodiversity
• Re-introducing species, considering the effect of climate change
• Evolution of species behaviour whilst in captivity
• Management of large herbivores, considering socio-economic constraints

Our teaching staff are experts and the learning environment is open and inclusive, with a focus on self-reflection. This enables you to measure your own personal growth as a researcher during this transformational point in your wildlife conservation career.

This BSc Politics degree will help you learn about political systems, political thinkers, democracy and the modern state. You’ll gain insight into issues such as modern migration, the role of the media, and the future of the European Union. This course can lead to jobs in politics, the civil service, think tanks, campaign organisations, business or journalism.

Discover how to get into politics as you:

• Study political theory, global politics, public policy, and political analysis
• Focus on topics of contemporary political importance, for example, globalisation, public policy, constitutional politics, security studies and migration
• Choose from a wide array of topics through optional modules, including political topics relating to the UK, the EU or the US, and modules in criminology, economics or ethics

A BSC Politics degree from the University of Southampton will:

• Develop your critical thinking skills
• Hone your analytical capacity
• Train you in a range of research skills that are highly valued by employers

You'll develop transferable skills such as:

• Effective oral and written communication
• Problem solving
• Data analysis

This degree gives excellent training for a range of careers, including roles in:

• The civil service and international organisations
• NGOs, advocacy and lobby groups
• Political campaigning
• Journalism
• A broad range of business sectors

Our Zoology MSci course explores the effects of climate change on animal life, the ecological impact of populations, and the survival of endangered species. With our 4-year integrated master's, you'll take specialist modules and complete an advanced research project. You'll learn how to become a zoologist as you take extensive field trips to places like Spain, Belize and the New Forest.

This 4-year UK master's in zoology will let you explore all areas of animal life from cell biology to entire ecosystems. You'll get in-depth training in the biological processes behind animal development, growth and function. Later in the course, you can specialise in different types of zoology.

You'll carry out an extensive research project, and can collaborate with organisations in the UK or abroad.

Our tutors are leading experts in a wide range of fields in zoology, including:

• Evolution
• Behaviour
• Conservation
• Neuroscience
• Development

Develop the skills to design and develop future energy networks. This MSc power engineering degree looks at all aspects of sustainable energy generation, transmission and distribution engineering.

If you’re considering a career in the electrical power industry, this course will give you the skills in high demand from employers.

Through this master's in electrical power engineering you’ll gain an advanced understanding of the relationships between core types of energy, work, force, power and efficiency.  

You’ll learn about:

• The design and management of power systems
• Bulk electrical energy transport issues  
• The design and operation of electricity transmission and distribution networks  
• How to specify equipment through tools such as eracs and powerworld  
• The fundamentals and impact of current and future energy/power production methods

You'll get to personalise this master of electronic and energy engineering course to your interests and career aims, through a choice of modules and an individual project. You’ll also have access to research facilities, including our high-voltage laboratory and interdisciplinary clean room.