Sociology

Introduction

Sociology at Lancaster tackles the big questions about our society, both locally and worldwide. We explore issues such as inequality, migration, climate change, and social justice, encouraging our students to see situations from different perspectives, in order to respond to social challenges in meaningful and creative

Our courses combine academic rigour with real-world impact. You’ll learn from leading researchers, work with local organisations, and develop skills in analysis, communication and research that prepare you for a wide range of careers.

Whilst we are at the cutting edge in terms of research, our discipline is designed with students at its centre. We are committed to prioritising professional, academic and personal development because of this. Our students will have regular meetings with our academic staff to discuss progress and build on their study skills whilst taking part in social activities with fellow students.

Study

Explore our current offer and discover how our world-leading research shifts ways of thinking, engages with diverse communities, and has a significant societal impact.

Paper clips

Research Spotlight - Feminist Outlaws: Abortion Trail Activism and the Global Politics of Abortion Access

Deirdre Duffy offers the first dedicated analysis of both the historic and on-going relationship between groups supporting access to abortion and abortion politics, drawing on theoretical perspectives and debates including post-colonialism, feminist anarchism and health activism.

Find out more about the Feminist Outlaws project.

Forthcoming events

23rd Feb

Study for an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology

Monday 23 February 2026, 5:00pm to 6:00pm
10th Mar

Study for a Master's Degree in Social Research

Tuesday 10 March 2026, 10:00am to 11:00am
27th Apr

Study for an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology

Monday 27 April 2026, 10:00am to 11:00am
29th Apr

Study for a Doctorate Degree in Sociology

Wednesday 29 April 2026, 6:00pm to 7:00pm
21st Jul

Study for a Master's Degree in Social Research

Tuesday 21 July 2026, 10:00am to 11:00am

More Events

Latest News

A landscape-oriented promotional poster for a podcast episode, set against a solid dark teal/green background.

Dr Winter on the Sociological Review podcast speaking about free speech, reactionary politics, and the far right.

Lancaster academic explores the politics of free speech in new Sociological Review podcast.
Image shows Professor Broadhurst against a leafy backdrop

OBE in King’s Birthday Honours for Professor Karen Broadhurst

A Lancaster University professor, who has championed compassionate and effective services for women whose children are at risk of entering the care system, receives an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Image shows Mini car with union flag on roof and a Brexit sign on the booton a map of Europe heading from France to the UK

Call for Britons living in EU/EEA/EFTA to ‘have their say’ five years on from Brexit transition

A new survey, led by Lancaster University researchers, explores the experiences of Britons resident in the EU, EEA, and EFTA member states in accessing and securing their post-Brexit status and rights, five years on.
Decorative image to accompany article. Light bulb containing small plant.

Who is Sociology For? Sociology and Climate Change Action

Dr Nicola Spurling, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, spent 1 week working at Concito, a Copenhagen-based Danish climate think-tank whose work influences national and international decision making processes and policy. The visit had two purposes: for Nicola to share her work as part of Concito’s current project ‘Living well below 3 tons’, and to build an understanding of how people with degrees in Social Sciences can have careers addressing environmental issues and climate change.

A depiction of equality, equity reality and freedom using a fence and boxes with people of varying heights

New student blog post following NWCDTP (North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership) EDI conference

The Cross-DTP EDI Conference and Networking Event took place on 18-19 February 2025 at The Core Technology Facility, University of Manchester, and brought together Doctoral Training Programme (and other) students from across the UK for a two-day event filled with discussions and networking opportunities.

The new Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences’ Heads of School are (top row from left to right): Beatrice Szczepek Reed, Bryan Clark, Caron Gentry and Emma Rose. The new Deputy Heads of School are (bottom row left to right): Mark Knight, Chris Grover, Chris Macleod and Angus MacCulloch.

Four new schools to launch at Lancaster University

Lancaster University is launching four new schools this summer as part of moves to strengthen and streamline the arts, humanities and social sciences.

More News