Sociology is an exciting and challenging discipline which encourages students to develop a critical scientific approach to the understanding of industrial and non-industrial societies. Sociology encourages clear thinking and a respect for evidence, skills that are vital for careers in any field. Sociology at Kingston was awarded 21 out of 24 points for teaching quality by the Higher Education Funding Council for England in 1996. This result provides external endorsement of the quality of sociology teaching at Kingston. Sociological theory is dealt with through dedicated modules at each level of the course.
Several modules are specifically devoted to comparative analysis.
A Level 1 module deals with the Sociology of Third World societies and Level 2 module engages in a comparative analysis of industrial societies including case studies of post-Soviet Russia and Japan. Research is emphasised in all modules and students have major opportunities to do their own by completing a research project and, at Level 3 a dissertation. Contemporary issues are examined in a wide variety of optional modules. Students may also choose to study a new foreign language or to improve existing language skills with the Kingston Language School. There are exciting opportunities to study abroad for part of the academic year.