BSc (Hons) Sociology (Combined)

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Chester are required to have completed their secondary education with a minimum overall percentage of 65% or above.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 overall, with no individual band score below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), with no section below 17.
• PTE Academic: A minimum score of 61 overall, with no communicative skills score below 59.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Chester offers various scholarships and financial support options to international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, support students with financial needs, and promote diversity and inclusivity. 

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is available to international undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. The scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £2,000 for the first year of study. The selection is based on academic achievement and personal statement.

Chevening Scholarships: The University of Chester is a participating institution in the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program. Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK government to outstanding individuals with leadership potential from around the world. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances for a one-year master's degree.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The university participates in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), offering scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for selected master's degree programs.

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships are open to international students applying for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Chester. The scholarships provide a tuition fee reduction of £2,000 for the first year of study. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on their application.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Chester offers country-specific scholarships to students from selected countries. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application process. They are designed to attract talented students from specific regions and support their educational journey at the university.

Alumni Discount: The University of Chester offers an Alumni Discount to international students who have previously completed a degree at the university and wish to pursue further studies. This discount provides a reduction in tuition fees for eligible students.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year.

The BSc (Hons) Sociology (Combined) program at the University of Chester equips graduates with a versatile skill set that is applicable across various sectors. The program's interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing critical thinking and social analysis, prepares students for meaningful careers addressing societal challenges and contributing to positive social change.

1. Social Researcher: Graduates with a BSc (Hons) in Sociology often pursue careers as social researchers. They use their skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to conduct studies on various social issues. Social researchers work in research institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private consulting firms.

2. Community Development Officer: Sociology graduates play a vital role in community development by working as community officers or coordinators. They collaborate with local authorities, charities, and community groups to identify needs, plan initiatives, and implement programs that enhance social well-being and address inequality.

3. Social Worker: Many sociology graduates choose to become social workers, supporting individuals and families facing challenges such as poverty, abuse, or mental health issues. They assess clients' needs, provide counseling and resources, and advocate for vulnerable populations within social service agencies or local government.

4. Policy Analyst: Sociology graduates analyze social trends and data to inform public policy decisions. They work for government departments, think tanks, or advocacy organizations, contributing to the development and evaluation of policies related to healthcare, education, housing, and social welfare.

5. Human Resources Specialist: The analytical and interpersonal skills acquired through sociology studies are valuable in human resources (HR) roles. Graduates may work as HR officers or recruiters, applying their understanding of social dynamics to manage workplace relationships, diversity, and employee well-being.

6. Education and Training: Some sociology graduates pursue careers in education, working as teachers, lecturers, or education officers. They contribute to curriculum development, deliver social science courses, and engage in research within educational institutions or training organizations.

7. Market Research Analyst: With their expertise in understanding social behavior and attitudes, sociology graduates excel in market research roles. They conduct consumer surveys, analyze market trends, and provide insights to businesses seeking to understand their target audiences.

8. Public Relations (PR) Specialist: Sociology graduates may enter the field of public relations, leveraging their communication skills to manage organizational reputation and engage with diverse stakeholders. They craft messaging strategies, handle media relations, and coordinate promotional campaigns.

9. Further Study: A BSc (Hons) in Sociology also serves as a foundation for postgraduate studies in sociology, social policy, criminology, or related fields. Advanced degrees can lead to academic or research positions in universities, research institutes, or policy organizations.