Department of Sociology
Understanding society, challenging injustice, shaping futures.
![Student and academic staff working together in one to one](/media/sociology/sociologynew/Study - Ver3.0 - 1200x400.jpg)
Study with us
Explore how the social world is shaped, from everyday social interaction to global structures of power and inequality.
Our range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses explore all aspects of sociology and criminology, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests.
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Our research
Innovative research addressing contemporary challenges in society.
Our research brings about instrumental changes locally, nationally and globally. We work closely with policymakers, service providers and practitioners to ensure that our research has real-world impact.
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At York, you'll learn how to think sociologically, engage in sociological analysis of your own, and have the opportunity to discuss the most pressing sociological issues of our time. The work of academic staff and fellow students creates an intellectually and personally supportive learning environment.
Professor Nik Brown, Head of Department
7th in the UK
for Criminology and 14th in the UK for Sociology in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
World Top 150
for Sociology in the QS World Ranking by subject 2024.
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![Athena Swan Bronze Award](/media/sociology/sociologynew/athena-swan-bronze-web.jpg)