Sociology explains human behaviour by investigating influences outside of us, such as our families, schools and the media. We look at how being a member of a particular social group e.g. male/female, rich/poor, can affect your life experiences and life chances. We investigate the big social changes that happen around us and we try and understand how and why society is organised the way it is. Why Study Sociology? • Students end up understanding both themselves and others far better. • Students gain a better understanding of some of the big issues that affect their lives. • With support from their teachers, it helps students to develop key analytical and communication skills. • Sociology’s content and skill development is relevant to most other subject areas – for A level or University. • Sociology is increasingly relevant for many careers that deal with people in our ever more diverse society e.g. media and journalism, law, medical and social welfare, advertising, teaching, human resources, management, a career in the police force etc. • The Sociology Department is well established and very successful.