Sociologists study a wide variety of topics including education, work and unemployment; the family; health, sex, gender and sexuality; ethnicity and racism; equality, opportunity and inequality; and crime, law and social justice.

The Sociology Major begins with an overview of sociology – an introduction to how we might go about applying the sociological imagination to a wide range of aspects of contemporary social arrangements, and includes a focus on core sociological concepts: how aspects of public order and ‘the normal’ are social phenomena, how one’s identities are forged in a social context, and how power is exercised by the way everyday life is structured in space and through the way we come to know the world.

Sociology is core knowledge required in a range of public sector, environmental, community sector and service industries, and prepares students in critical thinking, problem-solving and social inquiry.   

Our BA provides a strong foundation for a range of exciting careers in the humanities, creative arts and social sciences. Your skills in communication, research, critical analysis and teamwork will be highly sought after, and are transferable to almost any workplace. You may choose to do further study, as many professional careers are best served by graduates with a generalist first degree.

You'll be prepared for a wide range of roles in government or the public service, community and non-government organisations, business, education and media.

VU Bachelor of Arts graduates often go on to work in the following areas:

• journalism, writing or strategic communications
• teaching (a popular choice following completion of a Masters of Teaching)
• creative arts administration
• public service and policy work
• community sector
• creative arts
• software development
• corporate management.