Study Sociology Abroad: Explore Academic and Career Opportunities

Sociology is the social science that studies people in relation to communities and social institutions. This discipline explores how societies are formed, operated, and changed over time, as well as the impact of factors such as culture, economics, politics, education, and religion on human behavior and life.

Sociology students will be equipped with the knowledge to analyze social issues (inequality, migration, family transformation, globalization, etc.) and develop research skills, critical thinking, and social communication. This is an important foundation that helps them work in many fields such as research, policymaking, community development, communication, and education.

With a degree in Sociology, you will learn about and analyse human behavior in a variety of social contexts, often from a global perspective.

• In the first year, students will become acquainted with contemporary sociological issues and prominent socio-political issues, and have the opportunity to explore the topics that interest them most.

• From the second year onwards, the curriculum delves deeper into a variety of diverse areas such as gender equality, race and culture, politics and social justice. In addition, you will be practicing your research skills – an integral part of the entire course. Many schools also offer electives so you can tailor your curriculum to your needs and interests.

• In your final year, you'll apply all of the knowledge and skills you've gained to undertake an independent sociological study. This is an important stepping stone before entering a career or higher education.

When studying this major, you can choose from many in-depth research directions depending on your interests and career orientation. Some popular majors include:

• Sociology of Culture

• Sociology of Education

• Urban and Environmental Sociology

• Sociology of Family and Gender

• Political Sociology and Social Change

• Criminology and Sociology of Law

• Sociology of the Environment

• Sociology of Health and Medicine

Sociology is one of the disciplines that develops many valuable soft skills and transferable skills in the labor market. These skills will not only help you succeed academically, but they will also provide a solid foundation for any future career.

3.1. Social Research Skills

This is one of the core skills you will develop when studying Sociology. You will learn to look at familiar everyday phenomena from a scientific perspective, to understand how they are formed and operated. Through questioning, analyzing, and processing data, you can not only find the root cause behind problems, but also propose new solutions or perspectives to contribute to changing reality in a more positive way.

3.2. Critical and analytical thinking

Instead of a one-sided approach, Sociology helps you see things through the lens of many social positions (gender, class, religion, ethnicity, etc.). As a result, you will develop the ability to empathize and understand the diversity of perspectives in society. Regularly writing essays and research reports during your studies also helps you develop strong thesis building skills, using research data to support your point of view.

3.3. Effective communication and information communication skills

You will be trained in communication skills and academic writing in many aspects: know how to present research findings or complex theories in a professional setting in an engaging and understandable manner. Studying Sociology also requires students to understand how to write essays and research reports according to academic standards: have a clear argument, use survey data or field research, and cite scientific sources (APA, Harvard, MLA, etc.).

3.4. Teamwork and leadership abilities

The multicultural learning environment at international schools also helps students become familiar with multi-dimensional perspectives and approaches. As a result, you will not only learn how to listen and respect multi-dimensional opinions, but also develop collaboration and leadership skills – an important skill when solving complex social problems that require a combination of many different fields.

Given the overarching nature of Sociology, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to open up a variety of academic and career paths. Depending on the individual's orientation, you can choose to go to law school, business, or master's programs in social work, education, or go to work right after graduation, with career opportunities spread across many different fields.

4.1. Career opportunities in the field of community and youth work

Community development and youth support is one of the important areas of Sociology. Sociology students are equipped with knowledge of the impact of laws, social policies, and strong communication skills to work in the field. Some common positions include community officers, social workers, youth workers, equality officers – diversity or sports development.

4.2. Career opportunities in the field of counseling and therapy

You can pursue counseling and therapy if you want to work closely with the community. Although Psychology is a popular major, Sociology students still have a great advantage when entering the field thanks to their communication skills, critical thinking, and ability to understand people.

Counselors and therapists often work directly to support individuals, couples, or groups through life's difficulties. However, if you want to make a long-term career in the mental health industry, you may need to study additional professional qualifications or certifications.

4.3. Career opportunities in the field of Education

With a Sociology background, you can pursue a career in education. At the primary and secondary levels, you need to be equipped with knowledge about child development, the role of education in society or equality issues. However, in order to be able to formally pursue a career in teaching, you will need to complete an additional professional teaching degree.

4.4. Career opportunities in the field of Public Service

As a Sociology graduate, you can also try your hand at public service, which focuses on social and community issues. Common roles include social workers, public health officers, probationers, rehabilitation workers, or housing officers.

In addition, you can also look for jobs related to the fields of Business, Politics, Social Activism, and Charity..

After graduating from Sociology, your income level will depend on the country of study, job location, and practical experience. In general, students of this major can work in many fields with quite diverse salaries:

• UK: Sociology graduates have an average starting salary of about 22,000 – 28,000 GBP/year, increasing to 35,000 – 45,000 GBP/year with experience.

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a bachelor's degree in Sociology is about $50,000 – $60,000 per year, and research or government positions can earn $80,000 or more per year.

• Canada: The average salary for a bachelor's degree in Sociology ranges from CAD 45,000 – CAD 65,000 per year depending on the field.

• Australia: Sociology students typically receive a salary of around AUD 55,000 – 70,000 per year, and senior consulting or research positions can exceed AUD 90,000 per year.

Discover the Sociology course that's right for you

Studying Sociology abroad not only opens up opportunities to learn more about people and society, but also equips you with the analytical, research, and communication skills needed to develop a career in a wide range of global fields. From research, education, communication to community development, you can always find the right field of study for you.

To find out more about schools that offer Sociology, you can find out on the IDP website - Study Abroad Advice or contact IDP for national advice and to choose a school that suits your academic ability.

You can also participate in IDP study abroad seminars held throughout the year to meet with school representatives in person, study abroad scholarships and apply on the spot. In addition, you can also experience the IDP Live application with the unique Fastlane feature, which helps you quickly receive an offer letter in principle in just a few minutes.

Book a consultation with IDP today!