The Department of Sociology at the University of Cape Town dates back to 1926, when sociology courses were first taught at this university. Since that time, the department has contributed to the development and understanding of South Africa within an increasingly globalised world, through its teaching, research and outreach.

Sociology is an exciting subject to study here at the University of Cape Town. We study society in all its manifestations and dig below the surface. Often Sociology comes up with fresh insights and unexpected findings. It studies how children are socialized - for better or for worse - by their homes and schools; it looks at the forces that influence the nature and quality of work; it investigates the causes of crime and violence in society; it researches why some groups in society are rich and powerful while others are poor and powerless; and it explores why some nations become wealthy while others remain underdeveloped. These are just some of the many issues that sociology explores.

Please feel free to look around our website and contact us if you need any assistance.