Undergraduate Studies

Why Study Sociology

Anthony Giddens, an internationally prominent sociologist, said that:

Learning sociology means taking a step back from our own personal interpretations of the world, to look at social influences which shape our lives. Sociology does not deny or diminish the reality of individual experience. Rather, we obtain a richer awareness of our own individual characteristics, and those of others.

Studying sociology is thus an enriching experience for students.

There are many advantages to be gained from studying sociology at the University of Cape Town. The academic staff in the Sociology Department have a wide range of interests and specializations. These include identity and diversity, globalisation, land and agrarian questions, development, social theory and social research methods.

There is an opportunity for students to focus on their areas of interest by selecting the appropriate courses. There are thus a wide variety of interesting topics taught in the two majors offered by the Sociology Department: Sociology and Industrial Sociology. Students can major in one or the other, but not in both.

What can I do with Sociology

Whether on their own, or in combination with other subjects, Sociology and Industrial Sociology majors offer many career opportunities to students once they graduate. These include careers in journalism, film, TV, law, politics, civil service, management, human resource management, labour relations, skills training, health, social work, development, teaching and others.

In almost every career a graduate commences at the bottom of the occupational ladder. A journalist may start as a humble reporter, but could end up editor of a major newspaper, a human resource manager may start as a labour relations officer, but end up as the human resource director of a large corporation, and so on. However, there seems to be no limit to what sociologists can achieve. Among their achievements have been: state president of Brazil, leader of the opposition in South Africa, and CEO (chief executive officer) of Amgold.