Illuminate the connections between everyday experience and social structure.
Sociology considers the ways that everyday lives relate to the social structures that shape identity, relationships and power in society.
Students of Sociology develop a set of critical lenses that shed new light on the social world.
A Sociology degree will prepare students to dissect the multiple layers of our social reality – with all its pitfalls and promises – and apply that knowledge to guide our society to a better future.
Why Study Sociology?
If you believe that Sociology has meaning, relevance and applicability beyond the University, you are already one step ahead in developing your sociological imagination. This term was coined by the American sociologist, C Wright Mills, who wanted us to see how our “private troubles” related to “public issues”.
For instance, instead of blaming people for their circumstances, with our sociological imagination we can begin to see how political arrangements, economic forces and the broader social order operate to create a world in which some people have the opportunities to advance, while others do not.
While the experience of being poor, unemployed or discriminated against is felt very deeply at the personal level, our sociological imagination encourages us to understand how the thoughts, feelings and actions of the individual relate to broader structural and historical realities.
In the words of Mills, “The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society. That is its task and its promise. To recognize this task and this promise is the mark of the classic social analyst.” (Mills, 1959, p12)
By igniting your sociological imagination, you will begin to understand how personal choice is shaped by social context.
What will I study?
Are you interested in people and social relationships? Do you find habits, mannerisms and everyday life interesting? If so, Sociology is for you.
Sociology is useful for anyone working with people, particularly in groups or organisational settings. Sociological research and analysis can make an important contribution to the development of sound social policies that address inequality and promote social justice.
In addition, the study of Sociology will help you to acquire diverse skills that can be applied in a range of settings. These include the ability to:
Ask insightful questions about power, human behaviour and social processes.
Deepen our understanding of social issues using a variety of research methods.
Critically analyse information.
Develop your own theories about the social world.
Propose alternatives that promote social justice.
Career opportunities
Sociology graduates work in a variety of fields such as local and national politics, government departments, non-profit organisations, trade unions, social services, public health, journalism, social policy development, advertising and marketing, human resources and academia.
Exploring social structures in society
Discover how our social realities are made up of various dimensions and how these things shape our identities. Apply your learning and understandings to any job you have in the future.
Sociology at Otago
Sociology can be studied as a major or a minor subject within the three-year Bachelor of Arts degree, or a Bachelor of Arts and Science. Many students who choose to major in the Arts or Social Sciences include Sociology papers in their degree.
In their first year, Sociology students are introduced to key concepts and approaches in local and global sociology. Second- and third- year papers explore theory; methods; basic social processes (such as interaction, modernity and culture); aspects of institutional life (such as family, education, health, politics and the economy); and drivers of social change (such as colonisation, globalisation, environmental sustainability, technology, youth culture and popular protest).
Teaching style
Sociology at Otago has a reputation for teaching excellence and innovation. Our teaching style involves interactive lectures and small group tutorials, where students are encouraged to apply theoretical concepts to practical cases. Students are helped to prepare for University life and are given assessment tasks that incorporate incremental skills development.
Recommended background
The single most important requirement for the study of Sociology is curiosity and the willingness to look beneath the surface. A background in social sciences, history, geography or liberal arts is useful, but not required. Most students will be studying Sociology for the first time so everyone will be on an equal footing.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above.
198
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts
Total
360
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026)
More information
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