From publicly falling asleep in a first year 9am to dropping my water bottle from the top of a lecture hall mid-lecture, my experience with studying sociology at York has certainly been eventful. This is especially considering the year of online seminars and recorded lectures. Email communication was the only interaction possible and lifeline for assessments.
However, I genuinely wouldn’t change anything about my experience. Although it has been a roller coaster of emotions, it’s been the ride of a lifetime. Sociology has grown on me so much in my time at York.
Our beautiful new building is on Campus East. It’s within walking distance of 2 coffee shops, the supermarket Nisa and a Greggs. These are perfect places to pick up sustenance for my Monday afternoon lectures!
Cross-disciplinary study
Studying a cross-disciplinary degree at York is no different from studying one that belongs to a single subject. I do have some different compulsory modules. However, I still received the same opportunities to select optional modules in 2nd and 3rd year. Another plus is that I received the same amount of support. With Campus West, a short walk or bus route away, my modules for my other subject are nearby! There are many cross-disciplinary pathways available within Sociology. If this is something that interests you, I would definitely recommend that you check out the individual subject pages!
Internship of dreams
I still remember the summer day in 2nd year when I found out I’d been selected for the Sociology of Religion internship. This was after weeks of preparation, interview fret and CV writing! After running around my student house screaming and excitedly phoning my mum until she picked up, I was met with the sudden realisation that my journey into research was starting.
I was absolutely terrified for the adventure I was about to embark on, and yet comforted by the fact that my degree, especially the Sociology research module, had provided an invaluable grounding to springboard off.
6 weeks followed of interview analysis, coding and data organisation. All the Sociology interns formed our own community. We met on Zoom to discuss our experiences and to share where we all were in our projects. Staff were integral in keeping us all connected in a time of Coronavirus restrictions and constant unknown. This demonstrates how dedicated the Sociology staff are as they listen and support their students.
What next?
For me?
As my undergraduate degree comes to an end, I’m faced with the question of ‘what next?’. Due to my amazing internship experience and unwavering love for York, I’m not ready to say goodbye. Therefore, I plan on starting my Masters degree next September at the University of York!
For you?
Studying Sociology at York is a way of preparing yourself for the society of the future. At York, this is complete with access to unique, once in a lifetime opportunities from internships to new research areas. The University of York is ideal for budding social scientists.
My parting advice for all prospective undergraduate students is that it’s best to ask all the questions you have. For example, attend some open days, or email the admissions team to make sure that you make the best informed decision for yourself. To start with, check out these FAQs for Sociology undergraduate students.
Hi Kat,
That is a really interesting and encouraging testimony, I am a christian so the idea that there is a sociology/religious internship is really interesting. York is actually my top choice and it’s great to know that you highly rate the campus, because like yourself, I have big heart for Yorkshire and York as a city.
Hope the rest of your studies go well as it comes to an end and wishing you all the best for the future!