Mercy College

What you'll study

The Sociology degree combines core sociological theory and methods with applied topics that reflect contemporary social issues. You will study how institutions, culture, race, class, gender and organisations shape individual and group experience, and you will learn quantitative and qualitative research skills used to investigate social phenomena.

• Core theory: Classical and contemporary sociological theory, perspectives on social order and change.
• Research methods: Social research design, statistics for sociologists, qualitative methods such as interviews and ethnography.
• Social inequality: Modules on poverty, class, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality.
• Institutions and organisations: Family, education, religion, and the workplace; studies of community and urban life.
• Applied sociology: Crime and deviance, social policy, public health, and community-based research or practicum options.
• Capstone/independent study: Senior project, internship or research thesis that integrates methodological skills and substantive knowledge.

The programme emphasises experiential learning: small-class discussion, research projects, data analysis using standard social science software, and opportunities for internships with community organisations, public agencies or research groups.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary school qualifications equivalent to national high-school diplomas. Typical admissions criteria include satisfactory grades at A-level or an equivalent academic qualification, or a strong academic record from an accredited high school program. Mature applicants and those with relevant work or community experience are also considered.

For applicants from international systems, evidence of comparable academic achievement is required; where English is not the first language, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Admissions may take account of personal statements, references and any relevant extracurricular or volunteer experience that demonstrates interest in social issues.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Sociology degree from Mercy College move into a wide range of roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors. The degree provides transferable skills in research, data analysis, communication and critical thinking that employers value.

• Social research and policy analysis in government agencies, think tanks and research institutes.
• Community development, case work and programme coordination in non-profit organisations and social services.
• Human resources, marketing and organisational development roles in business where understanding of social behaviour is advantageous.
• Criminal justice and youth services, including probation, advocacy and rehabilitation programmes.
• Further study and professional training in social work, public administration, law, or postgraduate sociology and related fields.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a student-centred learning environment with relatively small class sizes and a focus on applied learning and community engagement. The college’s metropolitan location provides access to a wide range of internship and employment opportunities with public agencies, non-profits and private organisations, allowing students to connect classroom theory with practical experience.

Faculty bring active research and professional experience to teaching, and students benefit from personalised advising, support services and opportunities to undertake hands-on research or practicum placements as part of their degree. The programme is designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into relevant careers or for continuation to postgraduate study in the social sciences.