Ask Us Anything: Sociology Takeover!
Good morning everyone 
This week we have a very exciting takeover from Professor Vicki Harman, Lecturer and Programme Director for Sociology Programmes at the University of Reading!
Vicki is going to be sharing some information about the brand-new Sociology undergraduate courses at the University of Reading, and will also be answering any questions you have.
I will be passing over this thread to Vicki, so ask anyway any and all questions about Sociology - we can't wait to hear them!
- Izzie (UK Recruitment)
This week we have a very exciting takeover from Professor Vicki Harman, Lecturer and Programme Director for Sociology Programmes at the University of Reading!
Vicki is going to be sharing some information about the brand-new Sociology undergraduate courses at the University of Reading, and will also be answering any questions you have.
I will be passing over this thread to Vicki, so ask anyway any and all questions about Sociology - we can't wait to hear them!
- Izzie (UK Recruitment)
Reply 1
Hi everyone, it's great to meet you! My name is Professor Vicki Harman, and I am a Lecturer in Sociology. I'll be here all week to answer any questions you have about or brand-new Sociology course at the University of Reading.
But to begin with... What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of society, including how it is structured and how it operates. This includes key institutions like the state, families, education, the criminal justice system and more. Important areas of focus include social inequalities and social differences.
One of the amazing things about sociology is that it helps us see things around us in different ways. For example, people who study sociology often say that have gained new, deeper and more critical perspectives on their own personal experiences, topics they hear about from politicians and reports about social problems in the media.
Research methods are an important part of sociology and these quantitative and qualitative skills are often highly valued by employers.
I look forward to hearing any questions you have!
Professor Vicki Harman
But to begin with... What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of society, including how it is structured and how it operates. This includes key institutions like the state, families, education, the criminal justice system and more. Important areas of focus include social inequalities and social differences.
One of the amazing things about sociology is that it helps us see things around us in different ways. For example, people who study sociology often say that have gained new, deeper and more critical perspectives on their own personal experiences, topics they hear about from politicians and reports about social problems in the media.
Research methods are an important part of sociology and these quantitative and qualitative skills are often highly valued by employers.
I look forward to hearing any questions you have!
Professor Vicki Harman
Reply 2
For a taster of what it is like to study Sociology, you can also register to join our free webinar 'Children, smart phones and risk: examining the debate - Sociology at Reading' at 16:00 tomorrow (Wednesday 11 December) where there will also be the opportunity to ask me any questions you have.
Professor Vicki Harman
Professor Vicki Harman
Reply 3
Good morning everyone! Today I'm here to talk about... Why should I study Sociology at the University of Reading?
There is a great synergy between the ethics and values of Sociology and its commitment to social justice, with the mission and practices of the University of Reading. For example, the University of Reading has been ranked as the number one university in the UK in the latest People & Planet University League table.
You will learn from active and experienced researchers who are at the forefront of the field. I am the current Editor-in-Chief of Sociology, the flagship journal of the British Sociological Association. This means that the degree content is kept up to date with the latest developments in sociology. My own research includes a range of engaging topics such as food in women’s prisons, the changing nature of grandmothering, gender and ballroom dancing, influencer culture and more. These interests are interwoven into the classroom learning, for example as case studies providing materials for discussion. Another lecturer, Dr Maxime Lepoutre works on hate speech looking at the role it plays and how it can be mitigated. Dr Alexandra Cox specialises in the confinement of children and young people to expose the need for change within the justice system.
You can shape your studies with a range of exciting optional modules right from the first year. This includes modules such as ‘Global Justice’, ‘Crime and the Media’, ‘Feminism and Political Theory’, ‘Constructions of Childhood and Youth’. Our sociology degrees equip students to think critically and analytically. We provide a supportive learning environment where students engage with contemporary issues from multiple perspectives. No question is too big or too small, and the supportive environment we create means that students will learn from each other as well as from the academic staff that teach them.
There are many opportunities to gain real-word experience to enhance employability, whether this is through a year long placement (between the second and third years of study) or shorter voluntary opportunities. The School has a dedicated placement co-ordinator to help students find the right opportunities for them.
To experience Sociology at Reading first hand, do come along to our webinar today (Wednesday 11 December) at 16:00 - you can register here!
I look forward to welcoming those of you that do attend the webinar, and do let me know if you have any questions about Sociology or Reading.
Professor Vicki Harman
There is a great synergy between the ethics and values of Sociology and its commitment to social justice, with the mission and practices of the University of Reading. For example, the University of Reading has been ranked as the number one university in the UK in the latest People & Planet University League table.
You will learn from active and experienced researchers who are at the forefront of the field. I am the current Editor-in-Chief of Sociology, the flagship journal of the British Sociological Association. This means that the degree content is kept up to date with the latest developments in sociology. My own research includes a range of engaging topics such as food in women’s prisons, the changing nature of grandmothering, gender and ballroom dancing, influencer culture and more. These interests are interwoven into the classroom learning, for example as case studies providing materials for discussion. Another lecturer, Dr Maxime Lepoutre works on hate speech looking at the role it plays and how it can be mitigated. Dr Alexandra Cox specialises in the confinement of children and young people to expose the need for change within the justice system.
You can shape your studies with a range of exciting optional modules right from the first year. This includes modules such as ‘Global Justice’, ‘Crime and the Media’, ‘Feminism and Political Theory’, ‘Constructions of Childhood and Youth’. Our sociology degrees equip students to think critically and analytically. We provide a supportive learning environment where students engage with contemporary issues from multiple perspectives. No question is too big or too small, and the supportive environment we create means that students will learn from each other as well as from the academic staff that teach them.
There are many opportunities to gain real-word experience to enhance employability, whether this is through a year long placement (between the second and third years of study) or shorter voluntary opportunities. The School has a dedicated placement co-ordinator to help students find the right opportunities for them.
To experience Sociology at Reading first hand, do come along to our webinar today (Wednesday 11 December) at 16:00 - you can register here!
I look forward to welcoming those of you that do attend the webinar, and do let me know if you have any questions about Sociology or Reading.
Professor Vicki Harman
Reply 4
Good afternoon everyone, and thank you to all those that attended last night's webinar!
For the final day of my takeover this week, I will be covering... What are my top tips for writing a personal statement for Sociology?
Firstly, remember to show your passion for the subject! For example, you could discuss which areas or topics within sociology appeal to you and why you are excited to learn more about these. Secondly, we are always interested in reading about extra-curricular activities, hobbies, and voluntary work. These provide an insight into you as a person and your motivations, likes and dislikes. For example, do you love volunteering at parkrun and seeing runners challenge themselves? Do you love board games or playing for your local football team, mentoring young people or working with animals? Try also to articulate how your extra-curricular activities have informed your passion for sociology. For example, have they helped you to connect with people from different backgrounds, or understand more about social inequalities? Making connections between your personal experiences and your love for sociology can help your application to stand out.
I look forward to meeting some of you next September, and please do ask any questions you have below!
Professor Vicki Harman
For the final day of my takeover this week, I will be covering... What are my top tips for writing a personal statement for Sociology?
Firstly, remember to show your passion for the subject! For example, you could discuss which areas or topics within sociology appeal to you and why you are excited to learn more about these. Secondly, we are always interested in reading about extra-curricular activities, hobbies, and voluntary work. These provide an insight into you as a person and your motivations, likes and dislikes. For example, do you love volunteering at parkrun and seeing runners challenge themselves? Do you love board games or playing for your local football team, mentoring young people or working with animals? Try also to articulate how your extra-curricular activities have informed your passion for sociology. For example, have they helped you to connect with people from different backgrounds, or understand more about social inequalities? Making connections between your personal experiences and your love for sociology can help your application to stand out.
I look forward to meeting some of you next September, and please do ask any questions you have below!
Professor Vicki Harman
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