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Thea Harrhy

Sociology at the ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ was an incredible and personal experience. There was an exciting range of module options that I could choose to engage with. My experience was well rounded as a result and I felt like I could pursue my interests through these modules. I felt supported every step of the way by all of the lecturers that taught me. The course has given me plenty of opportunities to develop the skills that I have required in my current Primary Teaching Degree. We were given opportunities to work with others, develop our presentation skills and our communication skills. The lectures and seminars alike, called for our input and this created a welcoming atmosphere throughout the cohort.

I am very grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way.

Robyn Platt

Robyn, a mature student, joined the ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ in 2017 to study sociology. Despite pandemic disruptions in her final year, she achieved a First-Class Honours in her undergraduate degree with the support of the Sociology team.

Robyn initially considered a degree unattainable as an immigrant but felt comfortable at the University and found the Sociology course engaging. She received scholarships, completed her Master's with distinction, and actively participated in student life. Robyn now works at the University's Research School, overseeing PhD and MRes programmes. She plans to pursue a PhD in the future.

Katy Small

“My time at the University was engaging and inspiring; it allowed me to decide what I hope to do for a career and to develop as an individual both academically and personally,” she said. “The support from tutors and staff was great, especially big thanks to the Sociology staff who often went above and beyond.”

Katy is now about to start a part-time MRes in Sociology, focussing on the creation of an ideological ‘Other’ using language within 21st Century US political discourse. “I very much hope to continue this research into a PhD and continue my academic career into further research and teaching,”

Marcus Garner

Marcus, age 24, is now continuing his studies at the University to complete a Research Masters degree in Sociology (MRes) towards a career in academia.

“I felt both sad to finish my course and proud to graduate,” Marcus said. “I worked hard, and I am excited to continue my studies in Sociology and conduct my own in-depth research into masculinity and men’s health.”

I loved my time at university, the staff on the Sociology course are all exceptional, they made the course so enjoyable, current, relevant and instilled an enthusiasm in me for the subject which helped me push myself as far as I could.

Teodora Axente

I came to Worcester from Galati in Romania to study joint honours in Media & Culture and Sociology. This was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I could have ever taken; the course matched my interests entirely and has been truly inspiring, as I have expanded my knowledge of some really challenging topics. It was also extremely helpful that some of my lecturers happened to teach across both subjects.

Since graduating I continue to have a particular interest in the concept of ‘moral panics’ and have been given the opportunity to collaborate with Health courses and to deliver a session on moral panics and dementia, which is a great honour for me. At the moment I am also working within Communication and Participation Department as an Administrator and I am helping on events such as Open Days and Corporate Events. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work in such an active and productive climate, where I can effectively use skills learnt during my academic study.

Vicki Embleton

After completing a degree in Sociology, Vicki plans to teach. She is remaining at Worcester to do a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) in Religious Education and wants to work in a secondary school.

“The Sociology course is fantastic and up to date and always changing to address contemporary crises,” she said. “What made the course as good as it was were the people who I got the honour to share the three years with. Without them I don’t think that the course would have been what it was."

Vicki acted as the Sociology Course Representative in her first and second year, liaising with staff to put across the views and feedback of her fellow students to improve the course, and became the School Representative for History, Sociology and Politics in her third year.

Melissa Higley

After finishing her degree in Sociology and discovering issues she was passionate about throughout her studies, Melissa Higley now hopes to take that further and make a difference with a career in law. Melissa is staying on at the University to do a Masters in Law.

“I think it was Sociology that made me want to go into Law,” said Melissa. “It was a great stepping stone because it showed me the problems with issues of inequality, poverty, feminism, education and political issues, and then I decided I wanted to be in a position to help people affected by these issues. So, providing legal representation seemed a good fit for me. It's a great access course for students who want to go into law but don't have an undergraduate Law degree.

Read Melissa's full story here.