
Sociology Taster Afternoon | October 2025
Explore society through a sociological lens in these two interactive taster sessions led by expert Sociology lecturers.
Sociology helps us understand the world we live in, and how we live in it. From the clothes we wear to the media we consume, our everyday choices are shaped by powerful social forces that influence identity, opportunity, and belonging.
At this taster event, you’ll take part in two interactive sessions led by our academic staff, designed to introduce you to key sociological approaches and ideas. Gain insight into how Sociology helps us make sense of identity, inequality and the power dynamics in everyday life.
This year's event will take place in October 2025. Exact date and booking links to be confirmed soon.
Courses in Sociology | ºÚÁϳԹÏ
Hear our students and lecturers explain the benefits of studying a sociology course with us.
Chloe: I think I wanted to study sociology because it's got so many different components that you can't find it not interesting.
Dr Joseph Burridge: We offer three courses: Sociology, Sociology with Psychology and Sociology with Criminology.
Dr Rusten Menard: On our sociology courses, we offer a broad range of topics.
Joseph: Social inequalities and injustices, gender and sexuality, about race and racism, about nationalism, about the emotions, about food. It's a very versatile course.
Abby: At uni, it's interesting because everybody comes from a range of different places. You kind of learn about things that can relate to your life and people in your classes lives.
Rusten: It makes me feel amazing that students can connect their everyday experiences to these much larger topics that we're all dealing with on an everyday basis, even though we don't know that we are.
Joseph: There's a range of reasons that students will study the course, but I think that the most important one is that they're interested in understanding society and also wanting to change it.
Chloe: We’ll be sat in the seminar and everyone from different corners of the room is bringing in their own opinion.
Rusten: There are so many different kinds of jobs that our students go into, such as HR, marketing, the
Abby: charities sector, non-government organisations,
Asan: a higher education lecturer, a social researcher.
Chloe: I went and did a month out in Tanzania and I was working in a school there and I got picked to do that because I did sociology.
I chose to study at the ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï because I just love the city as a whole.
Asan: It's a beautiful city. There’s lots to do here. There's always somewhere I could go.
Chloe: It's great that you can have that city environment with the kind of fast pace of life but you can walk 15 minutes up the road and be on a beach, relaxing, having an ice cream.
Asan: All the lecturers, the staff, they're very knowledgeable. You can go to them for anything. You can tell when your lecturer is really excited about the topic and that makes you feel more excited about the topic too.
Joseph: The thing I enjoy most, I think is the student journey. Meeting them on that very first day, they're fresh to the institution and then seeing them develop over the three or four years that they're here and ultimately seeing them graduate and, you know, having them come back and tell us how they're getting on and what they're doing. That's one of the most rewarding parts of it.
At our Sociology Taster Afternoon you'll:
-
Think like a sociologist, as you explore how everyday choices like what we wear, watch and follow isn't just personal; they shape identity and reflect wider cultural trends
-
Create your own 'hierarchy of taste', working in groups to rank media, brands and cultural trends. Discover what your choices say about identity, class and social power
-
Discover how Sociology tackles real issues, from stigma and social control to inequality and access. See how Sociology helps explain and challenge some of society's biggest problems.
-
Explore topics like gender, health and access, and how they affect people's lives
-
Meet our expert lecturers and current students. Ask about their experiences, course content, and what it's really like to study here
-
Have the chance to take a guided tour of campus. Explore where you could be studying, including teaching spaces, study zones, accommodation options and social spots, all while getting a feel for life as a ºÚÁϳԹÏstudent
Sociology Taster Afternoon Programme
Check in from 12.30pm at Park Building, King Henry I St, ºÚÁϳԹÏPO1 2BZ, ready to get started at 1.00pm.
Meet your hosts, hear about the day ahead, and get ready to think sociologically!
What makes something cool – and who decides?
In this hands-on session, you'll explore how music, fashion, media, and pop culture shape our tastes and express identity.
Using images, video, and discussion, you'll build your own ‘hierarchy of taste’ and uncover the hidden structures behind everyday choices.
Take a short break, grab some refreshments, and chat with our friendly student ambassadors. Ask them anything about student life, studying Sociology, or settling into university.
Discover how Sociology helps us understand bodies and health beyond biology.
This session looks at menstruation, contraception, and the social forces behind stigma, inequality, and control.
You'll explore how personal experiences connect to broader issues like racism, gender identity, and access to care.
Find out more about the ºÚÁϳԹÏ.
From the support we offer to the opportunities waiting for you here.
Learn how we help you build a degree experience that leads to real-world success.
Join our staff and students to have your your questions answered.
You can ask us about degree courses, any of the sessions you've experienced, studying at Portsmouth, moving away from home – and whatever you want to know about uni.
Want to learn more about our campus? Join our ambassadors for a tour of the city and get a feel for student life here.
Undergraduate Open Days
Thinking about joining us as an undergrad? Book your spot at one of our upcoming Open Days.

Student life
Explore our island city and its many attractions, and find out what student life is really like at the University.
