1. What is Sociology? What do Sociologists do?

Sociology is the study of social relations, how they are formed and what their consequences are.

Sociology is the broadest of all social science disciplines: all spheres of social life – the cultural, the economic, and the political – are open to sociological inquiry. Sociologists strive to understand, for example, how norms and values shape peoples’ lives; how people organize themselves to forge collective action; how power works in a political system and in everyday life; and how social inequalities are maintained or how social equity is achieved. Sociologists also study past and foreign societies and engage in cross-cultural comparison, deepening our understanding of human diversity.

In practicing Sociology, we – and our students – learn to analyze the social conditions that make a significant impact on human lives. In understanding the causes and consequences of social change, we confront difficult issues affecting different people in different ways. These may include moral issues concerning human wellbeing, social justice, and the quality of life. But they may also include strategic issues concerning the effectiveness of how organizations are run or how policies are made and implemented.

2. Is Sociology practical?

Yes! Doing sociology is an exciting and engaging process that involves the collection and analysis of empirical data relating to people as located within particular social settings – rather than in terms of individual personality or psychological make-up. The questionnaire survey, participant observation, and the interview are the methods sociologists employ to evaluate and refine existing understandings of social processes, bringing about new and insightful ways of looking at social issues. By combining theoretical knowledge with empirical investigation, sociology is an eminently practical discipline. In cultivating an awareness of the social implications of personal choices, organizational decisions and public policies, sociology develops in us an ability to think through complex issues and to move beyond conventional wisdom – and this ability is required in many organizations and vocations today.

3.  What are my career prospects as an NTU Sociology graduate?

Our graduates will enter the job market equipped with a set of critical thinking skills and practical experience in analyzing many aspects of social life – which they have developed through research training in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Their skills and attitudes make them valuable to potential employers and institutions in areas such as the following:

In addition to pursuing careers in a wide variety of fields, an NTU Honours degree in Sociology enables you to continue on to graduate-level studies in the social sciences or other relevant fields such as business, law, and government. (Entry requirements for such programmes are established by the respective universities.) 

4. What is a BA (Honours) Programme?

Students who fulfill all the course requirements, including a research-based Final-Year Graduation Project, will graduate with Honours. The programme is typically completed in four years.

5. What is special about the Sociology Honours programme at NTU? What skills will I develop?

Sociology at NTU is a direct Honours programme, which offers depth of engagement with sociology as a discipline and the breadth that comes from exposure to other disciplines offered by HSS and other Schools in NTU. Our faculty members are deeply committed to both teaching and research, imparting a practical craft and a spirit of life-long learning. Our curriculum is designed to encourage intellectual curiosity, scholarly rigour, self-initiative, group discussion, and writing and communication skills. In addition, the learning experience is enhanced by participation in student activities, professional attachments to companies and businesses outside the university, and overseas exchange programmes.

6. What kind of academic background is best suited for entering the Sociology Honours programme at NTU?

The Sociology Division looks out for candidates with strong critical thinking and writing skills. There is no single subject that gives you these skills: you can develop them by studying biology, chemistry, economics, geography, history, language, literature, mathematics, physics, etc – any subject that requires you to think through the material and write about it. In addition, we regard an active interest in current affairs, both within Singapore and internationally, as essential in a Sociology applicant.

Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the Division also interviews and administers writing tests for all candidates to ensure that our students are suited for the Sociology Honours programme.

Sociology also involves both qualitative and quantitative research; O-level Elementary Mathematics is a minimal requirement, and our programme will ensure that competence in Social Statistics is part of the skills set of our graduates.

7. What are the admission requirements to HSS?

The Sociology Division looks for candidates with strong critical thinking and writing skills.

Students must satisfy the basic requirements for admission into NTU:

For GCE 'A' level Holders
Examination in the English medium, you will need to have obtained the following:

For Local Polytechnic Diploma Holders
Application is open to all local Polytechnic Diploma holders regardless of the diploma obtained.

8. Does the Sociology Honours programme accept international students?

Yes, we do. In general, 20% of NTU’s intake is made up of international students.

9. What are the advantages of being in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences?

Students have many opportunities to take courses in other disciplines that may interest them. They may even take up a second Major or Minors from other divisions in HSS. Students who do well can take a double major with: Economics, Chinese, English, Psychology, Business, or Communication Studies. Minor programmes also exist in: Chinese, Creative Writing, Economics, English Literature, Linguistics and Multilingual Studies, Psychology, Public Administration, Translation, History.

HSS students also benefit from the special learning environment and vibrant student life in our School, which together with Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information and the School of Art, Design and Media, form the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS). The HSS learning experience also involves group discussion, independent study, guided research and activities outside the classroom.

Our School is also known to be student-centric; our professors are committed to the intellectual development of our students, and our administrative staff do their best to help students navigate their way towards successful completion of their undergraduate programmes at NTU. There are also many student clubs and societies across the NTU campus, which HSS students have also taken the initiative to form new clubs and societies, which help to promote HSS disciplines and more interaction among students and professors. These student-led initiatives also provide opportunities for developing leadership and organizational skills.

10. Can I switch programmes or my major after the First Year? 

Yes, you can. However, you must first receive the approval of the programme that you would like to switch into. If you are performing well in your studies, acceptance is typically granted, although some programmes are more competitive than others and acceptance is not guaranteed.

11. Will I have an opportunity to study abroad?

Yes, NTU has been expanding the opportunities for overseas exposure.

The Global Immersion Programme (GIP) is initiated as a component of the New Undergraduate Experience in NTU. It aims to provide NTU students with the experience of studying and working abroad. Through this programme, NTU students have the opportunity to develop an edge in their career, build a global network and achieve significant personal development by spending a semester abroad.

The International Student Exchange Programme (INSTEP) is a reciprocal exchange student programme established to enable NTU students to pursue part of their studies at an overseas university for a limited period (usually one semester). INSTEP provides opportunities for students to develop global perspectives and interact with different people in diverse cultures, thus broadening and enriching their learning experience. NTU has collaborated with more than 150 universities across 30 countries to allow its students to study at participating universities. The programme allows students to transfer academic units back to their curriculum in NTU.

In addition, NTU offers other opportunities for study and work experience overseas, including summer programmes and internships.

12. What are the requirements for taking a second  Major?

You may apply to read a second major at the end of your first year. You must obtain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.0 in year 1 to qualify. Admission into the second major may be subject to availability of vacancies, depending on the Division.

13. If I successfully complete a Second Major, will I be awarded 2 degrees?

No. Your degree scroll will state that you have graduated with a BA Hons in your First Major. The Second Major will appear on the transcript.

14. What if I am admitted into the Second Major and decide later that I do not wish to continue?

You may opt out of the Second Major and the academic units (AUs) earned may be counted towards the fulfillment of the corresponding Minor or used to fulfill the AU requirements for graduation.

15. Do I have to pay additional fees if I am enrolled in the Second Major programme?

You do not have to pay any additional fees if you complete your degree within 4 years.

16. What are the Division’s requirements for graduation?

Details of courses and requirements are available in the Sociology brochure. You can expect to take a number of core courses that are central to giving you a broad understanding of Sociology. In addition to these compulsory courses, you will choose from a list of elective courses that deal in greater depth topics that you may have particular interest in, such as family, gender or tourism. You will also be expected to complete at least one course in either qualitative or quantitative research methods, which gives you a hands-on experience in conducting research. Finally, having fulfilled certain course requirements, you will work on a Graduation Project with the mentoring of a faculty member. This provides training in independent scholarly work, and is an exciting opportunity for students to design and conduct research on topics of their choice.

  17. Can I complete the programme in less than 4 years?

Yes, you can. The NTU programme is designed as a four-year course. However, it allows well-prepared students to take more subjects during the semester and between semesters so that they can complete the programme, with honours, in less than four years.

Successful Polytechnic applicants will be exempted from taking the 15 AUs of General Education Requirement-Prescribed Electives (GER-PEs).

18. What is the Graduation Project in Sociology?

The Graduation Project is typically undertaken in a student’s final year, after she or he has completed certain course requirements. Under the mentoring of a faculty member, students design and conduct research in areas of their choice. They are also required to write up theses to report their findings. The Graduation Project presents a wonderful opportunity for students to apply what they have learnt in their first three years to hands-on research.

19. What is the HSS Professional Attachment Programme?

The HSS Professional Attachment Programme (HPAP) is offered as an unrestricted elective in HSS. Professional attachment or internship has become an integral part of the undergraduate training in NTU. Students value the experience as the exposure will help them in their transition into the working world. The duration of the Professional Attachment is 8-10 weeks and is usually undertaken at the end of Year 3. Upon successful completion, students will be awarded 5 AUs to be used to fulfill unrestricted electives.

HSS works with NTU’s Career & Attachment Office (CAO) to source for suitable placements. As positions are limited, selection is based on interviews by participating organizations and/or the best match, and will be arranged on first-come-first-served basis. Students may also source for placements themselves. To be awarded the AUs, the attachment must be coordinated through CAO and students will be supervised and assessed.

For more information on the Sociology Honours curriculum, please click here.