What our Students Say

UG Students

Poonam (Sociology BSc): Looking back at my first year, I can’t believe how much I’ve grown and learnt. I’ve never studied Sociology prior to university and I enjoyed the range of readings offered on the course.

This motivated me to understand even more – I was surprised at my own enthusiasm! I’ve really enjoyed participating in Lectures and studying elements of other Social Science subjects (e.g. psychology, anthropology, communication-media). It has enabled me to experience different perspectives, other than only from Sociology.

Workplacement Students

Cheerece (Sociology BSc): As well as the superb support networks and activities to occupy ones spare time, what stood out for me at Brunel was its reputation for the four year (thin sandwich) Sociology course which allowed me to undertake two separate work placements. The prospect of studying for four years instead of three was daunting at first, but I viewed it as an excellent opportunity to obtain hands-on experience in possible career paths.

The assistance and encouragement given by the placement and careers centre not to mention the guidance from my tutor allowed me carry out my placements in two Schools. These became more than just work experience but stepping stones to a possible career in teaching. Most importantly, they allowed me to apply theory learnt within lectures to educational settings such as how inequalities like class, ethnicity and gender can affect the educational system.

Having completed my final year at Brunel, I look forward to starting my PGCE in September to pursue a career in teaching that the four year course opened my eyes to. The endless opportunities alongside the supportive and knowledgeable lecturers made my experience at Brunel a positive one and I would definitely recommend it.

Hayley (Sociology & Media Studies BSc): I initially enrolled on the 3-year Sociology and Media course, but after a briefing by the Workplacement team during first year I decided to change to the 4-year  thin sandwich course and have never looked back…Being able to carry out two different placements is an obvious benefit for a student, especially when you have the help, guidance and support of the amazing placement and careers centre available at Brunel.

When looking for my first placement, I decided to follow the media side of my degree and applied to the many Public Relations based jobs advertised. I found the personal support I received when producing a CV particularly helpful and will now always have that knowledge to carry through into life after Brunel. I loved my time at my first placement, and gained a real insight into the media and promotion industry, something a lecture would be unable to achieve. When choosing my second placement, I began researching the education sector, to broaden my skills base. I ended up working in the Individual Learning Department of a highly successful girls’ school in Middlesex.

With the support and guidance of experienced colleagues I began to develop the combination of teaching and counselling skills required to make a positive impact on the lives of the pupils. Having finished my four year undergraduate degree, I have completed more PR based internships with the hope of securing a permanent position within a PR agency. Had it not been for my work experience I would be struggling to secure these internships and have a CV worth considering – something which I feel a standard 3-year degree does not adequately provide you with. 

PhD Students

Amanda (PhD candidate): I chose to do my PhD at Brunel because of the quality and enthusiasm of my supervisor, the exciting research areas within the Sociology & Communications Group, and the location of Brunel. Since arriving, I have received tremendous support from staff for my research. I have also had opportunities to collaborate with research staff on publications and on organizing research events, which have been invaluable learning experiences. The regular research seminars, along with our reading group, have been excellent forums for discussion and debate.