Sociology Apprenticeships
What are the best apprenticeships for human behaviour students?
Are you fascinated by human behaviour? Can you make sense of societal anomalies? Do you want to help people and improve their lives?
Consider a sociology apprenticeship.

Why Sociology is useful for apprenticeships
Sociology, also known as social sciences is the study of human behaviours on an individual or societal scale. Its purpose is to help us make sense of the world and our part in it.
Although there is no obvious set job for a sociology student, a sociology-based apprenticeship can open many doors.
It plays a part in all human interactions and can be used on a global scale to provide insights into cultures, religion, social justice and how societies function.
Several theoretical and practical careers use sociology, including law, health care, social work, and marketing.
Transferable skills
Sociology involves gathering new data through extensive research and interpreting existing information in the context of your time and environment. You may also have to present your findings. You need to be persuasive and able to back up your arguments with empirical data.
Sociologists tend to be part of a wider team but must be self-motivated and disciplined. Strong critical thinking and analytical skills are necessary.
‘Soft skills’ such as clear verbal and written communication, and the ability to ‘read’ people through non-verbal cues such as body language and micro facial expressions, are highly beneficial. You will need to relate to many different types of people.
Strong critical thinking and analytical skills are necessary, and you will need to relate to many different types of people.
Intermediate roles
If you are leaving school soon, you may be thinking about the next steps.
Broadly, you have three options:
- Go to college and then potentially university
- Get a full or part-time job
- Apply for an apprenticeship
They are all valid options, and which is best for you will depend on your circumstances.
Today, we are looking at apprenticeships, specifically those related to sociology.
Apprenticeships are Government-funded programmes which enable people to earn a living wage while studying for industry-recognised qualifications.
The remainder of the funding comes from your employer or other apprenticeship providers such as universities.
The goal is to encourage those who typically would not be able to join certain professions to get a foot in the door. Upskilling and diversifying the UK workforce improves businesses, so it is a win-win.
Slightly confusingly, the lowest level of UK apprenticeship is Level 2. It is sometimes called an intermediate apprenticeship or an entry-level programme.
Entry Requirements
The minimum mandatory requirements to apply for a UK apprenticeship state that all prospective candidates must be:
- 16 or older
- Not in full-time education
- Eligible to live and work in the UK
There are industry standards that every apprenticeship must adhere to, and providers may have specific entry requirements.
Typically, you will need five good GCSE grades, including your three core subjects, English Language, Maths, and Science. A GCSE in sociology, social sciences or humanities would be an advantage.
Personality-wise, you must be observant and an excellent communicator, including the ability to listen. You should be curious, always questioning and looking to make things better. You’ll need to be a critical thinker and be interested in society and the world around you, including other cultures and religions.
Qualifications gained
Completing a Level 2 apprenticeship will earn you an industry-recognised qualification equivalent to five good GCSE passes, 4/C or above.
Level 2 sociology-related apprenticeships include:
- Adult care worker (Level 2) – Various providers
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Advanced/Higher/Degree targeted at A-Level
Once you have graduated from an entry-level apprenticeship, you can continue your studies at university, continue to work at the same level or apply for a higher-level apprenticeship.
They are categorised as follows.
- Level 3 – advanced apprenticeships
- Levels 4 and 5 – higher apprenticeships
- Levels 6 and 7 – degree-level apprenticeships
Level 3 and above apprenticeships tend to last longer and be more complex but you also receive a higher level of qualification, outlined below.
Entry Requirements
When applying for an advanced sociology apprenticeship, you will likely need good grades (4/C or above) GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths, Science and English Language plus at least two other GCSEs, preferably related to sociology, such as history.
Higher and degree philosophy apprenticeships typically require A levels in the same subjects plus sociology or humanities.
Qualifications gained
Each apprenticeship offers a qualification equivalent to the following:
- Advanced apprenticeship = 2 A-Level passes
- Higher apprenticeship = a foundation degree
- Degree apprenticeship = a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on your level of study
Advanced, higher and degree sociology-related apprenticeships include:
Industry Focus
Sociology apprenticeships are perfect for those who want to turn their understanding of human behaviour and society into a rewarding career. Whether it’s working in the police or probation services, supporting vulnerable communities, or helping people secure housing and welfare, these roles let you make a real impact.
You could join the police through a degree apprenticeship, support rehabilitation as a probation officer or prison instructor, or work with charities to deliver life-changing programmes. From organisations like Cancer Research UK and the RSPCA to housing groups like The Salvation Army, apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and a chance to help others while building your career.
Politicians are the faces of Governments, be they local or national. They are often big characters who stand out from a crowd, but they can also be quietly persuasive. Politicians Human behaviour is of particular interest and importance when it harms society, such as criminal behaviour. One of the top professions for those who have studied sociology is working with the police. There are a few different jobs in this category, each requiring different skills and attributes and various career paths.
Several police forces are offering a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), alongside traditional entry routes.
To work as a probation officer, you must complete the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) but grounding in sociology will be beneficial.
Prison instructors go into prisons to upskill inmates to make it easier for them to find work upon their release.
Alternatively, you can become a prison officer without many qualifications. Prison officers work in prisons and are charged with maintaining the safety and peace of both inmates and other staff, such as cooks, cleaners etc.
This is a broad sector that encompasses charity and non-profit organisations, social workers, and youth and community workers. This is challenging but rewarding work that can vary from day to day. You can be part counsellor, coach, advocate and friend. You may be delivering programmes of activity or designing them.
The key is to use your sociology training to help people and make a positive difference.
In this line of work, you are often dealing with vulnerable individuals, so it is advantageous to be good at reading people and understanding why their economic and social circumstances can contribute to poor physical and mental health and negative behaviours.
Organisations including Cancer Research UK, the RSPCA and Care UK offer apprenticeships at different levels.
Another way to help people is to work in the welfare and housing sector.
Encompassing housing, benefits and job seeking, welfare and housing is another popular industry for sociologists.
Welfare officers, welfare rights advisers, and key workers work closely with individuals, giving them support and advice on how to meet basic needs, such as finding accommodation, financial support and seeking employment.
The Salvation Army, The Forward Trust and the Chartered Institute of Housing offer this type of apprenticeship.
Other Opportunities
- Sociology teacher or professor
- School counsellor
- Grief counsellor
- Diversity manager
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Paralegal
- HR manager
- NHS
- Marketing or PR professional
- Politician
- Learning and development specialist
- HR coordinator
- Urban planner
- Market research analyst
Conclusion
That concludes our short guide to sociology-based UK apprenticeships. We hope you found it helpful.
You can search sociology apprenticeships in your area using the topic and location filters on our website.
Do you have a question we haven’t covered? Please, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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