Welcome to the Department of Sociology at the University of Pretoria, a leading teaching and research centre on social transformation in South Africa and beyond. Whether you are a prospective student, a current member of our community, or an alumna, we are delighted to have you engage with our department. Here you will find a dedicated and interdisciplinary team of academic staff who provide students with a vibrant academic environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and rigorous inquiry is encouraged.

Through our three core academic programmes of Sociology; Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies; and Gender Studies, undergraduate and postgraduate students are equipped with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to understand the complexities of society, from social structures and institutions to culture and human interactions. Our academic staff draw on their subject matter and research expertise to supervise research projects and dissertations at Honours, Master’s and PhD levels.

In addition to academic offerings, our students have access to research and community engagement opportunities that offer them skills to make a meaningful impact in the world. Furthermore, in line with the University of Pretoria’s strategic goal of promoting its international profile and global engagement, we collaborate with a number of international researchers and institutions and have international exchange partnerships through which post-graduate students can spend some time studying or doing research at overseas institutions. We also have several scholars from other African and international institutions who are appointed as Research Associates and Extra-ordinary professors in the Department. The Department also hosts the Centre for Asian Studies in Africa (CASA) which promotes knowledge production about Asia and Afro-Asian connections in South Africa and on the African continent.

We take great pride in our students, whose curiosity and passion drive the intellectual life of our department. It is to this end that we work closely with support services providers in the Faculty and University to ensure that our students have appropriate and timely access to resources and support that can enhance their academic success and overall wellbeing.

Once again, welcome to a department and community that seeks to understand and change the world for the better! I encourage you to take full advantage of the courses, research projects, and events we offer.

Join our UP Facebook page here.