Discover the best information, whether you’re a new Sociology student starting your first assignment or delving into a research project.

 

Key resources

Finding information for your assessments

Developing strong information searching skills saves time and brings results. Finding Information Skills covers everything you need for academic searching. Take the Finding Information Skills assessment for a personalised action plan.

  • Reading Lists

These are set up by your tutors to guide you to good quality, relevant and useful materials to help you with your studies. They are a great starting point before doing your own research - find out more about your Reading Lists.

  • Library Search

Library Search can make your academic life easier by helping you find a range of reliable and trustworthy sources for your work. It contains a wealth of information to help you make the most of your studies, including books/eBooks, journals/eJournals, articles, databases, and more.

Using Library Search may feel daunting at first, but don't worry, we have a range of guides on how to find relevant resources.

Library Search

Key resources for sociology students

Databases

Databases are searchable collections of good quality, academic material, particularly journal articles. They can be small subject specific or large collections covering a wide range of subject areas. Most databases provide access to full-text items. 

Provides access to hundreds of academic journals covering criminology, psychology, sociology, and much more.
This collection provides clear and concise descriptions of key concepts in sociology.
Collates reports, working papers, and other information from health providers, hospital systems, foundations, patient groups, practitioner groups, governments, think tanks into a single resource. 
Provides access to millions of quality, peer-reviewed articles covering a wide range of topics in the sciences and humanities. 
Contains a range of research databases covering the full range of academic subjects.
A great place to start a search on most subjects, providing access to both books and journal articles
A user-friendly resource designed to support the unique needs of psychology and counselling in research, teaching, and learning.
An online collection hosting books, periodicals, and archival materials documenting LGBT political, social and cultural movements throughout the twentieth century and into the present day.
Supports the research of crime, its causes and impacts, and social implications.
Contains the resources needed to investigate both crucial global trends in mass incarceration, and the detailed prison infrastructure of specific countries. 

Digital Archives

Digital Archives predominantly contain digitised primary sources. These are original documents and objects that give first-hand accounts of a topic or event and are created by people who had a direct connection with the topic or event. These can be government, company or personal papers, newspapers, books or magazines, or films or works of art.

Contains a robust and significant collection of primary sources for the historical study of sex, sexuality, and gender.
Provides evidence of historical trends such as the increasing role of women in work, the birth of the welfare state, eating habits, and the increasing importance of radio, television, and cinema. 
The database offers a range of primary sources covering the social, political, and cultural shifts during the period of 1950 to 1975.
A collection of primary sources exploring 100 years of youth culture from Rave, Punk, Rockabilly to Grime. 

Video

Videos offer a dynamic way to absorb information. They often present complex ideas in an easily digestible format.

A substantial collection of videos for a wide range of subject areas including, business, counselling, film, health, history, music, and more.
Provides access to a large, curated catalogue of more than 30,000 educational documentaries and classic films from leading producers. 

Industry Websites

Industry websites provide information, resources, and updates related to a specific sector or type of business. They can be valuable resources for staying informed about industry trends, accessing research materials, and discovering more about organisations and industry professionals.

The largest sociological network in the UK and is the public face of sociology in Britain.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers more than 9,000 professionally produced online courses covering a wide range of technical, creative and professional skills.

Always use our institutional link to log in – you will need your University email address and password. The first time that you log in, you will be taken through a setup process to discover courses tailored to your interests.

Discover more in our video: Using LinkedIn Learning at Salford

Print Books

You can borrow print books from the Library. Below is a map of where to find social work-related books. The location details below are a guide, it is best to search Library Search for exact location of items:

Classmark Subject Area
301 Sociology
A map showing the location of Sociology books in the Library
Study skills

Study better

  • University Assessments

Whilst studying at Salford you will need to complete a range of assessments. We provide a range of guidance on how to approach the different assessment types you may come across. 

  • Referencing

We provide eLearning, written guides, and an extensive list of referencing examples. 

  • Skills A-Z

We have developed eLearning over a wide range of subjects for you to develop your academic skills at home and in your own time.

Here to help

Workshops

We offer online and face-to-face workshops to help you develop your academic skills. These engaging, interactive sessions cover a wide range of topics which take place throughout the year, so check up on the list regularly.

Click on a workshop title to book onto the session via Advantage. If a session has no remaining spaces, sign up to the waiting list in case a space becomes free!

Here to help

One to one appointments

You can book a one to one appointment with your Academic Support Team to discuss finding information, academic and writing skills, or digital support.

Follow the link below, choose your school and what you'd like support with, then select your chosen time slot and book on through Advantage.

Can't find what you need?

Contact the Academic Support Team using this form. You can also see who's who in the Team.