VU
Virtual University of Pakistan
Department of Sociology

Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Introduction

The BS Sociology – Lateral program (2 years) is designed for students who, after completing 14 years of education, wish to pursue advanced studies and careers in the field of Sociology. The program offers a blend of theoretical and applied courses with an integrated approach to theory and methodology. It enables students to critically examine human interactions, cultural patterns, norms, and social structures. Graduates are prepared to analyze pressing social issues, conduct meaningful research, and contribute informed solutions to complex societal challenges with analytical rigor and intellectual independence.

Objectives

This program aims to:

  • Equip students to apply sociological methods and theoretical perspectives in analyzing real-life social issues and community problems.
  • Develop the ability to assess contemporary social issues, policies, and interventions through research-based evidence and sociological theories.
  • Foster intellectual independence by preparing students to design and implement sociological research and practical solutions to address community and national challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants holding a 2-year Associate Degree in the same discipline (from an HEC-recognized institution) are eligible to join the 5th semester of a BS program. Applicants with an Associate Degree in a different discipline or a conventional BA/BSc degree (annual system) will be required to complete a bridging/deficiency semester to cover academic gaps.

The minimum eligibility criteria are:

  • 2.00/4.00 CGPA for Associate Degree holders (semester system), or
  • 45% marks for BA/BSc or equivalent (annual system).

The University reserves the right to set higher admission standards for specific programs.

 

 

 

Assessment Criteria

Student progress is evaluated through continuous assessment during the semester, which includes assignments, online quizzes, Graded Discussion Boards (GDBs), mid-term, and final-term examinations. The mid-term and final-term exams are conducted at VU’s designated exam centers and generally contribute 80–85% of the total course marks.

Award of Degree

To be eligible for the award of BS Sociology lateral degree, the student is required to complete the prescribed coursework of at least 66 credit hours with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.0 out of 4.

Project / Internship / Practicals

1. The Capstone Project shall be of 03-Credit Hours and will be offered in 4th semester.

2. To enroll for a Final Year Project, students must have:

    1. Achieved a CGPA of 2.0 or higher.
    2. A minimum of 45 credit hours is required.
    3. Passed SOC509-Quantitative Research Methodology and SOC609-Qualitative Research Methods courses

3.These two course are pre-requisite of SOC499-Capstone Project. If a student fails to qualify these two courses, he/she will not be able to enroll in SOC499-Capstone Project. Students will submit a detailed written capstone project report and will give a viva presentation. Only those students will be called for viva presentation, who will pass the written work.

4. If a student fails to qualify/pass the Final Year Project, the “F” grade will be awarded to the student in the Final Year Project. 

Rules for Internship / Field Experience (SOCI619)

  1. In Internship Report (SOCI619: Internship Report), students are required to complete 6-8 weeks internship in any NGO, Social welfare agency or voluntary organization. Students shall get Internship Completion Certificate issued by concerned organization.
  2. To enroll in the Internship course, the student must have earned 15 or more credit hours.
  3.  Students will submit a detailed internship report and will give a viva presentation.

 

 

Scheme of Study

Total Credit Hours 66
Total Semesters 5
Duration 2 years


BS-Lateral (Sociology)
Bridging Semester
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC302 Sociological Theories Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC403 Gender Studies Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC602 Sociology of Education Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC604 Community Development Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC605 Population Dynamics Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
VU001 Introduction to e-Learning General Education Bridging Semester 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 1
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
MGT502 Organizational Behaviour Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC402 Sociological Perspectives Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC509 Quantitative Research Methodology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC606 Rural Sociology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT111 Introduction to Public Administration Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MGT522 Introduction to Public Policy Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 2
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
SOC607 Urban Sociology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC608 Sociology of Health Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC609 Qualitative Research Methods Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC612 Political Sociology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC613 Social Change and Transformation Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM101 Introduction to Mass Communication Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM301 Communication skills Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MCM401 Fundamentals of Public Relations Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 3
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
PSY515 Cross Cultural Psychology Interdisciplinary Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC611 Criminology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC614 Sociology of Religion Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC615 Environmental Sociology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC616 Sociology of Globalization Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOCI619 Internship Report-Sociology Major Field Experience / Internship Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 4
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
EDU403 Art, Crafts and Calligraphy Interdisciplinary Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC499 Capstone Project Major Capstone Project Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC601 Social Policy and Governance Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC610 Electronic Media & Virtual Community Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
SOC617 Social Entrepreneurship Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
 


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