We spoke to Samiya about how Bath shaped the way she thinks and works.

For her, studying BSc (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy was about developing the ability to question, analyse, and connect ideas across different subjects. That flexibility gave her confidence when exploring careers in healthcare and consultancy, where complex problems need clear thinking.

She spoke to us about how the course gave her a foundation for navigating uncertainty and adapting to change, wherever her career takes her.

Choosing a course that spans multiple disciplines

One of the most valuable aspects of studying BSc (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy at Bath was the freedom to explore across modules and departments, which meant I could try politics and economics and sustainability. Even when I was not studying something formally, there were always suggestions on further material to read and ideas to consider.

This flexibility widened my horizons. Careers do not always sit neatly within one subject, and employers look for people who can connect themes across disciplines. When I started applying for roles, especially in healthcare and consultancy, that breadth became a clear advantage.

The course also teaches you to take ownership of your learning and shape your pathway. That independence has become central to how I approach my work today.

Critical thinking sits at the heart of the subject, and it is one of the strongest skills I took with me. Whether you go into healthcare, tech, policy, advertising, or the charity sector, the ability to think clearly and analytically is invaluable. Writing essays and carrying out research trains you to break down problems, compare perspectives, evaluate evidence, and build structured arguments.

You learn to challenge assumptions and form balanced judgements, skills I now use every day in my work in health, which is full of complex issues that demand careful thought.

Building my skills

One of the most practical parts of the degree was learning qualitative research methods - interviewing people, asking thoughtful questions, listening closely and guiding discussions.

In my current role, I speak with patients and staff regularly. These interactions require empathy, sensitivity and the ability to understand what someone is trying to communicate beyond the surface. These are not soft skills in the vague sense. They are essential and are what help you build trust, understand needs and make informed decisions.

My own experience of moving countries gave me a personal understanding of cultural differences. Through social anthropology, cultural theory, and modules focused on communities, I learned how context shapes behaviour, systems and expectations and how my own background has shaped my perspective.

You learn to recognise that what works in one culture may not work in another. This is helpful in designing services, conducting interviews, working with diverse populations or considering policy decisions.

Finding my path in the health space and translating my course into work

I ended up in healthcare because I was fascinated by how it intersects with other fields like technology, AI and finance. It is an environment full of complexity, where change is constant, and that challenge appealed to me.

I am still shaping my long-term direction. Part of me is drawn to operational work because experiencing services on the ground would make me a stronger policymaker in the future. Another part naturally leans towards strategy because I enjoy connecting ideas and thinking at a systems level.

There has been uncertainty in the job market, particularly within NHS England, meaning my future is not fully defined yet, but the foundation I gained at Bath gives me confidence to adapt.

One project involved introducing a digital system to help address language barriers by transcribing patient speech. Instead of moving straight to implementation, I approached it as I would a piece of research. I reviewed the literature, looked at examples from other organisations, considered best practice, and thought about cultural and structural factors. Only then did I consider what would work in our local context. You ask what works, why it works, and who it works for. You embed decisions in evidence, not assumptions. That habit is one of the most valuable things I have taken from learning into my career.

My course has taught critical thinking, communication, interviewing, research design, evidence-based reasoning, cultural understanding, and the confidence to navigate complexity. If you are curious about how society works and how people interact within it, Sociology is a strong choice. It encourages you to explore, ask better questions, and evaluate information carefully. It teaches you to understand the world as it is and imagine alternatives.

Looking back on Bath

My memories of Bath are of the environment, the people, and the strong sense of community just as much as the academic side.

It gave me the space to understand who I was and what I cared about. The friendships I made, the conversations I had, and the opportunities to try new things were as important as any module. It was a time of self-exploration, and I learned how to bring the best version of myself to whatever I was doing.

I look back on Bath with real gratitude. It was a formative chapter in my life and one that continues to influence my choices, confidence, and curiosity.

Studying at Bath did more than prepare me for a job. It shaped how I think, how I approach problems, and how I understand people. Whether I stay in healthcare, move into strategy or work abroad, the skills have provided me with a foundation built on evidence, empathy, and curiosity, and those qualities stay with you wherever you go.