Course information
Department
Length
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Course overview
How can sociology engage with the most significant challenges facing societies today and the patterns and dynamics of contemporary social life? Through an introduction to the sociological imagination and sociology as a craft and vocation, you will study core themes of sociology at an advanced level to develop your capacity to think critically and sociologically.
The MA Sociology provides an advanced introduction to key debates about society, culture, and the world we live in. It combines a broad base of knowledge and theory, with a sharp focus on specific areas of expertise (methodological and theoretical) within the social sciences. You will also be able to build your core knowledge and skills for sociological research alongside a uniquely creative approach that enables you to focus on specialist areas.
Gain a strong foundation in the sociological imagination and craft
You’ll acquire a base of sociological knowledge, theory and methods that will enable you to study core themes of sociology in-depth at an advanced level and to develop your ability to think critically and sociologically. You will also study how sociological methods are being transformed in the age of visual, digital and other technologies and how live or inventive forms of empirical research challenge other modes of social and cultural analysis.
Tailor your degree to match your interests
You’ll be able to build on your core sociological knowledge and methodological skills by selecting from a range of option modules that enable you to tailor the degree to match your individual interests. You’ll join a community of students from around the world who have a range of backgrounds and interests, and who bring these unique perspectives to the study environment. We welcome graduates from fields such as social science, humanities and philosophy, as well as more creative and artistic pursuits.
Learn from expert academics with cutting-edge research specialisms
You'll be taught and supervised by academics in the Department of Sociology, and you'll be invited to actively take part in the Department's cutting-edge research culture. This includes events organised by the following research centres and units:
- Centre for Philosophy and Critical Thought
- Unit of Play
- Centre for Invention and Social Process
- Unit of Global Justice
- Methods Lab
- Centre for the Study of Global Media and Democracy
- Centre for Feminist Research
- Political Economy Research Centre
- Centre for Urban and Community Research
Our department is world-leading. We've been rated top 10 in the UK for sociology in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Fauzia Ahmad or Katherine Robinson.