Sociology, MA

This Masters course in Sociology offers systematic understanding of sociological theories, methods and issues at the forefront of the discipline, particularly in the areas of social inequalities and social issues.

About the MA Sociology
This Masters degree has been designed to reflect current developments in the field and draws upon the established expertise of our research active staff. The course provides the opportunity for you to advance your knowledge of sociological theory and explore the debates at the forefront of the discipline, as well as receiving research methods training.

Why choose the MA Sociology?

• Explore the key issues and debates with a focus on social inequalities and social issues and develop an understanding of a range of global issues.
• Gain hands-on practical experience through research projects, work-based learning, fieldwork, and other public and policy engagement activities.
• Learn from research active staff with specialisms in the study of disaster, race, gender and social class.
• Delivered in partnership with a range of local, national and international organisations, giving you unrivalled opportunities for developing your skills.
• Lecturer Dr Mike Keenan has collaborated in a major national study exploring religion, youth and sexuality.
• Choose to study full-time or part-time.

Contact us
Email
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4460
School of Social Sciences website

The modules are specifically designed to reflect current development and thinking in the field of Sociology.

Core modules:

• Sociological Theory
  In this module you will be exposed to fundamental debates in both classical and contemporary sociological theory. It will be shown that these debates have ongoing relevance to the issues and problems that modern societies seek to solve.
  
• Researching Sociological Issues
  Researching Sociological Issues is an exciting and informative module which in the first term engages with some big issues and debates in methods and methodology developing your knowledge and understanding. The module then moves on to develop your abilities to research sociologically, focussing specifically on researching sensitive issues / vulnerable populations the module encourages you to reflect on what good research is; what effective research is; and what ethical research is.
  
• Society at Issue
  This module will help you to develop a critical appreciation of how social divisions and inequalities are maintained and reproduced within society. In so doing, you will utilise key concepts drawn from the Sociology of Work to address issues related to gender, ‘race’ and ethnicity, class, and disability.
  
• Professional Practice in Sociology
  This module provides you with the opportunity to develop a range of key professional skills necessary for the pursuit of an academic or professional career. You will explore the nature and importance of maintaining high standards of professional conduct, and the challenges of planning ethically sound, independent research projects. You will also learn about some of the processes of seeking funding for, and different ways to disseminate the results of sociological research in the most relevant and effective ways. Term two offers you the opportunity to put all these skills into practice as you will take up an external client's request for sociological insights into one of their operational concerns.
  
• Contemporary Global Issues
  This module seeks to address the processes surrounding and emanating from the social phenomenon of globalisation as its principal aim. As a team taught module, students will be invited to consider a number of different issues and consider them in the light of a global sociology.
  
• Dissertation Module
  The dissertation module allows you to follow your own sociological interests to write a substantial piece of work with the close support of an academic supervisor.

There will also be a number of optional modules available.

The course will provide graduates with an extensive knowledge of Sociology as a subject as well as a range of transferable knowledge and skills. Students will advance their knowledge and understanding of sociological theory as well as receiving research methods training in the core modules of Sociological Theory and Social Research Methods.

Society at Issue and Contemporary global issues challenge students' to question what we mean by society and how we might go about analysing the social arena. They also develop students' awareness and understanding of a range of global issues. Both modules explore contemporary debates surrounding social inequalities, social division, the environment, and social impact.

Professional Practice in Sociology focuses on developing critical thought and rational enquiry, along with a range of skills such as effective presentational skills and the use of a range of technologies.

Student then have the choice of one option module from a range of modules enabling them to broaden their knowledge and understanding of related and relevant subjects.

Assessment
Assessment will be carried out through a combination of individual and group presentations, written assessments, workshops and a dissertation.

Study and support
The teaching and learning for the programme will involve a mixture of lectures, workshops, enquiry based learning, blended learning, and individual dissertation / project support to ensure that all students' develop a critical and in-depth understanding of key themes, issues and topics in a supportive environment.