MA Sociology (by research)

Join a vibrant community of researchers and explore the key questions facing society today.

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	Length	Start dates (semester dates)
MA by research	1 year full-time 2 years part-time Distance learning available Apply for MA by research Apply for MA by research (Distance learning)	September

Length

Start dates (semester dates)

MA by research

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Distance learning available

Apply for MA by research

Apply for MA by research (Distance learning)

September

Our MA Sociology (by research) is perfect for students with a focused interest in a particular area of sociology, who have already developed a firm basis for their chosen research topic.

Your research

For a Masters by research, you will be expected to undertake a rigorous piece of independent research.

You'll complete a 25,000-word thesis over 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time). Through this thesis, you'll demonstrate good evidence of your ability to critically investigate a specific field of study, use a solid and appropriate research methodology and write to a high standard of presentation.

Our supervisors offer a range of expertise across:

criminology
conversation analysis
social media
sociology of health and the body
science and technology studies
gender
anomalous experience
culture and consumption.

Contact us

Postgraduate research enquiries:

Training and support

Your progress throughout your degree will be guided by your supervisor, who will help you to hone your focus and deliver specialised research. Your supervisor will be supported by a Thesis Advisory Panel to monitor your progress towards completion and offer advice where necessary.

You will take part in transferable skills training which will help you develop competence in communication skills, career management, networking, team building and personal effectiveness. You will receive six days of training per year, selected from the transferable skills courses offered by the University. The Department also run courses in sociology subject-specific transferable skills.

Two students in discussion with a book open

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Sociology, based in the Law and Sociology Building on Campus East. Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield.

Within the Department of Sociology, you will also have access to a designated postgraduate study space which offers desk, social and kitchen areas.

If you are a postgraduate researcher undertaking your programme by distance learning, most supervisions will take place remotely using video-conferencing (eg Zoom). However, there is an expectation that you will attend campus for five consecutive days per year (full-time) or biannually (part-time).

Careers and skills

Many of our graduates go on to have successful careers in academia and research.

A combination of outstanding teaching and a supportive collegiate environment enables you to develop your creativity and full intellectual potential. The opportunities offered in the Department of Sociology develop important transferable skills which will be valued in the jobs market.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development, careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. These will help you to build up your employability portfolio, skills and experience.

Student after graduation in conversation.

Entry requirements

Those who have, or are soon to obtain, a 2:1 or equivalent undergraduate degree (or their international equivalent) in a relevant subject. We are willing to consider your application if you have lower qualifications, especially if you have high marks in relevant modules and/or appropriate professional experience.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability. We also strongly recommend that applicants attend the University's Pre-sessional English language courses organised by the International Pathway College.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, or want to enquire informally about the suitability of the course for your interests and purposes, please contact us.

Check your English language requirements