MA Sociology: The University of Manchester

Course description

This programme aims to provide students with a general interest in sociology the opportunity to extend and deepen their knowledge of the discipline.

Module details

You take four core compulsory course units: Social Theory and Cultural Identity; Culture, Modernity and Media; Research Design I and II, together with four options chosen from a wide range of specialist units. Examples of optional course units include: Politics and Culture; Protest and Progress: Understanding Movements for Social and Political Change; Cultures of Digital Play; New Developments in Theories of Gender and Sexuality; Qualitative Research Methods; Introduction to Quantitative Methods; Methodological Issues in Social Research. Students may also negotiate an Independent Studies course unit, linked to their particular research interests, subject to a suitable academic supervisor being available. Students registered for the MA (or who upgrade from the PG Diploma) complete a 12,000 word dissertation, on a research topic of their choice, in addition to the eight taught course units.

Career opportunities

Many MA students go on to take research degrees (PhD), but the skills gained on this programme can be put to use in a variety of career paths. Careers which are most closely related include education, social and community work (related to a range of areas such as welfare advice, working with families or dealing with issues such as homelessness and mental health problems), human resources and working in the media.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

• First degree at 2:1 level  (or overseas equivalent) in Sociology or a Social Science subject for direct Masters entry.
• 2:2 (or overseas equivalent) in a Social Science subject for Postgraduate Diploma route entry.

English language:

Applicants whose first language is not English must attain one of the following:

• IELTS - Overall 7, writing score  7
• TOEFL - Overall 623, TWE 5 (PBT)
• TOEFL - Overall 263, TWE 5 (CBT).  This test is no longer available but results less than 2 years old can be submitted.
• TOEFL  - Overall 100, with 25 in each of the 4 sections (IBT)