Sociology and Social Research MA

MA: 12 months full time; 24 months part time

Fees

Fees per academic year 2013-14

UK and EU: full time £5,500 part time £2,750
International: full time £11,500 part time fees

More information is available about tuition fees and discounts.

Programme Overview

This programme is designed for graduates and professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge of the range of sociological work, while also developing a high level of research skills. It provides students with the knowledge and understanding, skills and aptitudes necessary to undertake advanced research in the social sciences in general, and sociology in particular. The programme is research training recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) under its 1+3 system (Master’s degree plus PhD) for funding postgraduate studies in sociology.

+Modules

The programme gives students:

  • an appreciation of the theoretical traditions that influence and shape sociology as a discipline
  • an awareness of the philosophical principles and epistemological frameworks that underpin all social enquiry
  • an understanding of social divisions as structures of power and inequality
  • an understanding of the profound transformations in contemporary society and the implications of this for understanding collective and individual agency
  • a strong practical grounding in a range of research methods and awareness of the epistemological consequences of methodological issues and choices.

Modules typically include a diverse range of approaches, including lectures, seminars, workshops, exercises and student presentations. Assessment is by continuous assessment only. The programme involves a dissertation on a sociological topic.
Find out more detailed information about the programme modules

+Entrance Requirements

Normally an upper-second-class Honours degree or higher, or an international equivalent in the following (or related) discipline areas: sociology; social policy; criminology; organisational studies; cultural studies; media studies; film studies; human geography; politics; gender studies and health studies. Applications from other backgrounds are welcome, but in such circumstances you are encouraged to discuss your application with the School in the first instance.

Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS 7.5, with at  least 7.0 in writing, TOEFL 107 (Internet-based) or equivalent.

Our INTO Newcastle University Centre can provide extra tuition to help you meet the University's English language requirements.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has rules for international students regarding minimum English language requirements.

+Scholarships and Other Sources of Funding

School studentships and/or fees bursaries may be available - see the School's website for the latest information.

International Students, consult your own government for funding. The University offers International Scholarships, and there are funding opportunities by external organisations available.

Students should consult their employers for sponsorship opportunities.

More information on scholarships, studentships, bursaries and other funding is available from our database.

+How to Apply

Visit our postgraduate application site.

There is no closing date for this programme. However, international students applying for September 2013 entry should apply by Friday 12 July 2013 to ensure that they have time to put appropriate arrangements in place.

Please note: As a formal condition of the offer to study at Newcastle University, students from outside the UK/EU are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship for their chosen programme. The deposit payment is non refundable, but will be deducted from tuition fees upon registration.

+Further Information

Prospective students wishing to discuss their applications or who have questions about the content of the programme, are welcome to contact Dr Monica Moreno Figueroa, Sociology's MA Degree Programme Director.

For further information please contact:
Postgraduate Secretary
School of Geography, Politics and Sociology
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 5200
E-mail: gps@ncl.ac.uk

Subject Overview

This programme is within the subject area of Sociology and Social Policy.