Your course during COVID-19

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.

Read our detailed explanation.

Sociology at Newcastle has a solid track record of excellence in research-grounded postgraduate studies. 

This course gives you an understanding of the philosophical principles that underpin social inquiry and also equips you with the ability to integrate material across a range of disciplines.

You will also gain:

• knowledge in key areas of sociology including identity, citizenship, social transformation, social inequalities, sexuality, health and others
• an understanding of the variety of philosophical principles and epistemological frameworks that underpin approaches to social inquiry
• an understanding of the way social divisions are generated as structures of power and patterns of inequality, and how these are reproduced and transformed over time

Many of our graduates go on to study funded PhDs, others have pursued careers in:

• the corporate and financial sectors
• international organisations, such as the United Nations and the European Union
• international and national non-governmental organisations
• regulatory bodies
• environmental agencies

Find out about our staff who will be teaching you.

Delivery

Students take a mixture of compulsory and optional modules. You also complete a dissertation which will allow you to develop your ability to design, execute and write up a piece of original research in sociology. During your dissertation, you will work with a dedicated member of staff who will be your dissertation supervisor.

This course is typically taught and based on the Newcastle campus.

Contact and independent study times will vary depending on the modules chosen. We aim for small groups of students which will enable constructive discussion and analysis. Some modules are seminar-based whilst others offer a combination of lectures and seminars. You are normally assessed through coursework and exam although modules may vary.

Module changes

Course content changes 

The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability

Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals

For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.

If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.

All students

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

Funding opportunities

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course. 

Pathway courses

Our Business and Humanities Graduate Diplomas will prepare you for Master's study at Newcastle. If you're successful then you're guaranteed a place on this Master's course. Depending on your level of English, you can choose from:

• Bus and Humanities Grad Dip
• Business and Humanities Graduate Diploma with Pre-sessional English

Applications for 2022/23

You'll be able to apply for 2022/23 entry from September 2021

Start dates

The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:

• pay a deposit of £1,500
• or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.