Sociology MA
Sociology MA
Full time: 12 months, part time: 24 months
Profile
Our Sociology MA equips you with an awareness and understanding of the theoretical traditions and concepts that shape Sociology as a discipline. A dissertation and a variety of taught options provide you with an in-depth opportunity to engage with key sociological issues and approaches.
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 taught and based on the Newcastle campus. Teaching sessions happen at different times of the day to benefit the needs of both full and part time students.
Contact and independent study times will vary depending on the modules chosen. You are typically expected to attend an average of three to four modules per week and pursue weekly independent study. 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.
You are also welcome to attend the Sociology Seminar Series. At these events national and international speakers present their work to members of the subject area.
Facilities
The School provides a dedicated postgraduate computer room, postgraduate common room and postgraduate study rooms.
In the news
Modules
Modules for 2017 entry
Compulsory modules
- SOC8034 Social Divisions and Inequality
- SOC8036 Sociological and Cultural Perspectives
- SOC8044 Being, Belonging and Identity
- SOC8051 The Sociology of Technology: Materialities and Agency
- HSS8007 An Introduction to the Nature of Explanation and Enquiry
- SOC8096 Dissertation
Optional modules
You must take one of the following combinations:
- HSS8001 Thinking about Research and
- HSS8003 Dissertation Preparation or
- MCH8058 Methodologies: Researching Media, Culture and Society
You will also take a further 50 credits from the following:
- MCH8057 Media Analysis
- HSC8047 Health and Society
- HSS8004 Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- HSS8005 Introduction to Quantitative Methods
- POL8018 The State in the International Political Economy
- POL8039 Global Justice and Human Rights
- SOC8048 Visual Sociologies
- SOC8050 Migration,Mobilities and Inequalities
Module changes
Module changes
Modules change annually to take account of:
- changing staff expertise
- developments in the discipline
- the requirements of external bodies and partners
- student feedback.
Most module information for 2018 entry will be available from mid-May 2018.
Fees & Funding
2018-2019 fees
The fees displayed here are per year.
MA
UK
Full time: £7,200
Part time: £3,600
EU
Full time: £7,200
Part time: £3,600
International
Full time: £16,200
Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.
EU students starting at Newcastle in 2018 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.
Entry Requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a sociology/policy discipline such as:
- criminology
- organisational studies
- cultural studies
- media studies
- film studies
- human geography
Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.
Use the drop down above to find your country. If your country isn't listed please email: international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
English Language Requirements
Select an English language test from the list to view our English language entry requirements.
Please email us at international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
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:
How to Apply
You apply online, track your application and contact the admissions team via our applicant portal. Our step by step guide can help you on your way.
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 live outside the UK/EU 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 at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.
Contact
Karyn McCloud
Clerical Officer (Postgraduate Taught)
School of Geography, Politics and Sociology
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7200
Email: gps@ncl.ac.uk