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| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 6,286 - ≈ € 13,455 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | Oxford / United Kingdom / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 12 months | Start Date: | October |
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| Languages: | English | ||
Location of University of Oxford
The MSc is designed to provide a 12 month course of study for students who wish to move on to doctoral work or to be trained for careers in social research. It provides a strong foundation in research methods and the analytical techniques of sociology. Students are also able to specialise in a particular substantive area of sociology and this enables them, for example, to obtain an in-depth knowledge of the field within which their proposed doctorate lies.
The programme aims to:
* develop the intellectual skills of the student in the analysis and interpretation of social phenomena and the explanation of sociological findings;
* give students a comprehensive understanding of research techniques applicable to sociological enquiry;
* give students a thorough substantive knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in contemporary sociology;
* provide students with the skills to integrate theoretical, substantive and technical principles in their analysis of sociological issues;
* through a thesis to give students experience in conducting a major piece of sociological investigation that builds on the skills learned throughout the course;
* prepare students for doctoral work in sociology and for research careers in government and the private sector;
* provide education and training that meets the ESRC´s postgraduate training guidelines.
Contents
The programme is offered on a full-time basis. It extends over one year and leads to the degree of M Sc. There are four assessed components of the programme - Sociological Analysis, Methods of Social Research, an optional paper, and a thesis. The programme begins with an introductory week, which covers study skills, use of IT, resources , an overview of research conducted in the Department and general building matters.
This is then followed by three eight-week terms.
Sociological Analysis is a compulsory core paper. It is assessed through a written examination at the end of the third term.
The paper in Methods of Social Research is also compulsory. It has three components: statistical methods, methods of data collection (including quantitative and qualitative methods), and research design and strategy. Statistical methods and methods of data collection are assessed through coursework assignments and a statistical test. Research design and strategy is assessed through a written critique of a published paper. The critique has to be submitted by the beginning of the second term of the course.
The optional papers is chosen from a list of options. This list currently includes Criminology, Sociological Theory, Sociology of Politics, Sociology of Economic Life, Social Stratification, Sociology of Education, Sociology of Law, Intermediate Social Statistics, Ethnicity and Nationalism, Sociology of Latin America, Sociology of Japan, Sociology of China and Family and the Life Course. The optional papers are taught during the second and fifth terms of the course, and are assessed either through an unseen written examination at the end of the third term of the year in which the paper is taken or through an assignment submitted at the end of the third term of the year in which the paper is taken.
The thesis is required to analyse a topic within the subject of the course. The thesis must not be more than 10,000 words (not counting brief footnotes, technical appendices and a list of references).
IELTS
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
Take testRequirements
The course aims to attract outstanding students from all backgrounds both from within the UK and from overseas. Candidates for admission apply to the University Graduate Studies Office who forward applications to the department. Once accepted by the Department, candidates´ applications are forwarded to their first choice college. If not accepted by this college, their application is passed on to their second choice college and so on until a college is willing to offer a place to the candidate. The offer of a college place is made subject to confirmation of adequate financial resources.
Admission requires a good Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK University or its overseas equivalent. Relevant social science training is preferred but it is possible for students with limited social science experience to read for the Masters courses. Indeed one of the purposes of these courses is to provide a basic training in sociology as a foundation for further research.
Applications will normally be considered in the light of a candidate's ability to meet the following criteria:*
1. The applicant has provided appropriate indications of proven and potential academic excellence. These include two references, academic transcripts or their equivalent, samples of academic work produced by the student and, interview (where desirable and practicable).
2. The applicant has provided sufficient evidence, in the view of the assessors, to suggest that they have the academic ability and commitment to pursue the chosen programme to a successful conclusion within the required time limits.
3. The programme of study is well suited to the academic interests and abilities to which they have drawn attention in their application
4. The department is able to provide appropriate supervision and facilities for the candidate's chosen programme of work.
* In connection with graduate admissions, it is essential to note that well qualified candidates may not be offered a place because:
* there are constraints on the availability of facilities, research funding and on supervision;
* there are limitations on the size of the taught graduate courses;
* appropriate supervision may not be available for a particular area of academic interest.
In addition, it should be noted that the allocation of graduate supervision is within the responsibilities of the department, and it may not be possible for a graduate student to undertake their study with a specific member of the academic staff.
It should be noted that acceptance gives no guarantee of final success, and all courses require the student to develop their learning and skills to new levels in order to pass taught course examinations or successfully to undertake all the assessment hurdles of a research programme.
Candidates whose first language is not English and who have not undertaken a course of study in an institution where the principal medium of instruction is English are required to demonstrate minimum scores in one of the standard language tests (IELTS, TOEFL). The requirements are a score of 7.5 in IELTS or 630 (or 267 in the new computer-based test) in TOEFL.
Language Proficiency
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): | Grade A (Score: 80) |
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You can contact The Administrator, Department of Sociology to ask a question about Sociology at University of Oxford.
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