Sociology and Social Research MA; PGDip – (M.A.)

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.
You take modules to the value of 120 credits, which typically include: thinking about research; dissertation preparation; qualitative methodology in the arts, humanities and social sciences; introduction to quantitative methods; sociological thought and explanation; social divisions and inequality; a specialist study in sociology OR comparative perspectives in social and environmental change; politics of development and social struggle in Latin America; the shaping of Latin America; social and political themes; and cities, economy and culture.

Modules typically include a diverse range of approaches, including lectures, seminars, workshops, exercises and student presentations. Assessment is by continuous assessment only. The MA involves a dissertation on a sociological topic (60 credits). The Diploma is available for those who do not undertake the dissertation.